Chassis: All Lotus design, lightweight spaceframe of bonded anodised extruded aluminum with integral roll over hoop, extruded aluminium impact absorbing structures and steel galvanised rear subframe, manufactured by Hydro Aluminium Automotive Structures a.s. Seating for two. The Elise's main chassis frame weighs just 70kg. Three quarters of a bag of cement. But light weight isn't the sole positive outcome of its unique construction. Hollow aluminium extrusions (the metal is squeezed like pasta tubes through a shaped nozzle, then cut to length) are joined by aircraft-style epoxy glue, with added riveting to prevent peeling in a crash. Tooling-up is cheap, needing only a set of nozzles. Bonding pieces together is far more accurate than welding, ensuring a consistent end-product. The very strong chassis is also 'scaleable': by slicing the extrusions longer, it can be expanded for a new Esprit, or sold to other car makers.
The main structure is delivered whole by Hydro Aluminium. To it are bolted a galvanised steel rear crossmember, steel rollover hoop, tubesteel wishbones and extruded uprights - another Lotus patent.

Body: Composite front and rear 'clamshell' body sections with frontal safety structure.

Vehicle Weight: 675kg

Engine: Mid-mounted in-line water cooled 1.8 litre 16 Valve engine. Double overhead camshafts with hydraulic tappets. Electronic fuel injection. Electronic engine management system.

Transmission: 5 speed transaxle driving the rear wheels. Synchro on all forward gears.

Fuel System: Fuel tank capacity: 40 litres (8.8 gallon). Fuel requirement: 95 RON minimum octane unleaded.

Suspension: Independent by upper and lower wishbones, co-axial coil springs and inverted monotube dampers. Extruded aluminium uprights. Trailing toe-links on rear for compliance steer control.

Brakes: 282mm aluminium/metal matrix ventilated discs mounted outboard front and rear. Non-servo split circuit hydraulic system. Front brakes fitted with unique Lotus/AP Racing opposed piston callipers.

Wheels: Lotus design 5 spoke alloy, 5 1/2J x 15 front and 7J x 16 rear.

Tyres: Unique Michelin Pilot SX. Front: 185/55R 15 Rear: 205/50R 16.

Performance:

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 5.9 s. 0-160 km/h: 16.5 s. Maximum speed (estimated): 202 km/h (126 mph)

Fuel Consumption:

Urban: 9.76 l/100 km 28.94 mpg 90 km/h 5.65 l/100 km 49.92 mpg 120 km/h 7.16 l/100 km 39.42 mpg Total CO2 (g/km) = 150

 

Standard Equipment: Alloy wheels, 3 way catalytic converter, coded signal immobiliser, cloth trim interior, black vinyl soft-top, uniqy Lotus/Nardi steering wheel, STACK electronic speedo and tacho with multifunction LCD readout.

Optional Equipment: Metallic paint, leather trim options, radio fixing kit, spare wheel/tyre assembly, auxiliary lights, Lotus design luggage kit, coloured and black cloth soft- top, full race packages, floor mats.