Lotus Elise – Automobiles Review

Lotus reveals the limited-run of Elise Classic Heritage Editions

2020 Lotus Elise Classic Heritage Editions Lotus has launched four new limited-edition vehicles of the Elise lineup, every single one with a distinctive and exclusive exterior color, which pays tribute to the brand’s pioneering and highly successful racing history.

These exterior color blends are indeed black and gold, white and gold, blue red and silver, and blue and white.

The black and gold color scheme is a reference to the legendary Lotus Type 72D which Emerson Fittipaldi drove to five victories over the course of the 1972 Formula 1 season.
The red, white, and gold colors resemble the Type 49B that Graham Hill used back in 1968, while the blue, red, and silver blend is inspired by the Lotus Type 81 1980 driven by Nigel Mansell, Elio de Angelis, and Mario Andretti.
The last Elise in the super exclusive lineup, indeed the blue- and white-covered one pays tribute to the Lotus Type 18 from 1960 – exactly 60 years ago, this was the first Lotus vehicle to achieve a Formula 1 pole position and victory, courtesy of the late Sir Stirling moss, at the Monaco Grand Prix.

2020 Lotus Elise Classic Heritage Editions

Officially named the Elise Classic Heritage Editions, all four machines feature numerous exclusive exterior and inter facets over the Elise Sport 220 on which these beauties are based. The vehicles are already on sale and can be purchased from Lotus dealers worldwide.

Along with the unique color schemes, each vehicle comes with an exclusive numbered “build plaque” on the dashboard referencing the limited production run. There are a total of 100 units made, with the final numbers of each model dictated by customer demand.

Furthermore, each vehicle from the lineup comes with an extended list of technical features that were previously part of an optional and premium list. Such include DAB digital radio with four speakers, air-conditioning, cruise control, ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels with a racing livery finish, two-piece disc brakes, and black carpet with floor mats. Sweet!

2020 Lotus Elise Classic Heritage Editions

Additionally, along with the exterior changes and added technical features, the Lotus team has also included some interior changes. These include upper door trim and central seat insert finished to match the exterior color scheme with details on the door, gear selector, and dashboard picking out key colors of the entire body design. Neat!

2020 Lotus Elise Classic Heritage Editions

Prices for new Elise Heritage Editions start from $57,150USD.

Source: Lotus

May 6, 2020

Carbon Motors showcases a Lotus with enhanced interior. Check it out!

2017 Carbon Motors Lotus Elise Series II Our fellow friends from Carbon Motors present us a rather special tuning project: Lotus Elise Series II with magnificent tweaks and additions. Definitely sexy and bold, this revised machine deserves our attention. And yours too. Believe us!

First of all, we must say that this project aims to enhance the original looks of the vehicle without the intention to change it. Something more, the engineering team has upgraded mainly the interior of the Elise – after all, even magicians of Carbon Motors’ league must admit that the exterior styling language of this vehicle is almost impeccable. Of course, nobody claims that the original cabin concept is any bad, but it is apparent that there were people that could offer a lot more in order to make it look even sexier.

2017 Carbon Motors Lotus Elise Series II

Staying true to the popular slogan “do less and achieve more”, Carbon Motors team made a lot of changes. Or, more precisely, there were just a few changes and tweaks that tell a whole story of beauty, expression and elegance. You know what they say about artist’s soul, don’t you? It always seeks ways to express itself through the outside world.

So, what are the notable additions to this most beloved Elise? Well, the seats received a rather sexy coating: Carbon Motors team upholstered both of them with black leather, grey Alcantara and blended these both colors with neat contrast stitching. Of course, as it comes to a contemporary sports vehicle, using carbon-fiber is inevitable. There are fine lightweight pieces that cover the sills and dashboard vents. With doing so, the team not only contributed to this sweet sporty feeling, but also enhances the elegance of the whole design concept. We do know that usually “sporty” and “elegant” are not words that do hand by hand, but as it seems, Carbon Motors team thinks otherwise – they have showed the world that these two can go altogether to the top the tuning league!

