Lotus Elise

Lotus Elise
Picture of a 2005 Krypton Green Lotus Elise. The car is positioned diagonally across parking space markings in an empty parking lot of a shopping mall in Ten Broeck, Kentucky, US. A number of stores are visible in the distant background. It is night and the car is illuminated by a tall overhead lighting post to the left front of the car (not visible within the framed picture) that casts a shadow almost directly under the car, but shifted slightly to the right rear. Numerous reflected lighting highlights are visible across the smoothly curved glossy body surfaces. The photo is taken from the right front of the vehicle approximately 8-10 feet away. The front wheels are turned slightly to the left so that eight silver spokes and the center "Lotus" emblem is readily visible on the passenger side front wheel. A red vertically positioned front tow hook protrudes from the black front egg-crate grillwork and casts a slight shadow down over the front plinth. The car has been modified with the addition of a front carbon fiber splitter. The headlights and sidelights are lit.
Overview
Manufacturer Lotus Cars
Production 1996–present
Assembly Hethel, Norfolk, England
Shah Alam, Malaysia (Series 1, 1997–2000)[1][2][3]
Body and chassis
Class Sports car (S)
Body style 2-door roadster
Layout Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Chronology
Predecessor Lotus Elan[4]

The Lotus Elise is a two-seat, rear-wheel drive, mid-engined roadster conceived in early 1994 and released in September 1996 by the British manufacturer Lotus Cars. The car has a hand-finished fibreglass body shell atop its bonded extruded aluminium chassis that provides a rigid platform for the suspension, while keeping weight and production costs to a minimum. The roadster is capable of speeds up to 240 km/h (150 mph).[5] The Elise was named after Elisa, the granddaughter of Romano Artioli who was chairman of Lotus and Bugatti at the time of the car's launch.[6]

Series 1

Series 1
Overview
Production 1996–2001[4]
Designer Julian Thomson[4]
Body and chassis
Related Lotus 340R
Vauxhall VX220/Opel Speedster
Lotus Elise GT1
Powertrain
Engine 1.8 L Rover K-series I4[4]
Transmission 5-speed manual[4]
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,300 mm (90.6 in)
Length 3,726 mm (146.7 in)
Width 1,719 mm (67.7 in)
Height 1,202 mm (47.3 in)
Kerb weight 725 kg (1,598.4 lb) ~ 755 kg (1,664 lb)[4][7]

The 1996 Lotus Elise weighed 725 kg (1,598 lb).[7] Because of this low weight, it was able to accelerate 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.8 seconds despite its relatively low power output of 118 bhp (88 kW; 120 PS).[4] Braking, cornering, and fuel consumption are also improved by the car's reduced weight.

Series 1 was designed by Julian Thomson, then head of design at Lotus, and Richard Rackham, Lotus's chief engineer.[8]

Besides the standard higher-performance variants listed below, Lotus also released some limited edition models such as Sport 135 (1998/9) with approx 145 bhp (108 kW; 147 PS), Sport 160 (2000) with 150–160 bhp (112–119 kW; 152–162 PS), and Sport 190 (190 bhp (142 kW; 193 PS)). These were more competent on track with sports suspension, wheels and tyres, seats according to model. There were other special editions such as the 50th Anniversary Edition (green/gold) celebrating 50 years of Lotus cars, the Type 49 ("Gold Leaf" red and white two-tone), and Type 79 ("JPS" black/gold) which refers to its successful Grand Prix car type numbers.

The Series 1 Lotus Elise 80 was briefly assembled on a dedicated assembly line at Proton's Shah Alam factory between 1997 and 2000.[1] The Malaysian-assembled Elise costs less than its British-built counterpart as it was manufactured with more Malaysian-sourced components.[2] The Malaysian-assembled Elise was also exported to regional markets, including Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.[3][1] However, parent company Proton had been severely affected by the 1997 Asian financial crisis, which brought an early end to the Malaysian assembly of the Lotus Elise in late 2000, only three years after it commenced and with an estimated 150 units sold.[2] The Proton-assembled Elises were assigned the code 'B' in the eleventh VIN position, while the original Hethel-built units were stamped with the code 'H'.

