Geneva Preview: 2011 Lotus Elise gets Evora-esque facelift
For the first time in over seven years, the venerable LotusElise benefits from a estimable facelift. As well as if you’re seeing a couple of cues cribbed from the Evora, your eyes aren’t personification tricks upon you.
However, the new front fascia isn’t just there to lend some familial ties to the 2+2 kin – given this is Lotus, it’s all about potency. Thanks to the smoother, lower nose, restyled headlamps Rightaway with daytime running lights), incomparable grille and side ducting, brandnew engine cover and reworked posterior, the 2011 Elise’s coefficient of drag has been reduced by four percent.
A 1.8-liter remains amidships, putting out 192 hp in naturally aspirated guise and 217 hp when versed with the supercharger, as well as for a first time Lotus will be offering a brandnew Toyota-sourced 1.6-liter engine – which will not be accessible in North America – with 134 hp (at 6,800 rpm) as well as 118 pound-feet of torque During 4,400 rpm), that should outcome in the 0-60 time of around six seconds. A six-speed primer stays standard upon all models, as well as two brandnew lightweight fake wheels are available as an option, along with cruise control.
Expect a 2011 Lotus Elise to arrive in dealers across the pond this April , with sales in the U.S. commencement after this year.
REFURBISH: We’ve perceived word that the 1.6-liter will not be accessible in the U.S. or Canada. Both a UK-spec as well as U.S.-spec press recover after available after a jump.
Gallery:2011 Lotus Elise
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Lotus announces new, restyled 2011 Elise as well as Elise SC
A Lotus Elise revolutionized the sports car market 14 years ago when the small, lightweight and agile 2-seat mid-engine sports automobile was introduced. By ensuring which a Elise stuck rigidly to Lotus’ core values of opening through light weight, a Elise was able to produce supercar opening with city car saving and for the 2011 model year, Lotus has introduced the series of changes and improvements to maintain a class heading position of a Elise.
The 2011 Elise range for a US and Canadian markets will include of a following versions:
• Lotus Elise – 1.8 liter, 4-cylinder engine with 189 hp as well as 133 ft.-lbs. of torque
• Lotus Elise SC – 1.8 liter supercharged 4-cylinder engine with 218 hp as well as 156 ft.-lbs. of torque
Key updates and improvements across the 2011 Lotus Elise line:
• New evolution body design incorporating brandnew front clamshell, back fender and engine cover
• Brandnew all-in-one integrated headlights incorporating LED daylight using lights as well as LED direction indicators
• Improved aerodynamics with a 4 percent rebate in Coefficient of Draw towards (Cd), ensuing in improved fuel economy
• Brandnew standard expel as well as accessible forged wheels
The physique – an evolution
The bra ndnew 2011 Elise range will enter the US and Canadian markets in the late summer of 2010. A body of the new 2011 Elise is an evolution of a iconic Elise pattern, maintaining the character and style, while offering a more planted, eloquent stance as well as a pristine, contemporary demeanour which links it to a Evora. As with all Lotus products, the pattern is an sparkling blend of thespian style and organic efficiency.
The brandnew Elise body has a uninformed sculptured front, including a new bumper, front clam and access panel which mix to give the Elise a wider, more planted stance upon a road.
At a rear of a car a mid-engine compartment has been encased by a new, distinctive “twin-spine” engine cover whilst lower down upon a behind of the Elise a some-more assertive diffuser is tightly wrapped by an superb brandnew fender design that rightaway includes a back license plate.
Brandnew headlamp units with distinctively sculptured LED lighting guides (incorporating daytime running lamps as well as citation indicators) give the contemporary twist to this classic design. Elsewhere, the signature Lotus “mouth” and informed sculptured forms have been sensitively refined to give the crisper, more dynamic look. A repositioning of lamp functions has enabled a creation of the broad purify aspect in between the fenders which combines with sleek corner intakes and the prominent splitter item to give a broader more planted position.
The theme of virginity is carried by to a cooling apertures that are well finished with a new lightweight aluminium filigree that gives the car the classically sporting character.
The rear case is now opened from the cockpit rather than around the separate key operation. The high peculiarity feel of a Elise is continued via the automobile with the Elise graphic incorporated into the new side LED citation indicators, similarto those on the Evora.
A driving position, from a ideally positioned pedals and steering circle to a comfortable as well as supportive seats with ProBax** record, means which, similarto all Lotus cars, the driver becomes part of the car rstherthan than being just the passenger.
With the sleek brandnew body, a 2011 Elise’s aerodynamics have softened with a 4 percent reduction in the fellow of draw towards (Cd).
