Since the Elise first came into production it has accounted for 32% of all production in Lotus’ 61-year history. For fourteen years Lotus has produced the Elise, sticking to Lotus’s values of performance through light weight. For 2011, the Elise receives a number of new aesthetic, aerodynamic, and lightweight wheel upgrades.
The design of the 2011 Elise is more contemporary while still maintaining its sporty character; a design principal utilized in the Evora. The front of the Elise is cleaner, the result of a new bumper and front clam with revised air intakes, giving the car a clean-cut appearance. New headlights featuring LED lights that act as both daytime running lights and directional indicators, run down along the outside of the headlamps. Lotus’ attention to detail can be found in the new LED side markers, which incorporate an Elise graphic. At the rear, the same clean, sculpted forms are used to create a dynamic stance. The rear bumper has been redesigned to include a rear license plate holder and a more aggressive diffuser. Sitting over the mid-mounted engine is a new “twin spine” engine cover. With the new design, the drag coefficient has been reduced by four percent.
Two new lightweight wheels are available for the 2011 Elise model year. Newly designed cast wheels are standard for the Elise. Optionally, a set of forged alloy wheels are available and weigh just 64.5 lbs. (4.7 lbs. less than the cast wheels). Both sets of wheels are available in a silver or black finish. High performance vented and cross-drilled 11.1-inch disc brakes with AP Racing calipers at the front and Brembo calipers at the rear peek through the new multi-spoke wheels. A track tuned ABS system is standard, and is programmed to only intervene in emergencies.
The same lightweight engines are carried over for the 2011 Elise and Elise SC. The Toyota 2ZZ-GE (no sticky gas pedal recall) engine produces 189 hp at 7,800 RPM and 133 lb-ft. of torque at 6,800 RPM for the Elise model. The Elise SC receives the Lotus-designed supercharger system for 218 hp and 156 lb-ft. of torque. The system operates without the use of an intercooler, allowing for rearview visibility and a 17.6 lbs. weight reduction. Both engines are mated to the Toyota-sourced C64 six-speed manual transmission, producing fast and slick gear changes.
The new 2011 Elise and Elise SC models will be available in both the U.S. and Canadian markets in late summer of 2010. Pricing for both models has not been released, but expect the Elise to start at just under $50,000, while pricing for the Elise SC is expected to start in the mid-$50,000 range.
Lotus Elise
Engine:
Type: 2ZZ-GE Toyota inline 4
Displacement: 1.8 liters
Engine Management System: Lotus T6 Engine Management Control System
Horsepower: 189 @ 7,800 RPM
Torque: 133 lb-ft. @ 6,800 RPM
Drivetrain:
Transmission: Toyota C64 six-speed manual
Drive: Rear wheel
Wheels and Brakes:
Wheels: Standard cast alloy, optional forged alloy (black or silver)
Front Brakes: 11.1” vented and cross-drilled iron discs with AP Racing calipers
Rear Brakes: 11.1” vented and cross-drilled iron discs with Brembo calipers
ABS system: Track tuned
Pricing: Approx. < $50,000
Lotus Elise SC
Engine:
Type: Supercharged 2ZZ-GE Toyota inline 4
Displacement: 1.8 liters
Engine Management System: Lotus T6 Engine Management Control System
Supercharger: Eaton rotor pack, non-intercooled
Horsepower: 218
Torque: 156 lb-ft.
Acceleration 0-60 mph: mid – 4 second range
Drivetrain:
Transmission: Toyota C64 six-speed manual
Drive: Rear wheel
Wheels and Brakes:
Wheels: Standard cast alloy, optional forged alloy (black or silver)
Front Brakes: 11.1” vented and cross-drilled iron discs with AP Racing calipers
Rear Brakes: 11.1” vented and cross-drilled iron discs with Brembo calipers
ABS system: Track tuned
Pricing: Approx. $55,000
Do you see yourself getting behind the wheel of a 2011 Lotus Elise? Let us know your thought!
