2000 Lotus Elise

In 2000 and 2001 Lotus Motorsports produced a limited production run of 65 lightweight Elise racecars for the Autobytel race series. The car were specially prepared as part of Lotus motorsports Special Works Program and were predecessors to the Lotus Exige.

Chassis LS1-0040 is one of 12 motorsport Elises built and imported into the USA by Lotus Cars USA. The motorsport Elise has a dry weight of 1625 lbs. It has a Rover K-Series sealed race engine built by Minister Engines with approximately 205 bhp at 7750 RPM and 150 ft-lbs of torque at 5700 RPM. The transaxle is a Lotus-Quaife design with five-speed straight cut gears and a torque biasing limited slip differential.

The car has independent front and rear Elise double wishbone suspension with dynamic suspensions two-way dampening, Eibach coil springs and an adjustable front suspension. The brakes are AP 4-piston race calipers in the front and 2 piston calipers in the rear. Additionally, the car has a cockpit adjustable brake bias system. The motorsports Elise runs on Rimstock cast alloy wheels (7J x 16 in the front and 8.5Jx17 in the rear).

Additionally, a number of special Lotus Motorsport parts were incorporated when building these cars. It has a stack dash and data logging system, an electrical fire system, a full FIA approved roll cage by safety devices along with FIA approved race seats by Corbeau. The car achieves a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 140 mph.

The race series ran for two years and produces some excellent racing. The cars offered a vehicle package true to the design philosophy of Lotus founder Colin Chapman : light weight with superlative handling and stunning looks.

Chassis #LS1-0040 was never campaigned and has had two owners; remaining as delivered by Lotus Motorsports.

Source - Vehicle owner