1996-2001
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Bonded aluminum revolution. Only 723kg with 118hp — proof that lightweight is the ultimate performance modification. Changed sports car engineering forever.
History
The Elise pioneered bonded and riveted extruded aluminum construction for production cars. At 723kg, it didn't need power to be fast — its chassis set the standard every lightweight sports car has aimed for since. It also saved Lotus from bankruptcy.
Timeline
1996Production begins
2001Production ends
Production & Heritage
Production Total10,000
DesignerJulian Thomson
Production Period1996-2001
Estimated Value$25K-$45K
Value estimates are editorial assessments based on recent auction results and market trends.
Technical Specifications
Engine1.8L Inline-4 (Rover K-Series)
Power118 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque165 Nm
0-60 mph5.9 sec
Top Speed202 km/h
Transmission5-speed manual
DrivetrainRWD
Weight723 kg
Drag CoefficientCd 0.41
BodyExtruded/bonded aluminum chassis, fiberglass body
Engine Details
Engine CodeRover K-Series 18K4F inline-4 1796cc
Displacement1.8L (1,796 cc)
Bore x Stroke80 x 89.3 mm
Compression10.5
Fuel SystemMEMS multi-point injection
Performance
0-100 km/h5.9 sec
0-60 mph5.9 sec
Top Speed202 km/h
Weight-to-Power6.1 kg/hp
Dimensions
Length3,726 mm
Width1,701 mm
Height1,202 mm
Wheelbase2,300 mm
Chassis & Suspension
Front SuspensionDouble wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear SuspensionDouble wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Front BrakesDisc, 282 mm
Rear BrakesDisc, 259 mm
SteeringRack-and-pinion, unassisted
Tires185/55 R15
Capacity
Fuel Tank40 L
Trunk VolumeN/A L
Doors2
Seats2
Source: Lotus / Wikipedia
Tags
Designed by Julian Thomson
From the 1990s
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