Lotus’ new Elise S is described as a vehicle that has “the very essence of a real sportscar”, and its lightweight body and hunched-down stance could give this classic British manufacturer – well known for creating several “ultimate track day cars” – another feather in its cap.
Lotus’ new Elise S is described as a vehicle that has “the very essence of a real sportscar”, and its lightweight body and hunched-down stance could give this classic British manufacturer – well known for creating several “ultimate track day cars” – another feather in its cap.
Lotus has again shoehorned a 1,8-litre 16-valve VVT-i Toyota motor, producing 100 kW and 172 N.m at 6 200 and 4 200 r/min respectively, into an Elise shell.
Slotted into the lightweight body (with a 68-kg aluminium chassis and lightweight steel rear subframe, the Elise only weighs about 860 kg!), the car zips from zero to 100 km/h in a heady 6,3 seconds. Top speed for the “entry-level” model is a rapid (claimed) 205 km/h.
ABS braking is by AP racing callipers at the front, and Brembos at the rear, linked to 282 mm vented and cross-drilled cast iron discs.
The body itself remains unchanged from the existing 111R (which will now become known as the Elise R). With the exception of the limited slip diff, the full Lotus Elise option pack is also available on the new S.
Mike Kimberley, chief executive of the Lotus Group said, “The arrival of our new Elise S is good news for lovers of Pure sportscars in all intended markets, and takes the range back to the mainstream sportscar market. Owners now have an opportunity to get back into a car that is the very essence of what, in our view, a real sportscar should be all about!”
The Elise and its sibling Exige were facelifted earlier this year, though only the revitalised hard top was introduced in South Africa. With the Elise R’s international introduction, the model should be available here shortly. Pearl Automotive imports and distributes the brand in South Africa.