2017 Carbon Motors Lotus Elise Series II

Source: Carbon Motors

September 26, 2017

Here we go again: Lotus presents “The Best Elise So Far!” Check it out!

2017 Lotus Elise Cup 250 And here we are starting all over again: we are presenting the so-called “best Elise so-far”. Now, where have we heard that before? Ah, yes, with the revealing of the last 3-4 Lotus vehicles. However, this latest machine has a lot to demonstrate, and being completely honest here, it is impressive. The thing is that we have had enough of dealing with “the best so-far” slogan every single time.

So, what do we have here? A sweetie called Lotus Elise Cup 250 that offers rather comprehensive performance rates: it develops a total of 243hp (181kW), super-responsive handling and incredible aerodynamics. All these improvements and additions contribute to a total of 125 kilos of downforce and a top speed of 252 km/h (140mph). We have definitely seen far more powerful and faster vehicles, but this one has also a lot to demonstrate. So, let’s waste no more time and see what makes this vehicle “the best Elise so far”!

Exterior styling

2017 Lotus Elise Cup 250

As any other Lotus vehicle, this one is pure eye candy. It looks sexy, confident and muscular at the same time. While being somehow compact, this machine gives off masculinity: all these sporty features do make the difference. And not only, as it comes to incredible performance rates, but also purely visually. However, the most notable additions and changes are the redesigned lightweight front panel that features radiator apertures and mesh pattern grille, refreshed rear-end that now proudly shows only two light clusters, instead of the usual four and somehow cleaner, yet appealing design.

Interior styling

2017 Lotus Elise Cup 250

There is also a touch of luxury all along the sporty features. The Elise Cup 250 features elegant handcrafted cabin that features in-house created carbon race seats, covered in fine Alcantara, a steering wheel also covered in Alcantara, numerous small components that not only contribute to utility and driver convenience, but also add a bit of stylish kick. Long story short, Lotus designers have managed to combine all these useful and elegant goodies with sporty-oriented gadgets in a simply perfect manner. Sweet.

Drivetrain system

Now we are talking! This time the engineering team has focused on delivering race capabilities via dramatically reducing body weight and boosting performance as much as possible. The result is quite impressive: the dry weight is reduced to 884kg. Credit should take all the lightweight carbon-fiber, titanium and aluminum components.

All these 243hp are generated via an all-alloy 1.8-liter power unit that also allow the vehicle to reach 0-100km/h (0-62mph) acceleration in mere 3.9 seconds. Neat! Of course, there are numerous more systems that also contribute to this impressive final result: heavily revised six-speed manual gearbox, lithium-ion battery, carbon-fiber race seats, ultra-lightweight alloy wheels and more.

Optional features

2017 Lotus Elise Cup 250

All buyers will be pleased to know that there are some sweet personalization options: for example, they can order the Carbon Aero Pack that ads composite front splitter, rear wing and side boards that not only contribute to the overall sexy styling, but also save a total of 3.7 kilos of the overall body weight.

Of course, every owner can further tweak his or her new vehicle via the Lotus Exclusive programme. Developed by Lotus Design team, the programme has one goal: to inspire customers to tailor their own vehicle in such a way that is most conventional to them and add to the uniqueness of the vehicle itself. Sweet.

Source: Lotus

June 5, 2017

2016 Elise 250 Special Edition: Lotus’ pearl is here!

2016 Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition In celebration of 50th anniversary of Lotus’ Hethel side, the engineering team reveals a special collectable vehicle: the Elise 250 Special Edition.

Based on the Elise Cup 250 model, the new one comes as a refined and more premium edition with tons of new features and tweaks. Capable of going from 0 to 100km/h (60mph) in 3.9 seconds, the Special Edition also impresses with style and refinement. So, let’s see what is going on here!