111S

A faster edition called the 111S, named after the Lotus type-number of the Elise (Type 111), was introduced in early 1999 and had a VVC Rover K-Series engine with a modified head and VVT technology, producing a declared 143 bhp (107 kW; 145 PS) rather than the standard Rover 1.8 L K-series 118 bhp (88 kW; 120 PS) inline-four unit, along with a closer ratio manual gearbox and lower ratio final drive. It also had more padding in the seats. The 111S had headlamp covers, rear spoiler, cross drilled brake discs, alloy window winders and a six-spoke road wheel design.[9]

340R

Main article: Lotus 340R

In 2000, the 340R limited edition model, based on a Series 1 Elise was introduced. This roofless car was a special edition, limited to only 340 cars being built. The name 340 originally referred to the 340 bhp/tonne (254 kW/tonne) power-to-weight ratio of the original prototype which had 177 bhp (132 kW; 179 PS) while weighing just 500 kg (1,100 lb). However, in production models the 340 refers to the number of cars built. The final production versions weighed 701 kg (1,545 lb) and had a power-to-weight ratio of (269 bhp/tonne). A "Track Pack" was created that upped power to 192 bhp (143 kW; 195 PS) and weighed only 571 kg (1,259 lb).

Exige

Main article: Lotus Exige

In 2000, Lotus introduced the Exige — a hardtop version of the Elise with the 177 bhp (132 kW; 179 PS) engine from the 340R; as well as different front and rear body "clamshells", larger wheels, and a rear wing. Many models received an upgrade to 190 bhp (142 kW; 193 PS) with better driveability due to changes to ECU and cam timing.

Series 2

Series 2
Overview
Production 2001–2011
Body and chassis
Related Lotus Exige
Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220
Lotus 2-Eleven
Lotus Europa S
Tesla Roadster
Hennessey Venom GT
Powertrain
Engine 1.8 L Rover K-series I4
1.8 L Toyota 1ZZ-FE I4
1.8 L Toyota 2ZZ-GE I4[10]
Transmission 5-speed Toyota C56 manual[11]
6-speed Toyota C64 manual[10][12]
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,300 mm (90.6 in)[13]
Length 3,785 mm (149.0 in)[13]
Width 1,719 mm (67.7 in)[12][13]
Height 2002–07: 45.0 in (1,143 mm)
2008–present: 1,117 mm (44.0 in)[13]
Kerb weight 860 kg (1,896 lb)[14]
910 kg (2,006 lb)[15]

The Series 1 could not be produced beyond the 2000 model production year due to new European crash sustainability regulations, so Lotus needed a development partner to meet the investment requirement for a Series 2 car. General Motors offered to fund the project, in return for a badged and GM-engined version of the car for their European brands, Opel and Vauxhall.

The Series 2 Elise, announced on 9 October 2000, was a redesigned Series 1 using a slightly modified version of the Series 1 chassis to meet the new regulations, and the same K-series engine with a brand new Lotus-developed ECU. The design of the body paid homage to the earlier M250 concept, and was the first Lotus to be designed by computer.

Both the Series 2 Elise and the Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220 were built on the same production line, in a new facility at Hethel. Both cars shared many parts, including the chassis, although they had different drive-trains and power-plants. The VX220 carried the Lotus internal model identification Lotus 116, with the code name Skipton for the launch 2.2N/A version and Tornado for the 2004 introduced 2.0 L Turbo. Fitted with 17 inch over the Elise's 16 inch front wheels, the Vauxhall/Opel version ceased production in late 2005 and was replaced by the Opel GT for February 2007, with no RHD version for the United Kingdom.

111s

The Series 2 was also available as a 111S model, with the VVC engine technology producing 160 hp (119 kW). The 111S models were discontinued in 2005 in favour of the Toyota powerplant (see below), mainly due to Lotus plans to introduce the Elise to the US market, which needed the Toyota engine to comply with the emissions regulations in the USA. The K-series Engine did not meet the regulatory standards, as MG Rover did not sell cars in the US.

Two more track-focused models, the 135R and Sport 190, were available with 135 bhp (101 kW; 137 PS) and 192 bhp (143 kW; 195 PS) respectively. These also came with associated handling upgrades such as Lotus Sport Suspension and wider wheels with Yokohama Advan A048 tyres. In certain markets, the 135R was replaced by the "Sport 111", which was similar, apart from sporting the 156 bhp (116 kW; 158 PS) VVC engine in place of the 135 bhp (101 kW; 137 PS) tuned K-series.

