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Adrian Paton2011 Lotus Elise Updates For Australian Market
May 31st 2010 18:00
The Lotus Elise will sport an evolutionary new look for 2011, with the introduction of face-lifted variants of both models complementing the price-revised Lotus range.
Previously known as the Elise S, the entry level Lotus model will now simply be known as the Lotus Elise, falling in line with the standardised naming system of Lotus models.
The 2011 model year Lotus Elise introduces a number of changes and improvements to maintain its class-leading position; its name and appearance are revised, and a new engine combines high-performance with even greater fuel economy.
Powered by a new 1.6-litre 1ZR-FAE engine provided by Toyota, the 2011 Elise develops the same 100kW as the 1.8-litre engine featured in the previous Elise S. Coupled with a new six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox, the 2011 Elise can complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.5 seconds.
Offers a 16 percent improvement in fuel economy, to 6.14 litres/100km, and a reduction in CO2 emission of more than 13 percent, and meets EURO 5 regulations, the new Lotus Elise has the lowest CO2 per performance for any gasoline high performance sports car in the world.
The 1.6-litre engine is controlled via the bespoke Lotus T6 engine management system, which improves total power output by 3kW over the donor engine management.
Dany Bahar, Chief Executive of Group Lotus said, "The Lotus Elise revolutionised the sports car when it was launched 14 years ago and now the Lotus Elise has become greener, giving drivers access to class-leading performance with less guilt."
The body of the new 2011 model year Elise is an evolution of the iconic Elise design, retaining the character and style, while offering a more planted, purposeful stance and a pure, contemporary look that links it to the Evora. As with all Lotus product, the design is an exciting blend of dramatic style and functional efficiency.
The new Elise body has a fresh sculptured front, including a new bumper, front clam and access panel that combine to give the Elise a wider look with more road presence.
At the rear, a distinctive ‘twin-spine’ engine cover has encased the new engine, whilst lower down a more aggressive diffuser is tightly wrapped by an elegant new bumper design that now includes the rear licence plate.
New headlamp units with distinctively sculptured LED lighting guides (incorporating daytime running lamps and direction indicators) give a contemporary twist to this classic design. Elsewhere, the signature, Lotus ‘mouth’ and familiar sculptured forms have been sensitively refined to give a crisper, more dynamic look. The repositioning of lamp functions has enabled the creation of broad clean surfaces between the fenders which combines with sleek corner intakes and prominent splitter detail to give a broader more planted stance.
The theme of purity is carried through to the cooling apertures that are efficiently finished with a new lightweight aluminium mesh, giving the car a classically sporting character.
The rear boot is now opened from the cockpit, rather than via a key.
The high quality feel of the Elise is continued throughout the car with the Elise graphic incorporated into the new side LED direction indicators, like those on the Evora.
New options and accessories
* Cruise control (1.6-litre only, with Touring Pack)
* Rear parking sensors (all models)
* Forged alloys wheels (with Sport Pack)
* Black Style Pack (black wheels and rear diffuser), all models
* Sports exhaust (1.6-litre) for added 5kW
[Source: Lotus]
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