There will be only 50 units produced, so if you tend to like this one, you’d better hurry up!

2016 Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition

The design is inspired by brand’s most popular and beautiful models and features some sporty appearance, blended with brand’s well-known elegant lines and curves. Sweet. There are also four colors to choose from and there are also some optional carbon-fiber components to be installed.

Unlike the exterior, the interior appearance is geared with numerous carbon-fiber components as part of the standard equipment. There are carbon-fiber seats, covered with dark gray leather, contrast stitching and numerous more hand-crafted components.

And what about the drivetrain system?

Along with the powerful engine, the special Elise has some more stuff to show: it comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and Electronic Differential Lock system for better traction and faster exit speeds when cornering.

Other notable gadget is the mode selection system. There are only two modes, Sport and Race, but as it seems, they are more than enough to satisfy any high-speed fan out there.

Addition equipment

2016 Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition

Elise 250 Special Edition can also be personalized through the Lotus Exclusive program. This service encourages customers to make further step in customizing the vehicle in their own and unique style. And the best thing is that there are customization tweaks and additions that suit any budget. Cool!

Source: Lotus

August 29, 2016

Silverstone Auctions is looking for the owner of a restored 1958 Lotus Elise

1058 Lotus Elise Series I The first production Lotus Elite, first bought by jazz legend Chris Barber and later restored for Channle 4’s For the Love of Cars will be auctioned by Silverstone Auctions at the Silverstone Classic Sale on 30th of July.

So, what does this sweetie feature except that it its among the first in the lineup? This 1958 Lotus Elise Series I, chassis 1009 was first displayed at the 1958 Earls Court Motor Show and some months later, in December the same year was purchased by Chris Barber.

But this is just the boring part of Elise’s history. Barber has participated in five race seasons in top race events both in UK and Europe and has also competed in three consecutive Tourist Trophy races in Goodwood respectively in 1961, 1962 and 1963. And let’s not forget that the first sporty Elise was raced on the Nurburgring for the British Empire Trophy. Back in these days the vehicle was also driven by sir John Whoitmore, who managed to brake the class lap record at Spa in the Grand Prix GT Support Race in 1962.

1958 Lotus Elise Series I

In more recent years the vehicle remained hidden for people’s eyes and eventually has undergone a well-done restoration by Ant Anstead’s team at Evanta Motors. On 30th of July there will be a special competing event at Silverstone and after that the vehicle will be offered to buyers with a starting price between $100,000 and $130,000 USD.

What will buyers be granted with?

We do see a 100 per cent classic vehicle: elegant lines, tight stance, expressive headlamps, distinctive rear styling, these well-known multi-spoke wheels and of course, a stupid grille smile. And let us not forget the vintage coloring and the sporty numbering on the front bonnet, doors and back.

Evanta Motors’ team, along with Lotus experts, geared Elise Series I with new refinished in UDT Green monocoque, FIA approved roll cage, created by Pete Folbigg from Fabricage, FIA homologated Tillett B6F Carbon-GRP racing seat, TRS belts and Moto-Lita steering wheel.

1958 Lotus Elise Series I

In terms of its drivetrain, the whole engine was revised by Coventry Climax specialist, Glyn Peacock who brought forged pistons and rods, steel crank and big valves. The original MGA gearbox was heavily revised by Mike Jennings who geared new layshaft, front and rear bearings, and a fine-tuned the clutch slave cylinder mounting. The suspension system has also received its attention and now comes with completely new parts from Mk14 Components and was also set up and fine-tuned by Elite specialists from Tolman Motorsport.

Source: Silverstone Auctions

June 29, 2016

Is the New Lotus Elise Cup 250 That Good? Let’s Find Out!

2016 Lotus Elise Cup 250 Lotus keeps proving that less means more and now it has done it one more time with the performance-oriented Elise Cup model. Coming with enhanced drivetrain system, this sweetie is lighter with 21kg and more powerful with a total of 26hp, compared to its predecessor. So, what else is special about Cup edition? Let’s find out!

