Lotus Elise S. June 08
Replacing the K series engine, the modern Elise S uses a powerful and efficient Toyota four-cylinder engine for 0-100km/h performance in 6.1 seconds.
Lotus has shoe horned in a high technology 1.8-litre 100kW Variable Valve Timing Toyota engine, which perfectly complements the phenomenal handling characteristics of the Lotus Elise. This delivers a cracking new entry level car, capable of a top speed of 205km/h.
As the least expensive way into the prestigious Lotus brand, the Elise S, its acceleration, performance and handling is class leading and belies the cost and real substance engineered into the new vehicle
No other sub-$70,000 roadster can match the performance of the Elise S. Mazda's 2.0-litre MX-5, for comparison, is almost two seconds slower to 100km/h.
Significantly, the new Elise S also adds a higher standard specification which includes driver and passenger airbags, ABS, remote central locking, electric windows and new ProBax seats.
The Lotus Elise S is built around the revolutionary extruded and bonded aluminium chassis, with a lightweight steel rear subframe. The chassis itself weighs just 68kg and has a stiffness of 9500 Nm per degree.
The body design remains unchanged from the classic, successful 141kW Lotus Elise R (previously named Elise 111R).
The Elise S comes with two focused option packs, Touring and Sport, which have been altered for 2008 vehicles.
The Touring pack offers increased levels of comfort and practicality with a full leather interior, an expertly trimmed full carpet set finished with 'Elise' embroidered carpet mats, padded leather door panels and a leather centre console. Touring capabilities of the Elise are supported with front driving lamps for supplementary forward visibility alongside noise insulation panelling within the cabin and the soft top, reducing sound intrusion into the car. An interior stowage net, retractable aluminium cup holder and trinket tray divider provide more functionality. All this makes for an invigorating and yet more relaxing journey.
Switchable Traction Control System, sports suspension (using Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs), the Sport pack suits those requiring more purposeful additions to the car. This includes the Lotus ProBax sports seats, twin oil coolers and a set of split type seven-spoke ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels finished in Hi-Power Silver.
A driving experience with phenomenal performance for just 100kW.
Maximum power output is achieved at 6200rpm, with peak torque a respectable 172Nm reached at 4200rpm. This gives a good combination of mid-range pull but also encourages the driver to rev the engine to the maximum permitted engine speed of 6800rpm. A bright red LED 'change-up light' on the tacho tells the driver when to change gear, the point of illumination being speed and gear variable.
Driving any Elise is an experience like no other - and the Elise S is no different. Few cars can match the delicacy and accuracy of the steering, throttle and brakes. Only a Lotus has the relatively soft springs and firm damping to give superb body control and a truly exhilarating ride. And only a Lotus can turn in such performance with such minimal environmental impact in terms of emissions and fuel consumption.
Weighing just 860kg, the Lotus Elise S is not just one of the lightest fully homologated sports cars in the world, but also one of the lightest 'cars' in the world.
Lightweight has benefits for acceleration, handling, ride comfort and braking and the environment.
Braking comes from AP Racing callipers at the front and Brembo calipers at the rear linked to 282mm vented and cross-drilled cast iron discs. The advanced ABS incorporates an anti-lock system which is very unobtrusive, which most drivers will fail to even notice - even in emergency situations, the system keeps a subtly low profile. The ABS is linked to a lightweight pedal box with steel pedal arms and extruded aluminium pads. This unit also has an electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle for quick, smooth and linear engine response.
Recommended retail pricing:
Lotus Elise S: $69,990
Touring pack: $8,000
Sport pack: $7,000