111R / Federal Elise

This Series 2 Elise model comes in a European 111R version or a version sold in North America, called the Federal Elise. It is powered by the all-aluminium 189 horsepower (141 kW) 1.8L DOHC Toyota ZZ engine with a Yamaha designed twin-cam head offering variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust valvetrain, and a 6speed manual Lotus gearbox. The Series 2 model is acclaimed as the best version of the Elise to date, with tremendous performance numbers. Many tests show 0–60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in approximately 4.9 seconds, or 4.7 seconds with the Sport Package. The engine management computer is a Lotus programmed unit.

The 2005 Lotus Elise was the first to be sold commercially in the United States, in the summer of 2004. Approval for the Elise, however, required intervention by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which provided a three-year exemption for the car, as it had failed to meet US bumper and headlight regulations. The first-year model suffered from a few flaws, most notably a design flaw in the headlamps that magnified the sun’s light, allowing the inside of the lamp housings to be melted by the sun.[16]

This model was followed up by the 2006 Model Year Elise 111R and SportRacer models. Lotus made a limited edition (50 in the US) version called the Lotus Sport Elise. 2006 models differ from the 2005 models in a few aspects. 2006 models sport LED tail lights, drive by wire (an updated ECU), improved fuel consumption, and more comfortable ProBax seats.

For the 2007 model year Lotus several minor changes were made. The LOTUS decals on the rear of the vehicle, previously flat stickers, were replaced by raised lettering. The headlamp units were sealed. Also, in order to comply with US Federally mandated bumper restrictions, the frontal crash structure was slightly changed and rear bumperettes were added next to the licence plate mount. Approximately 100 2007 model year "launch" cars were shipped to the US without these bumper changes. Also in 2007, the Elise S was released and the 111R renamed Elise R. All Lotus Elise cars manufactured after January 1, 2007 include the new headlights and 2.5 mph (4.0 km/h) bumpers, although they are hidden in the front.

The Elise S is the new base model with a Toyota sourced 1.8 L engine replacing the previous models K series Rover engine. The 2ZZ-GE engine produces 189 bhp (141 kW; 192 PS) at 6,200 rpm (a considerable increase over the 120 bhp or 89 kW or 122 PS of the Rover engine). The inclusion of airbags, ABS brakes, electric windows, and carpet in addition to the new heavier engine has increased the base weight to 860 kg (1,896 lb) (approximately 85 kg or 187 lb higher than the previous S model).

2008 models

2008 Lotus Elise R in Western Australia.
2008 Lotus Elise California Edition in West-Central Alabama.

For 2008, there were several additions to the Lotus line-up. There are three versions of the Elise. Lotus continued to provide a naturally aspirated Elise producing 189 hp (141 kW). The second version is the Elise SC sporting a non-intercooled supercharger producing 218 hp (163 kW). 0-60 mph is reduced from 4.9 for the base Elise or 4.7 seconds for the Elise with Sport package to 4.3 seconds for the Elise SC. The NA Elise styling is similar to the prior model years. The Elise SC, however, is distinguishable from the NA version by a rear spoiler identical to the Type 72-D edition spoiler and new wheels. Weight remained a Lotus-claimed 1,987 lb (901 kg); just 3 pounds (1.4 kg) more than the previous year. Prior to the release of the 2008 Elise SC, the limited production California Edition arrived at dealerships. A total of fifty California Edition Elises were produced; 25 in Saffron Yellow and 25 in Ardent Red. The interiors of the Cali's were produced in a light two-tone leather (Biscuit) and the exterior modifications included a silver front grille (a nod to vintage-Ferrari), body-colored shutter grills on the side inlets and engine cover, enhanced 16-spoke wheels, and a large spoiler that covers the upper-rear deck (72-D style). The Cali's were intended to appeal to "the lifestyle market."[17]

