The Lotus Elise was launched in 1996 and marked a return from the grave for Lotus. Lotus went back to its roots, namely Colin Chapman's principle of lightweight being the key for good handling. The Elise is a small, simple two seat convertible sports car, powered by a transverse four-cylinder, 1.8-litre 16-valve Rover K-Series engine, mid-mounted and rear wheel drive - unlike the relatively unsuccessful modern Elan. The key to it's lightweight is a spaceframe chassis constructed from extruded anodized aluminum, and bonded together with a special epoxy adhesive. The body comprises front and rear clamshell sections in composite.

A vehicle weight of 690kg and a maximum engine output of 118bhp endow the Elise with sparkling performance, if not supercar stuff. The low body weight and consequent high power-to-weight ratio provides obvious benefits in performance, braking, handling and steering, as well as fuel consumption and emissions levels. Maximum speed is 126 mph and 62 mph is reached from rest in 5.9 seconds, with 100mph from rest in 18.0 seconds. To date the Elise has been extremely popular, prompting Lotus to increase factory output and to build the car in Malaysia for local sales. There really is not much wrong with the car, so long as you can put up with a 2 seat impractical sportscar all year round that is. Personally, I think I'd deal with that problem. Another thing; it could do with a bit more power.

Now it has! With the launch of the 111S, the nimble Elise has finally got the Rover VVC (variable valve control) 1.8 16V K-series. It now has 143bhp and does 0-60 in 5.3 seconds and has a top of 133mph. It also has a new close ratio gearbox and the rear suspension geometry has been tweaked. The track has been increased by 12mm. It now also has a new rear spoiler which will mean better stability. The 111S has undergone a few visual tweaks as well, but I will leave that to Murph to tell you about - he reports on the 111S next week in All Torque.
Cian S Hanley (Email)