Lotus Torques up New Range Topping Elise

LOTUS TORQUES UP NEW RANGE TOPPING ELISE

The Lotus Elise, the epitome of a light weight, compact high performance mid- engined sports car, receives a performance and economy boost for the 2012 model year with the arrival of a new range topping variant, the Lotus Elise S.

Fitted with a new supercharged engine that boasts an extra 40 Nm of torque with significantly lower toque and power peaks, the Lotus Elise S enables the driver to even more fully and easily able to exploit the remarkable chassis abilities of the Elise with its new levels of drivability.

The new 2ZRFE engine fitted to the Elise uses a Roots-type supercharger driven from the crankshaft by a belt, which means a lag-free performance boost that remains proportional to the engine speed. The new supercharger has been developed in partnership with Magnuson and incorporates the latest technology, including the Eaton TVS Twin Vortices Series that reduces noise, vibration and harshness compared to other forms of Supercharger.

The Elise S also benefits from the fitment of an air to water intercooler that improves the density of the air entering the engine by cooling it and, thereby, the volumetric efficiency of the engine. The Lotus desire for compact, light and efficient design even extends to the engine with the intake manifold, intercooler and supercharger all integrated into one light, compact casing.

Also new for the engine is an oil cooler that extends engine life, reduces the heat load on the engine and radiator, increases the oil capacity and reduces under bonnet temperatures.

Further enhancing the driveability of the Lotus Elise S is a revised gearbox with new first and second gears that enable 100 kmh to be reached without a dog leg gearchange into third gear and a higher sixth gear for relaxed and economical cruising.

The changes combine to enable the Elise S, on one hand, to blast to 100 kmh in 4.6 seconds and, where law permits, on to 160 kmh in 10.8 seconds, while also be able to boast a 10 per cent improvement in fuel consumption with a new combined fuel figure of 7.5 l/100 km and a CO2 figure of just 180 g/km.

Both the Elise and Elise S benefit from changes to the chassis electronics with modifications to Lotus Dynamic Performance Management system (DPM) providing less intervention in Sport mode and, when it does intervene, smoother and more progressive intervention.

The 2012 Lotus Elise range opens with the Elise at a recommended retail price of $67,990, excluding statutory charges, delivery and dealer costs, with the Elise S entering the market with the a recommended retail price of $79,990 excluding statutory charges, delivery and dealer costs. The limited edition Lotus Elise Club Racer sits between these two versions of the Elise with a recommended retail price of $68,990 excluding statutory charges, delivery and dealer costs.

The Lotus Elise

The Lotus Elise is the epitome of the Lotus ethos of minimum weight and the minimum number of parts deployed in the most effective manner to produce a car that is entirely focussed on providing the driver with a driving experience that, in terms of performance, chassis, steering response and involvement is as close to a racing car as it is possible to achieve in a road going car. Yet, while the Elise is highly capable on the race track, it is more than capable of being a car for regular daily use

It is, therefore, no surprise that it is also one of the most successful and acclaimed models that Lotus has produced, accounting for 42 per cent of its sales to date. The technology developed for the Elise, its bonded and extruded aluminium chassis and composite crash structure, has also been used with great success for other car makers and other Lotus models.

Now in its third incarnation following its launch in 1996, the Lotus Elise has a design that is a clear evolution of the original car, with a crisper cleaner, more dynamic look with a more planted, purposeful shape. This has been provided by new bumpers, blended headlights, new engine cover, a more aggressive rear diffuser and new detailing.

Manufactured by Lotus Lightweight Structures, the Elise boasts the world’s first bonded and extruded aluminium chassis. It is produced by combining extruded aluminium sections that are bonded together, a combination that produces a total weight for the chassis of just 68 kg. But lightness does not mean a lack of strength. Indeed, its structure will absorb three times as much energy in an accident as an equivalent steel structure and with a stiffness of 10,800 Nm/degree; it provides the ideal basis for accurate, responsive suspension.

