Lotus has returned to its roots, adding a new Elise Sport and Elise Sport 220 model to its lineup. The Elise 1.6 and Elise S have been discontinued in favor of these new, lighter Lotus Elise models.
Looking back to the Lotus Espirit, the exclusive automaker has re-introduced the "Sport" designation for its lighter, more performance-ready models. The Elise, introduced two decades ago, continues to inspire teenage wall art, sport driving enthusiasm, and the occasional electric car mod. In many ways, the little Lotus has set benchmarks for the entry-level supercar sector.
The new Lotus Elise Sport and Elise Sport 220 begin with a significant weight reduction - a total of 10 kilos (22 lb) each. The Elise Sport weighs just 866 kg (1,909 lb). The Sport 220 tips the scale at only 914 kg (2,015 pounds) and offers more power and torque than the previous models. The Elise Sport 220 has a 0-60 mph (0-96.5 km/h) time of just 4.2 seconds, a top speed of 145 mph (233 km/h), and peak power outputs of 217 horsepower (162 kW) and 185 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque.
Other changes include popular Lotus exterior colors and the return of the classic tartan trim option. Exterior colors include Solid Red, Solid Yellow, and others in Metallic (Green, Blue, Silver, White, Grey, Orange, Black). Signature Grey is also available. The tartan interior was introduced in 1976 on the Lotus Espirit S1 and is returning now as an iconic throwback and brash statement.
The weight reduction in the new Lotus Elise Sport and Sport 220 means more efficiency for the buyer's pocketbook in terms of price paid and savings at the fuel pump. The Elise Sport model begins at £29,900 / €39,900 (US$45,550) and the Elise Sport 220 at £36,500 / €48,700 (US$55,600).
Fuel economy comes through the power to weight ratio of the new Elise models at just 155 bhp/tonne for the Elise Sport and 237 bph/tonne for the Sport 220. Fuel use ratings are now 56.5 mpg (4 l/100km) and 47.9 mpg (5 l/100km) for the Sport and Sport 220 respectively. An optional forged wheel design upgrade removes another 5 kg (11 lb) from the Elise Sport or Sport 220's weight, further improving speed and economy.
The Lotus Elise Sport and Lotus Elise Sport 220 enter showrooms in Europe in December 2015 and around the rest of the globe in January 2016.
Source: Lotus
