Colin Chapman constructed a series of aerodynamically advanced, lightweight sports racing cars during the 1950s - typified by the Lotus Eleven that won its class at Le Mans in 1957. Often quoted, though still as valid today as when he first uttered the words at the launch of the Lotus Seven in 1957, Chapman's ethos was: to increase performance, add lightness .
His engineering ideals endure in the Lotus Elise, with few cars rivalling its tactile agility. A mid-engined, rear-wheel drive with responsive lightweight chassis, combine to deliver the ultimate driving sensation, focussed on providing phenomenal feedback with surefooted handling. A reputation as a true driver's car combined with low CO2emissions mean the Elise is the perfect sports car for today's roads.
BUILT-IN PERFORMANCE
The name Lotus is synonymous with sublime handling and poised vehicle dynamics around the world. The Elise leads the way with its lightweight, state-of-the-art, extruded and bonded aluminium chassis, allied to competition standard wishbone suspension.
Engineered to deliver an exhilarating and involving driving experience, whilst remaining light to the touch and instantly responsive to all driver inputs. With engineering effectiveness comes efficiency, allowing Lotus to extract every aspect of dynamic performance from each component remaining true to the principle to add speed, add lightness .
SUPERIOR ON TRACK
A Lotus Elise is like a 'glove on the hand,' a second skin channelling feedback into your hands and feet via the steering wheel and the pedals. Designed to deliver, it inspires confidence with precision control, perfect balance and pedigree dynamics. A truly modern evolution of the classic two-seat sports car, this is a Lotus that immerses you totally in the intensity of the drive, on road or on track.
Proof of the roadster's prowess is the Lotus Cup race series: the Elise is as much at home on the circuit as it is on rural roads. It tracks superbly, sticking tight to the tarmac as you establish a rhythm and flow through the turns. But you'd expect that given it's evolution at the famous Hethel test track. It's not only about how fast you go, but how fast your heart beats.
SPIRITED ON THE ROAD
The Elise has been hailed as one of the best sports cars that money can buy, creating perfect harmony between driver and machine. The latest generation retains the supple road holding, fluid dynamics and tactile feedback of the original and combines this with efficient performance and low CO2 emissions. The incredibly lightweight and stiff chassis and finely tuned wishbones and dampers, allied to Lotus DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) and sticky Yokohama tyres, provide absolute handling precision. No other sports car tackles the open road with the verve of an Elise, where every driver input has such a clear and measurable effect on the car's behaviour.
ALIVE IN THE CITY
The Elise handles the transition from open-road to urban grind with consummate ease. Its compact dimensions make navigating narrow city roads easy, and its distinctive styling ensures plenty of on-road presence. Due a dose of retail therapy?
You'll be surprised how accommodating the rear stowage area is.
While its unique combination of supercar looks and performance coupled with its low running costs make the Elise an exciting alternative for the city, bringing some fun to your every day commute.
by Lotus
by Lotus