Lotus

Elise

Colin Chapmans first priority was always of lightness when designing cars, Lotus engineers have carried on this philosophy since his death in 1982. The Lotus 7 of 1957 has epitomised light, quick handling, fun cars through the decades with the rights being handed to Caterham to carry on the design ethos in the Caterham 7. In the Elise, Lotus have found the true successor to the fabulous Lotus 7.

The monocoque chassis is perfectly functional and is manufactured from extruded aluminium sections and bonded together, giving an ultra light but fantastically rigid form. Even the brake discs where originally of aluminium composite, helping to keep the weight to a minimum. This ground breaking design has helped to make the Elise one of the most attractive cars for track use or every day fun.

The suspension design in the standard car was an absolute dream for a car that needed to handle well, needing no anti roll bars in it's standard form. The Elise was heralded by many as the finest handling car ever. The double wishbone suspension included Lotus patented uprights of extruded aluminium alloy.

The mid mounted K series 1.8 litre Rover engine was chosen to power this diminutive firecracker to give it all the power it needed for it's weight and handling characteristics. Even the engine itself is all aluminium, again helping to reduce the weight. It has double overhead camshafts with fuel injection and hydraulic tappets. The gearbox and the engine are the same as used in the MGF.

The bodywork is of composite structure, with front and rear detachable panels known as clam shells. The front clamshell having integral fixed headlights.

The steering is non assisted rack and pinion. and again the brakes are non assisted dual circuit.