Lotus Elise is a very lightweight mid-engine roadster manufactured by the Norfolk-based company Lotus.
Elise designed to be small, nimble, low COG and relativity low weight. Engine comes initially sourced from Rover with 1.6-litre for Series 1 (first-gen), Elise released a special edition called the 340R in 2000, which is the most powerful variant even much lighter and unique bodywork. The slightly longer version Exige was released on that year.
Series 2 introduced in 2001 replaced the Series 1, it retained the Rover engine (now displaces at 1.8-litre) with an additional of two Toyota engine. Gearbox comes with 5-speed (only on Rover powered) or 6-speed (for Toyota powered). Series 2 also released a special edition as 111S with VVC (on Rover engine), the Type 23, 135R and Type 190, all comes with specialized suspension by Lotus. In 2008, Series 2 receives updates with the SC trim comes with supercharger (with 2ZZ engine) now rated at 217-hp.
Series 3 introduced in 2010, replaces the Series 2, Rover engine was phased out in-favour of 1.8-litre Toyota engine (including supercharged variant). Like from the previous two-gens, Series 3 released a special edition (now badged as Elise Sport and Cup) and Sprint with many changes but for shredding weight.
In 2021, Lotus released a final edition as Elise Sport 240 and Cup 250. Elise was premanently ceased in production after 2021 along the Exige. Emira is a successor to Elise, production started in 2022.
Appearances[]
- In Clarkson's Top 100 Cars, the Elise was ranked in 23rd place.
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