The new Elise Cup 250 impeccably fits the idea of “light is right” with all of its optimized, lightweight and more powerful drivetrain components. This model come with recalibrated ignition system, wider front tires and sharper and more responsive steering.

In terms engine power and performance, the sweetie is geared with 1.8-liter 4-cylinder power unit thatproduces a total of 243hp (178kW) and 250Nm of torque between 3,500 and 5,500 rpm. Furthermore, Lotus Dynamic Performance Management system provides and additional Sport mode that, when engaged, increases throttle response, lowers traction slip and removes understeer recognition.

Also, the aerodynamically optimized body kit provides a total of 66kg of downforce at 100mph and the impressive 155kg at 154mph. The special body shape is also the key to that focused handling and improved acceleration. There is also an optional Carbon Aero pack that replaces the front splitter, rear wing, rear diffuser and side floor-extensions with lightweight carbon components and reduces the overall weight with additional 10kg.

2016 Lotus Elise Cup 250

A bit of downfall is the fact that Elise Cup 250 bring the suspension and brake systems from the Elise Cup 220, including the adjustable front anti-roll bar, Blistein sport dampers and Eibach coaxial coils springs and double wishbone suspension. We don’t say these are bad, but we were expecting something different this time. However, there are larger switches with improved haptics, new headlights and rear fog lights.

Also as a standard feature, the vehicle is geared with full Alcantara interior in red and black color scheme with optional Leather Pack. The interior also adopts the in-car entertainment system with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth functionality.

In terms of personalization, Lotus offers a total of ten color choices for the exterior, and of course, Lotus offers some other personal tweaks via Lotus Exclusive programme. Definitely the blend between British craftsmanship and contemporary design is the right one for the luxury brand.

2016 Lotus Elise Cup 250

So, what do you think about the new Elise Cup 250?

Source: Lotus

February 17, 2016

Lotus Reached 40,000 “Small Car Platform” Models

2015 Lotus Elise Since the first Elise, that was introduced in 1995, Lotus has kept its incredible style and performance on the highest levels. The so called “small car platform” maintains the well known incredible standards, that include weight and fuel efficiency, and at the same time delivers unseen performance and pleasure of driving. As you know, the “small car platform” is defined by models like the Elise, Exige, Europa, 2-Eleven.

Since its first days on the market, Lotus sets its high standards, that influence not just one, but every brand in the motor industry. Meanwhile Lotus team continues the development and upgrading of its own system and technology.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO for Group Lotus plc says that 1995 wasn’t just a landmark for some past and glorious period. The brand, he ensures us, continues to expand, improve and deliver the best and most anticipated vehicles on the market.

Mr. Gales continues:“We are especially delighted that the 40,000^th version of our small car platform will underpin, appropriately, an Elise 20^th Anniversary model, the latest Elise model that celebrates our landmark achievements. Looking to the future, the platform will continue to be developed, improved upon and form a solid and dependable base for future new models demonstrating the production flexibility of the technology and its importance to Lotus.”

Source: Lotus

April 22, 2015

Lotus Celebrates Elise with Anniversary Special Edition

Lotus Elise Anniversary Special Edition Front Side Left View It is exactly 20 years since Lotus unveiled the first ever Elise sports car in Frankfurt, Germany, back in the 1995. This means 20 years of benchmark performance and handling and marks also the introduction of the advanced (for these years) bonded aluminium chassis. Many improvements were made since then and it seems that they were the right ones because the iconic car is still one of the best in its class, if not the best.

To celebrate this, Lotus is releasing the Elise Anniversary Special Edition. It is equipped with lightweight components, which save around 10kg from its weight. Precisely, the car now measures 914kg. Another advantage from the reduced body mass is the improved fuel consumption that has been estimated at 5.9 litres per 100 km (47.6 mpg), while the CO2 emissions are of 173 g/km.

