The Latest Lotus Elise Collection 1 Sports activities Automobile

A overview of The Latest Lotus Elise Collection 1 Sports activities Automobile, masking growth, vital options, and technical knowledge of this the twenty ninth mannequin within the Lotus vary.On this Article, I provide a nostalgic take a look at the Latest Lotus Elise Collection 1, one in every of an elite group of basic vehicles, which was manufactured throughout the interval 1996 to 2000.The Lotus Elise Collection 1Originally, in 1994, the Lotus Elise sports activities automobile was projected as a two seater, mid-engined, low manufacturing convertible.It featured a fibreglass physique on a light-weight aluminium spaceframe chassis, along with a galvanised metal subframe which supported the engine.It was powered by an all aluminium Rover Okay-Collection, 1796 cc, Four-cylinder, 16 valve, double overhead cam engine.Fitted with gasoline injection, it developed 118 bhp at 5500 rpm, and 122 ft/lbs of torque at 3000 rpm.With its excessive power-to-weight ratio, it produced a prime pace of 126 mph, with a Zero-60 mph time of 5.eight secs.The Collection 1 Elise was launched in 1996, and was designated the Sort 111.Elisa, the granddaughter of the chairman of Lotus and Bugatti, leant her identify to the Elise.Julian Thomson, head of design at Lotus, was instrumental within the automobile’s styling.It had impartial suspension all spherical, a 5 pace gearbox, and disc brakes fitted on all wheels.

With the passenger’s seat mounted, the adjustable driver’s seat was positioned close to the centre of the automobile, so maximising peripheral imaginative and prescient.The Lotus Elise GTIIntroduced in 1997, and designated the Sort 115, the Lotus Elise GT1 sports activities racer was powered by a 3506 cc, twin turbo, V8 engine, growing 580 bhp at 7500 rpm, and 288 ft/lbs of torque at 6500 rpm.With a physique made out of carbon fibre on an Elise spaceframe chassis, and fitted with a Hewland six pace gearbox, it had a prime pace of 195 mph, with a Zero-60 mph time of three.eight secs.It used vented disc brakes all spherical.At the least one GTI sports activities automobile was inbuilt a avenue authorized format.The Lotus Elise Sport 135The Lotus Elise Sport 135 sports activities automobile was launched in November 1998 as a restricted version of 50 models, and its Rover Okay-Collection engine was modified to develop 135 bhp.It was fitted with an in depth ratio gearbox, sports activities exhaust, stiffened suspension, drilled disc brakes, metallic silver paint with a blue tinge, sports activities seats, roll over bar, and distinctive Sport 135 physique graphics.In 1999, extra models have been constructed which featured Elise 111S wheels, and “Sport 135 99” logos.The 50th Anniversary EditionThe 50th Anniversary Lotus Elise was a restricted version variant of simply 50 models, based mostly on the usual Elise.Launched in late 1998, the wheels have been gold colored, it had leather-based seats, however the sole color was inexperienced.The Lotus Elise 111SWith a designation based mostly on the Elise Sort 111, the 111S was initially given the identify Elise Dash.It was launched in early 1999 on the Geneva Motor Present because the Lotus Elise 111S sports activities automobile, and turned out to be the most well-liked of the uprated Elise fashions.It was powered by the 1.eight litre Rover Okay-Collection Variable Valve Management (VVC) engine. The VVC addition helped produce higher respiratory at larger revs.Coupled with a modified cylinder head, it developed 143 bhp. This engine variant gave rise to a wider and smoother energy band.With an in depth ratio gearbox and decrease ratio last drive, it had a prime pace of 133 mph, produced a Zero-60 mph time of 5.Four secs, and a Zero-100 mph time of 14.Four secs.It featured extensive rear tyres, disc brakes all spherical, a rear spoiler, a grille that seemed like an egg crate, uprated springs and dampers, six spoke highway wheels, and elective 111S logos.In August 1999, the Elise 111S was changed by the Lotus Sports activities 160, which developed 160 bhp.The Lotus Elise Sport 160The Lotus Elise Sport 160 sports activities automobile was launched in February 2000, and featured an uprated Sport 135 cylinder head, and a brand new camshaft and EFI engine administration system.

Fitted with a catalytic converter and Sport exhaust, it developed 160 bhp at 7000 rpm, and 178 ft/lbs of torque at 5000 rpm.Many regarded this mannequin as the perfect Collection 1 Elise.In June 2000, the Elise 111S was phased out and changed by the Sport 160 and Sport 160S, of which the later was fitted with sports activities suspension, an in depth ratio gearbox, and a taller rear wing.Every was fitted with 5 spoke race wheels, both six or eight inches in width.In July 2000, a package was supplied to extend the output of the engine to 190 bhp, as within the Elise Sport 190.This marked the top of the Lotus Elise Collection 1Perhaps this stroll down reminiscence lane may need answered, or no less than make clear, a doable query:

Which Lotus Sports activities Automobile is Your Favorite?Nonetheless, ought to this query nonetheless stay unanswered, I can be reviewing, in some element, in future articles inside this web site, the complete 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”.