2011 Lotus Elise Preview

Hardware

Both models of the 2011 Lotus Elise are powered by a Toyota-built and Lotus-tuned 1.8-liter, mid-mounted, 4-cylinder DOHC engine with variable valve timing and lift intelligence. In the base Elise, the engine delivers 189 horsepower at 7800 rpm and 188 lb.-ft. of torque at 6800 rpm. The same engine in Elise SC-supercharged for more power-pumps out 218 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 156 lb.-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm. Acceleration from standstill to 60 mph is accomplished in 4.9 seconds in the Elise and 4.0 seconds in the Elise SC, according to Lotus. The top speed for both is listed at 150 mph. A 6-speed, close-ratio manual is the only transmission available. Fuel economy for the Elise is estimated at 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while the more powerful Elise SC is estimated at a slightly poorer 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

To maximize power-to-weight performance, the Elise has a lightweight chassis comprised of epoxy bonded aluminum extrusions-a fancy way of saying glued (not welded) lightweight metal. The body is RTM composite Fiberglass and the black soft top has integral reflectors. The sports car has fully independent suspension with unequal-length wishbones, 4-wheel ventilated and cross-drilled disc brakes, Lotus/AP Racing and Brembo calibers, and standard ABS. A limited-slip differential and traction control are available as options. The standard wheels, staggered for better performance, are 16 inches up front and 17 inches in the rear-all are cast alloy. New for 2011 are optional forged lightweight aluminum alloy wheels, designed to increase performance.

Safety

All 2011 Lotus Elise models are fitted with standard dual driver and front passenger air bags, anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer, and remote start. Additional standard safety equipment includes "track-tuned" ABS (with a higher brake threshold than more traditional ABS), and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. There are no front side or curtain air bags available, and traction control is optional. As a limited-production vehicle, it is not required that the Lotus Elise be crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Technology

The new body kit on the 2011 Lotus Elise not only improves its appearance, but it also improves performance, according to the company. The fresh face on the Elise contributes to a 4-percent decrease in aerodynamic drag, Lotus says. Whereas most powerful sports cars rely on their high-horsepower engines to push the air aside with brawn, the Elise-with a rather low_horsepower, 1.8-liter engine-benefits rather significantly from improved aerodynamics as the lower drag coefficient improves acceleration at speed (it also boosts highway fuel efficiency). The Elise is also available with forged alloy wheels. Lighter than the standard traditional cast wheels by 4.7 pounds, the reduced weight at the wheels (known as "unsprung weight") improves ride and increases overall vehicle performance. As an added benefit, forged wheels are also stronger and have thinner spokes-improving aesthetics-when compared to cast wheels.