Under the hood, there is the 1.8-litre supercharged engine that helps the car accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds on the way to a top speed of 145 mph (237 km/h).

The special edition is based on the Elise S Club Racer, but adds equipment that (note!) further help the car reduce weight. For example, the matt black forged wheels are lightweight as is the body colored lightweight centre console and the Alcantara/leather sports seats.

The new model can be ordered in four classic colors: Blue, Green, Yellow and Silver. In contrast, matt black has been chosen for the rear diffuser, wing mirrors, roll hoop cover and rear transom. At last, marking that this car is very special are the Elise 20th Anniversary decals found on the dashboard, seats and above the side indicator.

Lotus Elise 20th Anniversary is currently on sale and has a starting price of £39,900.

Source: Lotus

March 20, 2015

Lotus Transforms Elise S into a Cup Variant

Lotus has transformed its Elise S model into a Cup variant. The enticing new model has already been extensively tested, showing some great results. This engaging model highlights the pure driving competence elicited by Lotus. It is light, agile and significantly faster in comparison to the standard Elise S. The car has developed from the successful Elise Cup R race car and this means that it has a racing pedigree. In line with Lotus history, the S Cup variant has been tested both at Hethel and the Nürburgring Circuit in Germany.

First thing to be mentioned is the dramatic 3.0s reduction of the Hethel lap time. Then, we should point out the exterior appearance, which has been bolstered with some striking additions. Precisely, the car received new front splitter with end winglets, lateral bargeboards, a fixed roof, tail wing and a purposeful rear diffuser. As a matter of fact, the benefits from the enhanced aerodynamics increase downforce by 66kg at 100mph.

Of course, the car has inherited company’s vital characteristics of combined lightweight engineering and chassis rigidity. All of the modifications are track biased, delivering ride and handling in perfect balance.

The exterior appearance is fresh, with applied focus on the details. In addition, in order to create the transition from road to thoroughly focused track car, the Elise S Cup is equipped with a T45 specification roll-hoop and full roll cage.

Some electrical modifications have also been made. They enable easier installation of a fire extinguisher and “kill-switch”. Lotus Elise S Cup is scheduled to roll off the Lotus production line soon. UK price tag starts at £43,500, while in Germany it will be sold for at least €56,525.

Lotus Elise S Cup Specifications:

Max power – 217 hp at 6800 rpm (220 PS)	Fuel Consumption Urban – 28.5 (9.9) (mpg (l/100 km)
Max torque – 184 lb-ft at 4600rpm (250 Nm)	Fuel Consumption Extra Urban – 46.3 (6.1) (mpg (l/100 km)
Max speed – 140 mph (225 km/h)	Fuel Consumption Combined – 37.5 (7.5) (mpg (l/100 km)
0-60 mph – 4.2 seconds	CO2 emissions – 175 g/km
0-100 km/h – 4.6 seconds	Unladen weight – 932 kg

Source: Lotus

January 16, 2015

MOV’IT and Lotus

MOVIT and Lotus MOV’IT have been specializing in creating ultra-performance brake systems. That’s why they was nominated by the famous British car maker Lotus as a brake supplier and technology partner.

“We always start from scratch with a “blank piece of paper”, because no car is exactly like the other: Power, weight, maximum speed, mounting suspension, power transmission or dynamic – everything has to be factored in accurately, and only after that the final design can be brought to paper, and subsequently on the road.”, said Guido Frensemeyer.

“The serial nomination by Lotus supports the development and the performance of our company and represents the next landmark in our company’s development. The continuous further development in all areas along with the underlying process landscape allows us to be a competent partner, even for the most demanding automobile manufacturers. The fact that we are already working with some of the leading German car manufacturers on specific projects, and that we are in the process of being approved as series supplier as well, emphasizes this. We are looking forward to experience the fruits of our work on the road – in the next car models from Lotus.”, added Frank Scherer, Director of the MOV’IT GmbH and CEO of the MOV’IT Group.