In Europe, there are three models available; the Elise S with a 134 bhp (100 kW; 136 PS), 1.8L Toyota 1ZZ-FE engine and 5 speed manual gearbox (0-60 mph in 5.8 s, top speed 127 mph (204 km/h)); the Elise R with a 189 bhp (141 kW; 192 PS), 1.8 L Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine and 6-speed manual gearbox (0-60 mph in 4.9s, top speed 148 mph (238 km/h)); and the Elise SC with a 218 bhp (163 kW; 221 PS), supercharged, 1.8L Toyota 2ZZ-GE, 6 speed manual gearbox and a spoiler (0-60 mph in 4.3s, top speed 150 mph (240 km/h)).[18]

Several new colour options for 2008 were brought to the marketplace. These include new metallic colours (additional $590) Persian Blue and Liquid Blue; new Lifestyle colour (additional $1200) Isotope Green; new Limited Colour Level (additional $3,300) Candy Red, Ice White, and Burnt Orange; and the new Exclusive Colour Level (additional $5,100) Prism Green and Moonstone Silver. The following colours were discontinued for 2008: Nightfall Blue, Aubergine Purple, Magnetic Blue, Polar Blue, Autumn Gold, Chili Red, and Krypton Green.

Series 2 Facelift

Series 3
Overview
Production 2011–present
Powertrain
Engine 1.6 L Toyota 1ZR-FAE I4
1.8 L Toyota 2ZZ-GE I4 (2011 US Models)
1.8 L Toyota 2ZR-FE I4[11]
Transmission 6-speed Toyota EC60 manual[10]
6-speed Toyota C64 manual (2011 US Models)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,300 mm (90.6 in)
Length 3,824 mm (150.6 in)
Width 1,719 mm (67.7 in)
Height 1,117 mm (44.0 in)
Kerb weight 866 kg (1,909 lb)
914 kg (2,015 lb)

In February 2010, Lotus unvieled a facelifted version of the second generation Elise. The new headlights are now single units; triangular in shape they are somewhat larger than the earlier lights. The cheapest version in Europe now has a 1.6 litre engine to comply with Euro 5 emissions, with the same power output as the earlier 1.8 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp).[19] The 1.8 litre Elise comes standard with a Magnuson R900 supercharger making 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp).

US Model

The 2011 model was the last offered for street legal sale in the United States when the waiver from the United States Government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for Lotus to build and sell cars in the US without smart airbags expired in August 2011.[20] It was also the only Elise to use the Toyota 2ZZ-GE motor in the 2011 model year.

Elise Concept

Third generation Elise Concept at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

The Elise's successor, the third generation of Elise, first appeared at the 2010 Paris Motor Show as the "Lotus Elise Concept" in the autumn of that year, and was set to be launched within the next couple of years. The car would be heavier, and would have a considerably more powerful 2.0-litre engine.[21] It appears now that this project will not go ahead.[22]

Special editions

Exige

Main article: Lotus Exige

The Series 2 Exige comes with the same high revving Toyota 1.8L engine and six speed gearbox as the Elise 111R, replacing the Rover K-series engine of the previous Exige.

The Series 2 Exige has been followed by the limited-edition Lotus Sport Exige 240R, incorporating a Lotus-developed supercharger atop the Lotus engine. The US Federalized version with the supercharger fitted is known as the Exige S 240.

Zytek Lotus Elise

The Zytek Lotus Elise is an electric sports car that was jointly produced by Lotus and Zytek from 1998 until it was discontinued in 2003.

Its 70 kilograms (150 lb) extruded aluminium space frame and lightweight composite body shell are factors in its low kerb weight of 875 kilograms (1,929 lb). 250 nickel-cadmium batteries provide 300 volts (at full charge) to two Zytek oil-cooled brushless DC motors, which deliver a total power of 150 kW (200 hp) and torque of 100 N·m (74 lb·ft). These motors are each mated to a single-speed, fixed ratio transmission with an aluminium gear. Its acceleration time from 30 to 70 miles per hour (48 to 113 km/h) is 5 seconds, and from 0 to 90 miles per hour (140 km/h), 11.2 seconds. The car is governor-limited to 90 miles per hour (140 km/h) to conserve charge. The range per charge is typically 100 to 120 miles (160 to 190 km) and the car can be re-charged within an hour.

There is an example of the Zytek Elise on display at the Heritage Motor Centre.

