| Production | 1996–2001 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8 L Rover K-Series I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2,300 mm (90.6 in) |
| Length | 3,726 mm (146.7 in) |
| Width | 1,719 mm (67.7 in) |
| Height | 1,202 mm (47.3 in) |
| Kerb weight | 725 kg (1,598.4 lb) ~ 755 kg (1,660 lb) |
| Related | Lotus 340R Vauxhall VX220/Opel Speedster Lotus Elise GT1 |
| Designer(s) | Julian Thomson |
The 1996 Lotus Elise weighed 725 kg (1,600 lb). Because of its relatively low weight, it was able to accelerate 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.8 seconds despite its relatively low power output of 118 bhp (88 kW; 120 PS). Braking, cornering, and fuel consumption are also improved by the car's reduced weight.
Series 1 was designed by Julian Thomson, then head of design at Lotus, and Richard Rackham, Lotus's chief engineer.
Besides the standard higher-performance variants listed below, Lotus also released some limited edition models such as Sport 135 (1998/9) with approx 145 bhp (108 kW; 147 PS), Sport 160 (2000) with 150–160 bhp (112–119 kW; 152–162 PS), and Sport 190 (190 bhp (142 kW; 193 PS)). These were more competent on track with sports suspension, wheels and tyres, seats according to model. There were other special editions such as the 50th Anniversary Edition (green/gold) celebrating 50 years of Lotus cars, the Type 49 ("Gold Leaf" red and white two-tone), and Type 79 ("JPS" black/gold) which refers to its successful Grand Prix car type numbers.
Read more about this topic: Lotus Elise
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