The Lotus Elise is powered by a choice of two Toyota sourced engines providing a combination of reliability and durability which have been ‘tweaked’ by Lotus with a Lotus-developed Engine Management System to provide the performance characteristics required of a Lotus sports car. The normally aspirated 1.6 litre engine provides 100 kW, sufficient to push the lightweightElise to 100 kmh in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 204 kmh. The Elise S is the ultimate evolution of the Elise. It has a 1.8 litre, supercharged, high-revving engine producing an incredible 163 kW. This provides mid-range thrust from the supercharger and deliver a high-rev punch. Top speed is 233 kmh and 0-100 kmh is achieved in 4.6 seconds, which, when combined with the natural agility and chassis performance of the Elise places it on the cusp of supercar territory in real life on road conditions.

This remarkable engine performance is achieved with a wide range of advanced technologies, including on the 1.6 litre engine, Valvematic variable valve lift that produces a more effective combustion process, reducing pumping losses, increased power and a sharper response from the engine. Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing) on both intake and exhaust camshafts enabling phasing for optimised power, torque and economy through the engine operating range. The Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) enables optimised power and torque delivery through the engine operating range via a variable length induction system and the Direct Ignition System (DIS) provides improved control of the combustion process.

The chassis of the Lotus Elise is a blend of the mechanical and the electronic that provides a unique driving experience that is responsive, sharp, with perfect handling and, yet, at the same time safe, allowing both the expert and the novice to enjoy a superb driving experience on the road or the race track.

The mechanical side starts with the weight balance provided by the mid engine layout, which is biased by 62 per cent to the rear in an unladen car. It continues with a mechanical layout that is the synthesis of more than five decades of Lotus expertise, comprising of fully independent suspension utilizing unequal length wishbones, Bilstein Sports mono-tube gas damper, Eibach coaxial coil springs at each corner and front anti-roll bar.

Electronically, the Lotus Elise can boast the full range of acronyms, starting with CBC or Corner Brake Control, which redistributes brake force during cornering to ensure braking during corners does not throw the car off the desired line. Drag Torque Control (DTC) eliminates torque induced wheel lock up during quick down shifts by matching engine and road speeds; the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) has been calibrated specifically for the Elise to maximise safety and minimise its intervention and maximise driver enjoyment. The ABS brakes are fitted with the latest Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) to enable the driver to get the absolute maximum stopping power when required and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) to cope with changing grip levels. The Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Traction Control System (TCS) ensure that under all conditions the Elise can lay down the maximum power and torque safely and effectively.

For track use with the exception of the ABS, HBA and EBD, these systems may be turned off to enable the driver to have maximum fun and enjoyment.

The Lotus Elise is not a luxury car. But, nor is it a stripped track-day only special. It has the equipment and features to ensure that daily use is a practical reality and, as such can bring the ‘Lotus rush’ to everyday commuting.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, electric windows, central locking with alarm system, easy-remove soft top roof, leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, twin air bags and a four speaker digital audio system. The ProBax Sports seats are worth a special mention. Using technology derived from Formula One, these light weight composite seats mould themselves around the driver and passenger to grip them in unobtrusive but effective manner to enable them to enjoy and fullyutilise the high levels of grip and therefore lateral g-forces offered by the Elise.

