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All Torque! |
by Murph |
Sweet Torquing the Lotus Elise 111S |
| Produced in the flat Norfolk countryside, the latest edition to the Lotus family, the new Elise 111S is anything but. In keeping with Lotus' traditional motoring values this zippy little sports car gives a pleasurable driving experience to the devoted driving enthusiast. Taking the Rover VVC engine out of the MGF and squeezing it into the Elise 111S produces a new-found, heart-racing ability. The 1796cc Rover K-series engine produces 145bhp, but better still is the increase in torque from 122lb ft to 128lb ft - not insignificant in such a light car. This urge carries around with it the 770kg body enabling the performance to be enhanced over the standard Elise. Top speed is now 133mph with a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds. Pressing hard on the gas and snapping gears through the rev range will propel you from 0-100mph in 14.4 seconds. Not to be sniffed at. |
| Road handling is precise. Accurate steering ensures confidence in the driver, encouraging a need to realise the cars full potential on the black stuff. Stiffer suspension and a new rear spoiler (producing 15kg of downforce), coupled with wider rear tyres give greater stability while cornering at speed. The 111S gives a rewarding drive but reminds the occupants of the experience they are having with the pleasant intrusion of the sporty engine note into the cabin. This joyously increases the harder the VVC powerplant is pushed. As a top of the range model it is hard to recognise any change on the outside which sets it apart from the original Elise. However, the new alloy wheels, front grille and clear front indicator lenses and rear spoiler do tend to improve the poise of the Elise body. |
Photograph provided by Lotus |
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The spartan interior remains, which is great. There are no distractions and the driver is left to enjoy the drive. Nice touches include a chunky three-spoke steering wheel, a chrome gear knob, leather trimmed bum-hugging seats and carbon fibre inserts in the dash. For �5640 more than the "standard" Elise, is it really worth it? Yes, most
definitely! If you want a true enthusiast's car with a racing pedigree then this is the one for you. It's available now.
Murph - 16 April 1999 (Email) |
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Photograph provided by Lotus |
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