Car of the Day - Lotus Elise 2011

Car of the Day - Lotus Elise 2011

Lotus are introducing styling elements from the Evora for the first significant change to the Elise in 7 years. The first generation Elise was launched 14 years ago, so with this essentially third generation re-style, we must now undoubtably be looking at the British equivalent of the 911 - a car that becomes an icon with a layout and style that is still recognisable through shifts is company design language.

What will never change with the Elise is its focus on efficient performance. The styling changes to the nose, tail, headlamps, grill and side vents are far from just cosmetic and have resulted in a 4 percent reduction to the Cd. The new look gives a wider, more purposeful stance. Whilst instantly recogniseable as an Elise the changes are considerable, but it is all about evolutionary detailing. There is a new “twin-spine” engine cover, new rear diffuser and rear bumper that now includes the licence plate. The new headlamp units get sculptured LED lighting guides (with daytime running lamps). Also at the front the Lotus “mouth” gets crisper detailing and new lightweight aluminium mesh grill.

For 2011 the base model gets a new 1.6 litre Valvematic engine, Toyota sourced of course, (without a sticky accelerator pedal). While 200cc smaller than the outgoing engine it produces similar power (136 PS, 100 kW, 134 hp at 6800 rpm) and maximum torque is 160 Nm, 118 lb-ft at 4400 rpm. There is a big advantage for this engine though with a 23% improvement to fuel economy, now 6.14 litres / 100km (46 mpg). This is a phenomenal figure for such a high performance car. Further efficiency improvements are seen with a 13% reduction in CO2. The new engine is mated to a new 6-speed manual gearbox, with closer and more performance orientated ratios than the old 5 speed box.

The R and SC version get the same Toyota-sourced 1.8-liter with 192 hp in naturally aspirated form and 217 hp with the supercharger.

The new 2011 model year Elise is set to debut at the 80th International Geneva Motorshow.

Rod Halligan