LOTUS
ELISE
LOTUS
ELISE
Famously named after Elisa, the grand-daughter of Romano Artioli the then chairman of Lotus, the Elise was developed around a forward-thinking aluminium chassis design. Designed in-house as a successor to the Lotus Elan, the Elise was a genuinely pioneering car that rewrote the rule book on lightweight automotive engineering.
Over the years, the Lotus Elise has achieved iconic status in the motor industry, thought by many to be a once-in-a-generation achievement. Launched in 1996 with a list price of just £18,995, the Elise created a more accessible entry point into sportscar culture and Lotus ownership. The Series 1 Elise (commonly referred to as the Lotus Elise S1) was followed by the Elise S2 in 2000, and by the Lotus Elise S3 launching in 2010.
With its groundbreaking extruded and bonded aluminium chassis, the Lotus Elise was truly ahead of its time. Designed by Richard Rackham, it was a world-first system, providing a rigid platform for the suspension while minimising weight and production costs. The Elise body was made from fibreglass, and the total car weight was just 725 kg.
Power for the Elise came from Rover’s 1.8-litre 118bhp K-Series engine, mounted transversely behind the twin seats. Combined with the car’s incredibly light weight, this substantial engine could launch the Elise to 100 kph in just 5.5 seconds. Additionally, the low 470mm centre of gravity boosted its cornering abilities and improved overall handling.
‘The acceleration, the zest, the eye-popping ability to change speed and direction, the sheer unbridled sense of motion – these are what make driving the Elise so special and intense.’
CAR magazine 1996
In typical Lotus style, the Elise delivers taut and precise driving dynamics, creating an instant connection with the road through its responsive feel and immediate feedback. In August 1996, after taking its first drive in the Elise, CAR magazine wrote: ‘The acceleration, the zest, the eye-popping ability to change speed and direction, the sheer unbridled sense of motion – these are what make driving the Elise so special and intense.’
The rebirth and still-growing popularity of Lotus in club motorsport is a direct result of the continued success of the Elise. The Lotus Cup Europe is one of several one-make racing series around the world, including races in Japan, USA, Italy, Malaysia, and Australia. The UK also has the Elise Trophy.