TECHNICAL Specifications

Lotus Elise / Lotus Elise SC
Engine Code / 1ZR-FAE / 2ZR-FE
Engine / Mid-mounted, transverse, engine, aluminium lightweight and compact construction, 4 cylinders in line, water cooled, naturally aspirated with double overhead camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder, valvematic, dual variable valve timing, acoustic control induction system, direct ignition system, electronic throttle control system-intelligent / Mid-mounted, transverse, engine, aluminium lightweight aluminium lightweight and compact construction, 4 cylinders in line, water cooled, Chain driven Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, dual variable valve timing, acoustic control induction system, direct ignition system, Lotus electronic throttle control system
Magnuson R900 supercharger utilising Eaton TVS™ technology
Capacity / 1598 cc / 1797
Bore and Stroke / 80.5/78.5 / 82.0/88.3
Compression ratio / 10.7:1 / 10.0:1
Engine Management / Lotus Te6 / Lotus Te4
Power kW/rpm / 100 kW/6800 / 163 kW/6800
Torque NM/rpm / 160 NM/4400 / 250/4600
Emissions / Three-way catalytic converter.Euro V emissions compliant with full On-Board Diagnostics (OBD).
Transmission / C60 Gearbox, aluminium lightweight construction, 6-speed, constantmesh helical gears and open differential.
Ratios / 1st / 3.538:1 / 3.538:1
2nd / 1.913:1 / 1.913:1
3rd / 1.310:1 / 1.310:1
4th / 0.971:1 / 0.971:1
5th / 0.818:1 / 0.818:1
6th / 0.700:1 / 0.700:1
Reverse / 3.333:1 / 3.250:1
Final Drive / 4.294:1 / 4.529:1
Suspension / Fully independent suspension utilizing unequal length wishbones, Bilstein Sports mono-tube gas damper, Eibach coaxial coil spring at each corner and front anti-roll bar.
Chassis / Lotus designed lightweight structure of epoxy bonded aluminium alloy extrusions with integral steel seat-belt support structure and lightweight steel rear subframe.
Chassis Electronics
(All apart from * can be completely switched off) / Corner Brake Control (CBC)
Drag Torque Control (DTC)
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)*
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)*
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)* / Corner Brake Control (CBC)
Drag Torque Control (DTC)
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)*
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)*
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)*
Steering / Solidly mounted mechanical rack and pinion steering box with 2.8 turns lock-to-lock.
Brakes / Servo-assisted, track tuned 4-channel Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Lotus/AP-Racing twin-piston fixed aluminium alloy front brake calipers, Brembo single-piston sliding rear calipers and 282 mm diameter, 26 mm thick front and rear cast-iron ventilated discs.
Wheels / Y spoked Hi-Power Silver 12-spoke lightweight alloy wheels 7.5 x 17”
Tyres / Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 LTS 225/45 R17
Performance
0-100 kmh (secs) / 6.5 / 4.6
0-160 kmh (secs) / 18.6 / 10.8
Max speed (kmh) / 204 / 233
Fuel Consumption
Urban (l/100 km) / 8.31 / TBC
Extra Urban (l/100 km) / 5.04 / TBC
Combined (l/100 km) / 6.28 / 7.5
CO2 (G/km) / 149 / 180
Dimensions (mm)
Wheelbase / 2300
Track front/rear / 1457/1507
Length / 3785
Width no mirrors/mirrors / 1719/1850
Overhang front/rear / 783/702
Ramp angle f/r degrees / 13.5/23
Ground clearance / 130
Fuel tank (l) / 43.5
Weights
Unladen / 876 / 880
Weight distribution f/r / 38%/62%
Drag coefficient / 0.41
STANDARD EQUIPMENT AND OPTIONS S – Standard; O – Optional; N/A – Not available
Lotus Elise / Lotus Elise S
Exterior
Front Mud Flaps / S / S
Black Soft Top / S / S
Hard Top / O / O
Solid Paint / S / S
Metallic Paint / O / O
Lifestyle Paint / O / O
Rear Diffuser, silver / S / S
Remote Central locking with alarm / S / S
Interior
Aluminium Passenger foot rest / S / S
Leather sun visors / S / S
Aluminiumfoot well divider / S / S
Leather trimmed steering wheel / S / S
Leather trimmed gear knob / S / S
Driver and Passenger air bags / S / S
Radio/CD player with four speakers / S / S
Engine Start button / S / S
Carpet Mats / S / S
ProBax Sports seats / S / S
Pre tensioning seat belts / S / S

(ends)

For further information, please contact

Glen Sealey

/ Tel: +61 2 8577 8070
General Manager / Fax: +61 2 8577 8079
Lotus Australia and New Zealand / E:

Edward Rowe

/ Tel: +61 2 8577 8015
Public Relations Manager / Fax: +61 2 8577 8199
Lotus Australia and New Zealand / Mob: +61 407 913 244
E:
Lotus Media web site:
Australia:
New Zealand:

Release Number: Lotus_058

Date of release: 4/4/2019 12:36:46 PM

Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd

Street Address: 862 – 874 Elizabeth St Waterloo NSW 2017 Australia.

Postal Address: Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd,Locked Bag 5018, Alexandria, NSW 2015, Australia

Telephone: 02 8577 8000; Direct Telephone 02 8577 8015 Fax: 02 8577 8199. Mobile +61 0407 913 244

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