Eventually, the choice of dual beautiful, li ght we ight circle designs have been accessible. Brandnew standard cast amalgamate wheels have been designed privately for the Elise. Additionally, new discre tionary forged alloy wheels will be accessible that import only 64.5 lbs. per set, 4.7 lbs. lighter than a set of expel amalgamate wheels. Both wheel sets are available in silver or black.
Dany Bahar, Chief Senior manager of Group Lotus pronounced, “A Lotus Elise revolutionized the sports car when it was launched 14 years ago and for this year the Lotus Elise has become greener, giving drivers access to category leading performance with less guilt.”
Donato Coco, Executive of Pattern during Lotus said, “A Elise is an iconic sports car and it was important that we did not mystify the design, so we made a automobile more pure in the look, softened the aerodynamics, and gave it a more contemporary look w ith high peculiarity detailing.”
Paul Newsome, Director of Lotus Product Engineering pronounced, “We have been always looking at ways of gripping the Elise forward of its peers as well as for the 2011 model year we have improved efficiency without losing the inherited fun that has done a Elise legendary.”
Andreas Prillmann, Arch Blurb Officer for Lotus Cars pronounced, “In the 14 years of production the Elise has accounted for 32% of all a 61 years of Lotus prolongation, illustrating how poignant to a brand as well as good desired it is. A 2011 Elise is greener, purer as well as more desirable, making it even more applicable in today’s marketplace. A brandnew Elise underlines Lotus’ repute as one of a most innovative sports car manufacturers in a world.”
A 2011 Elise in more item: Framework A Lotus Elise is built around a insubordinate and award winning extruded and connected aluminum framework, with a lightweight steel rear subframe. The chassis weighs just 150 lbs. and has the torsional acerbity of 9,800 Nm per degree, giving a high turn of precise control of the cessation tuning. During the back, and also acting as a rear energy absorbing pile-up structure, the lightweight steel subframe carries the engine and gearbox. At the front, the radiator and key ancillaries have been mounted into a tall tech composite appetite absorbing crash makeup that is both lightweight, compact as well as over three times more energy absorbing than a equivalent steel structure.
Engine – Elise
Power for the Elise is delivered through the high-tech as well as reliable 2ZZ-GE 1.8-liter 4- cylinder, 16-valve engine with Smart Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) from Toyota. Comparison for the Elise because of its compact size, light weight and tall outl ay, the Lotus-tuned e ngine is rated at 189 peak horsepower during 7,800 rpm, delivering 133 ft.- lbs. of torque during 6,800 rpm. VVT-i technology allows a engine increased low-end torque for better increase in speed from a standstill while additionally enhancing high-speed opening. A pursuit of removing energy to a belligerent falls to the smooth-shifting, all-aluminum C64 six-speed manual gearbox, also sourced from Toyota. Lotus engineers designed an ultra precise shift linkage mechanism for quick, certain rigging shifts, transforming the transmission into a perfect tool for harnessing every ounce of a Elise’s opening potential.
Engine – Elise SC
The 2011 Elise SC has a energy enlarge over a standard Elise from 189hp to 218hp (15%) and torque increase from 133 ft.-lbs. to 156 ft.-lbs. (17%) via an Eaton rotor pack non-intercooled supercharger designed generally for the Elise.
The Lotus-designed, Magnuson-produced supercharger is assimilated to the intake plural plenum as partial of the single-piece cast of characters. Total with the absence of an intercooler and its associated pipework, this integrated supercharger/intake plural public contributes to a 17.6 lbs. rebate in engine weight compared to a Exige S as well as no compromis e to rear view counterpart visib ility which is masked by a stream intercooler installation on a Exige S.
In gripping with the role as a supremely fast road automobile rstherthan than impassioned track appurtenance, stifle reply is really on-going but also really direct, ensuing in the totalled, refined driving knowledge. As you competence expect of a car with 218hp and weighing usually about a ton, a performance of a 2011 Elise SC is astonishing with 0-60 mph acceleration time in a midst four second operation.
Both the naturally-aspirated Elise and a Elise SC’s supercharged engine have been completely tranquil by Lotus’ own bespoke T6 E ngine Management Control System.
Float as well as doing
A legendary Lotus ride and handling gives the superb high performance, sporty drive, combined with the agreeable ride and progressive upon limit doing, it creates a Elise a car which demands to be driven.
A Lotus Elise is asingle of the lightest entirely homologated sports cars in the universe. This low weight translates into fit performance wit h minimal environmental impact in conditions of emissions as well as fuel consumption. A potency of the Elise structure means that a 189 hp in Elise form or 218 hp in a Elise SC delivers unusual performance.
