The driving experience
How does just 134 hp (100 kW, 136 PS) deliver such phenomenal performance?
First of all, the maximum power output is achieved at near maximum revs (engine speed) of 6,200 rpm and maximum torque (a respectable 172 Nm, 127 lb.ft) is reached at 4,200 rpm. 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 6,800 rpm. A bright red LED "change-up light" tells the driver when to change gear, the point of illumination from the "red-line" variable and dependent on the gear selected.
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.
It's all down to light weight.
Weighing in at just 860 kg, the Lotus Elise S is not just one of the lightest fully homologated sportscars in the world, but also one of the lightest cars in the world, period!
Lightweight has benefits for acceleration, the environment, handling, ride comfort and braking.
Braking comes from AP Racing callipers at the front and Brembo Calipers at the rear linked to 282 mm vented and cross-drilled cast iron discs - you can never call an Elise under braked!
The advanced ABS system incorporates an anti-lock system which is very unobtrusive and most drivers will not even notice that it is there - unless it is needed of course and even then, the system keeps a subtly low profile.
The ABS system 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 more linear engine response.
Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc explains: "The arrival of our new Elise S is good news for lovers of Pure sportscars in all intended markets. The value for money proposition offered by the car is second to none and takes the wonderful Lotus Elise range back into the heart of the mainstream sportscar market. We now have a Lotus Elise to tempt the existing or would-be MX-5 or MG driver away from these altogether more cosmetic offerings. They now have an opportunity to get back into a car that is the very essence of what, in our view, a real sportscar should be all about!"
How does just 134 hp (100 kW, 136 PS) deliver such phenomenal performance?
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| (Photo: Lotus Cars) |
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.
It's all down to light weight.
Weighing in at just 860 kg, the Lotus Elise S is not just one of the lightest fully homologated sportscars in the world, but also one of the lightest cars in the world, period!
Lightweight has benefits for acceleration, the environment, handling, ride comfort and braking.
Braking comes from AP Racing callipers at the front and Brembo Calipers at the rear linked to 282 mm vented and cross-drilled cast iron discs - you can never call an Elise under braked!
 |
| (Photo: Lotus Cars) |
The ABS system 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 more linear engine response.
Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc explains: "The arrival of our new Elise S is good news for lovers of Pure sportscars in all intended markets. The value for money proposition offered by the car is second to none and takes the wonderful Lotus Elise range back into the heart of the mainstream sportscar market. We now have a Lotus Elise to tempt the existing or would-be MX-5 or MG driver away from these altogether more cosmetic offerings. They now have an opportunity to get back into a car that is the very essence of what, in our view, a real sportscar should be all about!"