Lotus Elise

Group	4
Engine	Inline 4
Displacement	1796cc
Fuel feed and ignition	Lotus Multi-port Fuel Injection
Location	Mid transverse
Transmission	5 speed manual transaxle, RWD
Bore and stroke	80 x 89.3 mm (3.1 x 3.5 in)
Compression ratio	10.5:1
Cylinder block	Aluminium, wet sump
Cylinder head	Aluminium, DOHC
Redline rpm	7000
Bhp @ rpm	118 @ 5500
lb ft @ rpm	122 @ 3000
Kerb weight/kg	731
bhp/ton	164
bhp/litre	66
Chassis	Lotus-designed spaceframe structure of epoxy-bonded sections of aluminium extrusions (built by Hydro Aluminium) incorporating integral roll over hoop
Tyres	185/55 R15 front, 205/50 R16 rear, Pirelli P Zero
Wheels	5.5J x 15" front, 7J x 16" Lotus-designed 5-spoke, by Alloy Wheels International
Brakes	282mm diameter cast iron ventilated discs, mounted outboard. Non-servo split hydraulic system, including unique Lotus/AP Racing opposed piston front callipers
Steering	Rack and pinion, non power assisted
Front suspension	Double wishbones with single coil springs over monotube dampers
Rear suspension	Double wishbones with single coil springs over monotube dampers
Cabin	2 door; 2 seat
0-60/secs	6.1
0-100/secs	18.5
Max mph	126
Fuel tank	40 litres
Year	1996-2000
Country	England
Price when new	£19,000
Number produced	8613

Conceived in 1994 and unleashed to the public in 1995, the Elise redefined the sports car genre by blending the traditional Lotus values of light weight and superlative handling, with innovative engineering and a generous helping of fun.

The innovative bonded aluminium chassis achieves a remarkable combination of light weight and rigidity, giving exceptional handling and balance. It is the backbone of a car single-mindedly focused on delivering driving pleasure. Mounted behind this in a steel subframe is an efficient Rover K-Series 1796cc engine delivering 118bhp at 5500rpm.

It's no coincidence that the Elise drives with the precision of a racecar. Its double wishbone suspension with co-axial coil springs and inverted monotube dampers is fine-tuned to provide sharp, accurate, entertaining responses.

 
"A modern classic" ***** evo Magazine, THE KNOWLEDGE