2011
Lotus
Elise
The Elise demonstrated conclusively that a 118 hp sports car could provide more driving involvement and circuit entertainment than a 500 hp rival, its influence on the entire automotive industry's understanding of light...
1996–2021
In Uncommon
164
Public vehicles
0
Owners
The story
The Lotus Elise is the most pure embodiment of Colin Chapman's founding philosophy: add lightness. Debuting in 1996 with an extruded aluminum chassis bonded with aerospace adhesives and a Toyota engine producing just 118 hp, it weighed a remarkable 690 kg. The result was a sports car that outhandled everything costing five times more simply through the mechanical advantage of extreme lightness and perfect weight distribution.
It kept Colin Chapman's philosophy alive for a generation that never met him.
History
Developed under Lotus CEO Romano Artioli's ownership, the Elise was named for his granddaughter. The Series 1 used a Rover K-series engine; the Series 2 switched to more reliable Toyota powerplants from 2001. The 111R, 111S, and SC variants progressively increased power while the supercharged Elise S became the definitive road version at 220 hp in the final Series 3. Production ended in 2021 after more than 35,000 units globally, making it the best-selling Lotus of all time.
On track
The Lotus Elise Cup race series ran globally, providing close, affordable road-car based competition. The Elise and its derivatives competed in numerous national series and formed the basis of the Exige race program. Its combination of light weight and balance made it one of the most effective track day tools ever built.
How they show up
Years in the garage
- 200539
- 199821
- 199916
- 200012
- 200610
Colors people run
- Some Modifications7
- U.S. Title5
- Mostly Unmodified5
- Unmodified4
- California-Owned2
Popular trims
S
13
111s
9
Sport 220
6
Sc
3
111r
1
Sport 135
1
Generations
2001
Series 2 (2001–2011)
1996
Series 1 (1996–2001)
Common questions
01
What is Lotus Elise on Uncommon?
The Lotus Elise is the most pure embodiment of Colin Chapman's founding philosophy: add lightness. Debuting in 1996 with an extruded aluminum chassis bonded...
02
How do I find Lotus Elise owners on Uncommon?
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History
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Driving
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