Auto Trader NZ
Published 3 September 2020
The Lotus Elise revolutionised the sportscar market 14 years ago when the lightweight, two-seat mid-engine sportscar was introduced, producing supercar performance with city car economy.
The 2011 Lotus Elise retains the character and style of the iconic Elise, but with a fresh sculptured front, including new bumper, front clam, LED headlights and access panel that gives the car a wider look.
At the rear of the car the new engine has been encased by a “twin-spine” engine cover, while lower down a more aggressive diffuser is wrapped by a new bumper design that now includes the rear licence plate.
With the sleek new body Lotus says the aerodynamics have improved giving a reduction in the coefficient of drag of 4%.
The new 2011 model year Elise features a new 1.6 litre Valvematic engine meeting Euro 5 regulations. This new engine is 200cc smaller than the outgoing Elise S model and produces similar power (136 PS, 100 kW, 134 hp at 6800 rpm) with maximum torque of 160 Nm, 118 lbft at 4400 rpm, but offers an improvement to fuel economy of over 23%, to 6.14 litres / 100km (46 mpg)* and a reduction in CO2 emission by more than 13%*.
This engine is mated to a new 6-speed manual gearbox, replacing the outgoing 5-speed box.
Cruise control is available on the Elise for the first time.
The base model will reportedly reach 100kph in 6.7 seconds, and has a top speed of 200kph. The higher spec Lotus Elise SC will reach the hundred in 4.6 seconds, topping out at 233kph.
The new 2011 model year Elise range will be in showrooms from April 2010.
