The Early Lotus Elise Sequence 2 Sports activities Automobile

A evaluate of The Early Lotus Elise Sequence 2 Sports activities Automobile, overlaying growth, vital options, and technical information of this the thirty first mannequin within the Lotus vary.On this Article, I supply a nostalgic have a look at the Early Lotus Elise Sequence 2, certainly one of an elite group of traditional vehicles, which was manufactured throughout the interval 2000 to 2003.The Lotus Elise Sequence 2As a results of new European Directives regarding the capacity of vehicles to face up to influence, the Elise Sequence 1could not be produced, in its current format, past 2000.Accordingly, as a way to fund the required growth work, Lotus needed to set up a brand new enterprise partnership.The result was that Basic Motors agreed to help Lotus, with the proviso that Lotus was to construct forthcoming European Opel And Vauxhall sports activities vehicles, utilizing GM energy crops and badges.These GM-branded vehicles have been constructed on the identical manufacturing strains as the present Lotus fashions till they have been discontinued in late 2005.In October 2000, the Lotus Elise Sequence 2 sports activities automobile was launched, and consisted of a redesigned Sequence 1 unit incorporating a modified chassis as a way to accommodate the brand new rules.It had a restyled inside and hood, lowered sills for simpler entry, uprated suspension, and an improved braking system.In 2004, Lotus started the method of changing the Rover Ok-Sequence engine with the Toyota 2ZZ-GE, 1.eight litre, Four-cylinder, 16 valve, double overhead cam engine, with Variable Valve Timing.

A much less extremely tuned model was additionally accessible, within the type of the Toyota 1ZZ.The graceful strains of the Elise Sequence 1 gave strategy to a extra angular type of physique styling within the Sequence 2 variant, which was accessible as Sports activities Tourer or Race Tech variations.The Sports activities Tourer featured leather-based seats, fitted carpets, an audio system, and further cabin storage.The Race model had leather-based seats with carbon trim, drilled disc brakes, redesigned suspension, stiffer springs, and new dampers.Nonetheless, the usual Rover Ok-Sequence engine was retained from the Sequence 1, while a brand new Lotus engine administration unit was added.Fitted with an in depth ratio gearbox, it developed 120 bhp, and produced a high velocity of 125 mph, with a Zero-60 mph time of 5.6 secs, and a Zero-100 mph time of 17.5 secs.In February 2002, air-con was provided as an optionally available further and, a month later, the Cobra immobiliser system was now commonplace tools.Additionally in March 2002, a brand new laborious high was launched.The Lotus Elise 111Based mostly on the Sequence 1 Elise 111 mannequin, the Sequence 2 variant was launched in June 2002.It was powered by the 1.eight litre, Rover Ok-Sequence Variable Valve Management (VVC) engine, fitted with a Lotus K4 engine administration system, which developed 156 bhp at 7000 rpm, and 129 ft/lbs of torque at 4650 rpm.This produced a Zero-60 mph time of 5.1 secs. It used 16 inch entrance wheels, and 17 inch rear wheels.That very same yr, the Sequence 2 Lotus Elise 111S sports activities automobile was launched, powered by the identical 1.eight litre, Rover Ok-Sequence VVC engine.It was provided with both Sports activities Touring or Race Tech specification, and each featured drilled disc brakes, totally different wheels, and metallic a paint.The Sports activities Touring variant included leather-based seats and trim, and fitted carpets.This variant was not fitted with the lengthy roof, and was discontinued in 2005.The Sequence 2 Lotus Elise 111R, designed with a watch for the observe, was powered by the Toyota 1.eight litre, 2ZZ engine.Fitted with a six velocity gearbox, it developed 189 bhp, with a Zero-60 mph time of Four.9 secs.It used a brand new rear subframe, revised rear suspension, and servo assisted ABS brakes that have been observe tuned.The Lotus Elise Sport 135In January 2002, and within the UK solely, the usual Elise Sequence 2 obtained the Sport 135 engine improve, which included an aluminium inlet system, stainless-steel sports activities silencer, and a reprogrammed engine mangement system to enhance energy output. It was now known as the Sequence 2 Lotus Elise Sport 135.This improve resulted in 135 bhp at 6200 rpm, and 129 ft/lbs of torque at 4850 rpm, a high velocity of 129 mph, with a Zero-60 mph time of 5.Four secs, and a Zero-100 mph time of 14.9 secs.In March 2002, this improve was provided to all Sequence 2 Elise house owners, and included an alternate gasoline flowed cylinder head, however not a sports activities exhaust.The Lotus Elise 135R sports activities automobile variant was a observe oriented mannequin with sports activities suspension and wider wheels, and fitted with the identical 135 bhp engine.

In some markets, the Elise 135R was substituted for the Sport 111, which was related, other than the truth that the 135 bhp Rover Ok-Sequence engine was changed by a VVC unit, growing 156 bhp.The Lotus Elise Sport 111With an emphasis on observe use, the Lotus Elise Sport 111 sports activities automobile variant was launched in Could 2003, concentrating on Australia and close by nations, and was primarily based on the Sequence 1 Elise 111, however with the next modifications:
Sports activities suspension
Stiffer springs and dampers
Anti roll bar
OZ 16 spoke wheels
A grille matching the physique color
“Lotus Sport 111” logos
It was powered by the 1.eight litre, Rover Ok-Sequence, VVC engine, which developed 156 bhp.This marked the tip of the Early Lotus Elise Sequence 2Perhaps this stroll down reminiscence lane might need answered, or not less than make clear, a attainable query:Which Lotus Sports activities Automobile is Your Favorite?Nonetheless, ought to this query nonetheless stay unanswered, I might be reviewing, in some element, in future articles inside this web site, all the vary of Lotus sports activities vehicles which have been featured within the memorable period spanning 1952 to 1996.I hope you be part of me in my nostalgic travels “down sports car memory lane”.