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Manic street tyre-screacher. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.

Manic street tyre-screacher
Since its arrival on the scene in 1996, the Lotus Elise has been hailed as the ultimate affordable sports car. To some, it is untouchable - regardless of price - in terms of its purity of design and the way it delivers driving enjoyment regardless of the driver's talent. Times change and the game moves on; the Elise was never bettered but in order to put clean air between the Elise and its rivals Lotus launched the S2.

   


Reviews homepage -> Lotus reviews -> 2003 Lotus Elise Sport 135R -> technical specifications

 
Performance, emissions & economy

Top speed (mph): 129
0-62 mph (seconds): 5.3

Urban mpg: 27.2
Extra urban mpg: 45.1
Combined mpg: 36.2
CO2 (g/km): 184


Dimensions & weights

Length (mm): 3785
Height (mm): 1143
Width (mm): 1719
Wheelbase (mm): 2300
Front track (mm): 1457
Rear track (mm): 1503
Cargo volume (litres): 115
Kerb weight (kg): 757
Fuel tank capacity (litres): 35


 
Engine & transmission

Engine: K-series, transverse mid-engine, all aluminium lightweight construction.

Management: Reprogrammed Lotus K4 engine controller.

Cubic capacity (cc): 1796
Valve gear: Double overhead camshafts. Four valves per cylinder.
Max. power (bhp): 135 at 6250 rpm
Max. torque (lb.ft): 126 at 4800 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed transaxle driving rear wheels. Close ratio gears fitted as standard.

Gear ratios:
1st: 2.923:1
2nd: 1.750
3rd: 1.307
4th: 1.033
5th: 0.848
Reverse: 3.000
Final drive: 4.200


 
Chassis & running gear

Front: Double wishbone with coil springs over gas pressured monotube dampers (recalibrated Bilstein sport dampers, increased rate Eibach springs).

Rear: As on the front.

Steering: Rigidly mounted rack and pinion. 2.8 turns lock to lock.

Brakes: 282 mm diameter cast iron, cross-drilled and ventilated discs. Non-servo split hydraulic system including unique Lotus/AP Racing opposed piston aluminium front callipers.

Wheels: Cast alloy O.Z. 16-spoke wheels. Front: 6.5"x16". Rear: 7.5"x17".

Tyres: Yokohama AO48. Front: 195/50 R16. Rear: 225/45 R17.







 

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