Couple of cars can match a sweetmeat and accuracy of the steering, throttle and brakes of the Elise and all of these factors minister to the excellent pushing knowledge of the Elise.
Safety
A Elise has tall performance AP Racing callipers at the front and Brembo callipers during the back related to 11.1″ (282 mm) vented as well as cross-drilled cast iron discs to give glorious interlude energy.
The Elise comes as standard with a lane tuned ABS complement which is designed to be unobtrusive underneath normal driving conditions. This syst em is written to be used upon lane and has the high threshold, usually intervening in emergencies. A ABS system is related to the lightweight pedal box with steel pedal arms as well as extruded aluminium pads. This section additionally has an electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle for discerning, well-spoken as well as some-more linear engine reply.
A impressive braking joined with excellent handling gives great first reserve as well as the composite front crash structure as well as back pile-up insurance offers efficient secondary safety. Driver and newcomer airbags and pre-tensioning seatbelt are standard on all Elise models.
*The Lotus Elise is currently undergoing EC Whole Car Sort Approval and official for fuel expenditure as well as CO2 emissions figures, plus performance total have been not yet available.
**”ProBaxTM” seats Introduced for 2006 Indication Year Lotus Exige and Elise cars, ProBaxTM seats are designed by Lotus as well as specifically blending and developed by NuBax. ProBaxTM seats help to significantly improve the postural position of a occupant’s spinalcolumn whilst seated compared to identical seat shells but ProBaxTM technology. This not only results in an improved level of joy, though additionally has poignant medical benefits – maintaining a natural curvature of the spinalcolumn, as well as markedly mending a body’s red blood upsurge. Increased blood flow has been s hown to enhance response times, lift alertness levels and revoke the conflict of muscle fatigue. Tests on Lotus seats, with the new ProBaxTM record, have shown an alleviation in blood upsurge of up to thirty per cent over a pre-2006 Indication Year Lotus seat.
The new Lotus Elise probably has the lowes t CO2 for the opening for any gasoline high opening sportscar in a universe
A Lotus Elise revolutionised the sportscar marketplace 14 years ago when the tiny lightweight flexible 2-seat mid engine sportscar was introduced. By ensuring that a Elise stuck rigidly to Lotus’ core values of performance by light weight, the Elise was able to furnish supercar opening with city car saving.
Creation its debut at the 80th General Geneva Motorshow, the 2011 indication year Lotus Elise introduces a series of changes as well as improvements to say its category leading position.
For the 2011 model year, a Elise range will consist of the following variants:Lotus Elise – 136 PS, less than 155 g of CO2 /km – new 1.6 litre engine *Lotus Elise R – 192 PS, 196 g of CO2 /km – 1.8 litre engineLotus Elise SC – 220 PS, 199 g of CO2 /km – 1.8 litre supercharged engine
Key changes as well as improvements to the total of the 2011 model year Elise range
New evolution physique design incorporating new front clamshell, rear bumper as well as engine coverNew all in asingle integrated headlights including LED day light using lights and LED citation indicatorsImproved aerodynamics w ith a rebate in Cd by 4%, resulting in better fuel economyNew cast as well as fake wheelsVehicle guaranty increased from 2 years to 3 years as well as 36, 000 miles
One more changes for the 2011 model year entry turn Lotus Elise
Brandnew tall technology 1ZR-FAE 1.6 litre engine with Valvematic and Twin VVT-I technology to optimise a performance and potency of the engine
Less than 155 g of CO2 per km (an alleviation of over 13% compared to the 2010 Elise S)*
Total fuel consumption 6.14 litres / 100 km (46 mpg)*
New 6 speed close ratio gearbox
Journey control available as partial of a Furloughed pack
The body – an expansion
The new 2011 indication year Elise operation is upon sale now and will be in showrooms from April 20 10. The body of a brandnew 2011 model year Elise is an evolution of the iconic Elise design, maintaining a character and style, while charity the more planted, purposeful stance and the pristine, contemporary demeanour which links it to a Evora. As with all Lotus product a pattern is an exciting mix of dramatic style as well as functional efficiency
The new Elise body has the fresh sculptured front, togetherwith the new bumper, front clam and access panel whi ch mix to give the Elise the wider look with more road participation.
During a rear of the car the new engine has been encased by a distinctive “twin-spine” engine cover while reduce down a some-more aggressive diffuser is tightly wrapped by an elegant new fender pattern which rightaway includes the back licence image.