Other cars sharing the Elise platform

Awards and recognition

The Elise has received critical acclaim for its performance and driving experience, including Best Driver's Car 2001 (Autocar), Car of the Year 2003 (UK Horizons TV), and Best Sportscar 2004 (BBC Top Gear Magazine).[27]

Gallery

References

  1. 1 2 3 Ben D'Cunha (1998-06-28). "Malaysian Lotus". New Straits Times. Retrieved 2016-02-12.
  2. 1 2 3 "Lotus Elise assembly at Proton terminated". autoworld.com.my. 2000-11-14. Archived from the original on 2015-05-16. Retrieved 2015-05-16.
  3. 1 2 "Last ‘Malaysian’ Elise To Be Delivered This Month". autoworld.com.my. 2002-12-09. Archived from the original on 2015-05-16. Retrieved 2015-05-16.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Lotus Elise S1 1995 - 2001 Series 1 1.8". Archived from the original on 2008-02-13. Retrieved 2008-03-06.
  5. ↑ "Lotus Cars USA: 2008 Lotus Elise". Group Lotus PLC. Archived from the original on December 7, 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-12.
  6. ↑ Walton, Jeremy (2003). Lotus Elise: The Official Story. Motorbooks Intl. pp. 7, 95. ISBN 1-902351-05-3.
  7. 1 2 "Lotus Elise Model Comparison, Handling, Power". Sands Mechanical Museum. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  8. ↑ "My Other Design is a Lotus". Retrieved 2008-08-14.
  9. ↑ "Lotus Elise 111s". Lotus Models. Lotus Esprit World. Retrieved 2012-12-08.
  10. 1 2 3 "Lotus Elise R - Vehicle Description". Group Lotus PLC. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
  11. 1 2 "Lotus Elise S - Vehicle Description". Group Lotus PLC. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
  12. 1 2 "2005 Lotus Elise" (PDF). Road & Track. Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., Inc. August 2004. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
  13. 1 2 3 4 "Lotus Elise S - Dimensions". Group Lotus PLC. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
  14. ↑ "Elise S anchors Lotus lineup". Autoblog.com.
  15. ↑ "2008 Lotus Elise SC". Group Lotus PLC. Archived from the original on 2008-03-13. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
  16. ↑ "Lotus Elise Buyers Guide". Retrieved 2014-10-06.
  17. ↑ "2008 Lotus Elise SC 220 and Elise California - Auto Shows (English)". caranddriver.com. November 2007. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  18. ↑ "European Lotus Elise Brochure (English)" (PDF). Grouplotus.com. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
  19. ↑ "Lotus Elise Club Racer Revealed With Less Weight, New 1.6L Engine [Geneva Preview]". AutoGuide.com News. 18 February 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  20. ↑ "Lotus Elise and Exige Dead in U.S. This Summer, Leaving Only Evora Until Reinforcements Arrive". Car And Driver News. 20 April 2011. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  21. ↑ "Lotus is back with a bang | Paris Motor Show | Motor Shows". Auto Express. Retrieved 2010-10-10.
  22. ↑ http://jalopnik.com/lotus-cancels-the-esprit-and-decides-lightweight-cars-a-866529384
  23. ↑ "2008 Lotus Elise". Autoblog.com.
  24. ↑ "Lotus Marks End for Elise and Exige with Final Edition". Automoblog.net. 2011-08-08. Retrieved 2011-09-04.
  25. ↑ "Lotus to produce Roger Becker Edition Elise and Exige".
  26. ↑ "Lotus announce new Roger Becker Limited Edition Elise and Exige S".
  27. ↑ "Group Lotus Engineering Awards". Grouplotus.com. Retrieved 2010-10-10.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lotus Elise.
Lotus production car timeline, 1950–present
Type 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456
Sports racer Mark VIII Mark IX Eleven 15 17 19 23 30 40 47 62
Mark VI Seven 340R 2-Eleven
Roadster Elan Elan M100 Elise Elise
Coupé Elite Elan Exige Exige Exige
Eclat Excel Evora
Grand tourer Elan +2 Elite
Europa Esprit Europa S
Saloon Ford Cortina Lotus Ford Cortina Lotus Carlton/Omega
Race cars
Related cars
Concept cars
Key figures
Group Lotus
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