Lotus is aiming to compete with one of the best on the market – Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini. Because of this, they won’t only need superb engines like the new 5.0 litre V8 with 620PS, but superb braking systems. MOV’IT has both solutions – steel and ceramic.

Source: MOV’IT

February 20, 2012

Torpedo Run 2011: One of the last adventures of our time

Driving, action and having fun – the Torpedo Run is a horsepower-orgy Standing in the light of sports cars and luxury limousines, Torpedo Run – a horsepower-party – combines driving, action and having fun altogether! This is happening for the 7^th time and this time the goal is to promote it on daily events, while in the evening, exquisite gourmet pleasures pleased the sense of taste.

To be more precise the automobile party included participants from all over Europe. It lasted three days and led from Bad Ragaz in Switzerland, through the towns of Kitzbühel and Velden in Austria, till the Mediterranean Coast in Slovenia. What is to be highlighted is that this year’s program offered a new race-track with Formula 1 license, fast bobsled runs and an adventurous off-road excursion in steep mountains!

In these three days there could be seen enormous power and a pure sound party at the Torpedo Run 2011. For instance, you could see rare sports cars and exotics like Wiesmann MF 5 Roadster, Corvette ZR1, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lexus IS-F or an almost 600 hp/441 kW strong Mustang GT in muscle car design. Moreover, there were Porsches and compact sports cars such as BMW 1 Series M Coupé or Lotus Elise.

All these beauties were driven almost everywhere on this perfect occasion. In addition, the Torpedo Runners enjoyed a lot of nice corners and impressive landscapes with stunningly beautiful sights. The specific roads in the Alps made the Torpedo Run even more exciting and gave pure pleasure to the drivers!

Of course, there was a special arena – The new Red-Bull-Ring, where the Torpedo Runners were speeding on the new Red-Bull-Ring. This Ring is actually the Austria Ring or A1 Ring Red Bull, but more modernized and improved! Thank to it one could hear the sound of the engines and feel their power, while driving skillfully through the fast downhill corners.

A lot of adrenalin got produced these three days: the Torpedo Runners drove down a mountain in a 3535 meters long roller coaster with steep turns and “jumps” with descents of up to 6 meters! Even more, they experienced the legendary Olympic bobsleigh run of Innsbruck. With around 100 kph, the teams sped down the 14 corners on the 1270 meters long run!

On the other hand the Torpedo Runners switched cars to off-road cars! They enjoyed “off-roading” a mountain in the Alps. The route wasn’t a light one and led over a bumpy and narrow gravel road with tight corners, which have been built into the sheer mountain inclination. This is one of the most difficult itineraries in the Alps; however the Torpedo Runners performed their best!

The Torpedo Run 2011 was definitely great fun for all of the participants. It was mentioned as one of the most exciting and exclusive events of the year. The result is that all of the participants are eagerly looking forward to the next Torpedo Run 2012! The great news is that everyone can join it, but hurry up because the reservations have already started at www.torpedorun.com! The next 2012 Torpedo Run will take place on an extended weekend in September.

December 5, 2011

Geneva 2011: Lotus Elise Club Racer

The new Lotus Elise Club Racer Edition has made its official debut in Geneva.

The sporty version of Elise lost 24 kg by using a lightweight battery and the removal of noise insulation material. The total weight of Elise Club Racer is just 852 kg ( 1 878 lbs ).

The small car is powered by 1.6-liter four cylinder VVT-I with 136 PS (100 kW). (more…)

March 2, 2011

Tag: Lotus Elise

Exterior styling

Interior styling

Drivetrain system

Optional features

There will be only 50 units produced, so if you tend to like this one, you’d better hurry up!

And what about the drivetrain system?

Addition equipment

What will buyers be granted with?