Brandnew headlamp units with distinctively sculptured LED lighting guides (incorporating daytime running lamps and citation indicators) give the contemporary twist to this classic pattern. Elsewhere, a signature, Lotus “mouth” as well as familiar sculptured forms have been tenderly refined to give a crisper, some-more energetic look. The repositioning of lamp functions has enabled the origination of extended clean surface in between the fenders which combines with neat corner intakes and prominent splitter detail to give a broader more planted stance.
A theme of virginity is carried through to a cooling apertures that are efficiently accomplished with a brandnew lightweight aluminium mesh that gives the automobile a classically sporting impression.
A back boot is rightaway non-stop from a cockpit rather than via the separate pass operation. A tall peculiarity feel of the Elise is continued via a automobile with a Elise striking incorporated into a brandnew side LED direction indicators, like those on the Evora.
The pushing position, from a ideally positioned pedals as well as steering wheel, to a comfortable as well as understanding seats with ProBax** record equatesto which, similarto all Lotus cars, the driver becomes partial of a automobile rather than being just a passenger.
With a sleek brandnew physique the aerodynamics have improved giving a reduction in a coefficient of draw towards of 4%.
Eventually, a choice of two pleasing, light weight circle designs are accessible; an incredibly light fake wheel and the new cast circle completes a design for this sensitive refurbish of a Lotus Idol.
Additional changes to a 2011 model year Lotus Elise
The brandnew 2011 model year Elise has a number of additional changes as well as improvements, with the designation of a brandnew modernized 1.6 litre Valvematic engine meeting EURO 5 regulations. This brandnew engine is 200cc smaller than the effusive Elise S indication and produces similar energy (136 PS, 100 kW, 134 hp at 6800 rpm) with maximum torque of 160 Nm, 118 lbft during 4400 rpm, but offers a significant alleviation to fuel saving of over 23%, to 6.14 litres / 100km (46 mpg)* and a reduction in CO2 emission by some-more than 13%*. This provides a brandnew Lotus Elise with the lowest CO2 per performance for any gas oline high performance sportscar in the world. This tall technology engine is mated to the brandnew 6-speed primer gearbox, onconditionthat closer as well as some-more performance orientated ratios than the effusive 5 speed box.
A 1.6 litre engine is tranquil around a bespoke Lotus T6 engine government complement. Journey control is available on the Elise for the initial time with the controls benefaction upon a petiole located to a left of a steering column.
Brandnew expel wheels have been designed specifically for the Elise and a new optional fake wheels weigh just 29.26 kg per set, 2.14 kg lighter than a set of lightweight expel versions. Both are accessible in silver or black colour.
Dany Bahar, Arch Executive of Organisation Lotus said, “The Lotus Elise revolutionised the sportscar when it was launched 14 years ago and rightaway a Lotus Elise has turn greener, giving drivers access to class heading opening with reduction guilt.”
Donato Coco, Executive of Pattern said, “The Elise is an iconic sportscar as well as it was important that you did not mystify its design, so we made the car more pure in its look, improved the aerodynamics, as well as gave it the some-more contemporary look with high quality detailing.”
Paul Newsome, Director of Lotus Product Engineering said, “You are regularly seeking at ways of gripping the Elise ahead of the peers as well as for a 2011 model year you have softened potency without losing a innate fun which has made a Elise mythological.”
Andreas Prillmann, Chief Commercial Officer for Lotus Cars pronounced, “In its 14 years of prolongation a Elise has accounted for 32% of all a 61 years of Lotus prolongation, illustrating how significant to the brand and well loved it is. The 2011 model year Elise is greener, purer and more desirable, making it even some-more relevant to today’s marketplace. A new Elise underlines Lotus’ repute as one of a most innovative sports automobile manufacturers in a universe.”
Performance
Lotus Elise
0 – 60 mph 6.0 seconds*
0 – 100 km/h 6.7 seconds*
Maximum speed 200 km/h (124 mph)*
Lotus Elise R
0 – 60 mph 5.1 seconds
0 – 100 km/h 5.4 seconds
Maximum speed 222 km/h (138 mph)
Lotus Elise SC
0 – 60 mph 4.3 seconds
0 – 100 km/h 4.6 seconds
Maximum speed 233 km/h (145 mph)
A 2011 indication year Elise in some-more detail.
A El ise – a entry model
Engine
The Lotus Elise introduces the brandnew 1598 cm3, 1ZR-FAE engine, provided by Toyota. A pass to this engine’s performance as well as efficiency is a Valvematic complement The variable valve lift resource, which is combined with the dual VVT-i Non-static Valve Timing-intelligent). A engine continuously controls mon eycomingin valve opening/closing timing and the intake valve lift to vary a volume of the intake airflow, giving poignant improvements in efficiency and fuel saving. This ensures optimal opening based on the engines operational condition, toillustrate helping a Elise achieve both high fuel potency and tall performance.
First of all, a limit en ergy output is completed at near maximum revs (engine speed) of 6800 rpm as well as limit torque (a respectable 160 Nm, 118 lb.ft) is reached at 4400 rpm. This gives the good multiple of mid range lift but also encourages a driver to rev the engine to the limit permitted engine speed of 7000 rpm Transitory rev extent. Like all Elise sportscars, there are three change up lights, upon a binnacle cumulatively lighting when the motorist is getting closer to a rev limiter as well as when all three are bright, they flash to prove that the driver is almost upon the rev limiter so time to change up a rigging!
A tallness of the engine cover has been lifted by 34mm to accommodate a taller 1ZR engine compared to a previous 1ZZ engine from a outgoing model due, in partial, to a additional Valvematic record included upon a brandnew engine. This has given Lotus engineers an event to subtly redesign the rear engine cover to match a design theme from the front as well as rear of a car.
Chassis
A Lotus Elise is built around the revolutionary and award winning extruded as well as bonded aluminium framework, with a lightweight steel rear subframe. The framework weighs 68 kg (150 lbs) and has the rigidity of 9,800 Nm per degree, giving the tall level of control of a suspension. At a back, and additionally behaving as a back appetite absorbing crash structure, a lightweight steel subframe carries the engine and gearbox. At the front, the radiator as well as pass ancillaries are mounted into a tall tech composite appetite interesting crash structure that is both lightweight, compact and over 3 times some-more appetite absorbing than a equivalent steel makeup.
Float as well as doing
The mythological Lotus ride as well as doing gives the superb high performance, sporty expostulate, combined with a compliant ride as well as progressive on limit handling, it makes a Elise a car that final to be driven.
The entry level Lotus Elise weighs 876 kg, making it one of the lightest fully homologated sportscars in the world. This low weight translates into efficient opening with minimal environmental stroke in conditions of emissions and fuel expenditure. A potency of the Elise structure means that the 136 PS (100 kW, 134 hp) delivers phenomenal opening.
Couple of cars can compare the delicacy and correctness of a steering, stifle as well as b rakes of the Elise as well as all of these factors contribute to the glorious driving experience of a Elise.
Reserve
The Elis e has high performance AP Racing callipers at the front as well as Brembo callipers at the rear linked to 282 mm vented as well as cross-drilled cast iron discs to give glorious stopping energy.
A Elise comes as standard with the track tuned ABS complement that is written to be unobtrusive under normal driving conditions. This system is written to be used upon track as well as has a high threshold, usually intervening in emergencies.
A ABS complement is related to a lightweight pedal box with steel pedal arms as well as extruded aluminium pads. This section also has an electronic (drive-by-wire) stifle for discerning, smooth as well as more linear engine response.
The impressive braking coupled with excellent doing gives good primary safety and the combination front pile-up makeup and rear crash protection offers efficient secondary safety. Driver and passenger airbags as well as pre-tensioning seatbelt are customary upon all Elise models.
Prices will be announced in March 2010.
*The Lotus Elise is currently undergoing EC Total Car Typ e Approval and official fuel consumption and CO2 emissions total, and performance total have been not nonetheless available. A official figures for fuel expenditure and CO2 emissions and performance will be published on Group Lotus plc’s web site as soon as they turn accessible (www.grouplotus.com) or may be obtained from a PR Department, Lotus Cars Limited, Potash Lane, Hethel, Norfolk, NR14 8EZ, UK.
**”ProBax™” seats
Introduced for 2006 Model Year Lotus Exige as well as E lise cars, ProBax™ seats are written by Lotus as well as specifically adapted and developed by NuBax. ProBax™ seats assistance to significantly improve a postural position of the occupant’s spine whilst seated compared to identical sea t shells without ProBax technology. This not usually formula in an improved level of joy, though also has significant healing benefits – maintaining a natural span of the spinalcolumn, as well as markedly improving the body’s red blood flow. Increased blood upsurge has been shown to enhance reply times, raise alertness levels as well as reduce a onset of muscle tired. Tests on Lotus seats, with a new ProBax™ record, have shown an improvement in blood upsurge of up to thirty per cent over the pre-2006 Model Year Lotus seat.
