Lotus Elise Mk2 Guide

Years: 2001-2011 / Layout: Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive / Body style: 2-door roadster / Engine: 1.8 L Rover K-series I4, 1.8 L Toyota 1ZZ-FE I4, 1.8 L Toyota 2ZZ-GE I4 / Wheelbase: 2,300 mm (90.6 in) / Length: 3,785 mm (149 in) / Width: 1,719 mm (67.7 in) / Height: 2002–07: 1,143 mm (45.0 in), 2008–2011: 1,117 mm (44.0 in) / Weight: 860 kg (1,896 lb) – 910 kg (2,006 lb)

In 2000, Lotus introduced the Series 2 model, which used a modified Series 1 chassis and a Lotus-developed ECU (engine control unit). While all Elise Series 2 models were based on an 1.8L engine from either Rover or Toyota, outputs evolved from 118 HP to 218 HP and some versions benefited from a non-intercooled, turbocharged solution. The updated Elise got some important design and body modifications. The new bodywork improved aerodynamic downforce by incorporating ground-effect diffuser at the bottom of rear end and unlike the previous 111S, the rear spoiler in the Mk 2 Elise was an integral part of the glass fiber body. Moreover, the body is shaped such that the distribution of downforce coincides with the distribution of weight, creating a more consistent handling experience at all speeds.

The second Mk 2 variant to come along was the S3 Elise 111. It was basically a standard Elise equipped with the VVC (variable valve control) version of the Rover K-series engine, offering considerably more punch hence performance. The engine was revised, now producing 160hp, a 15hp jump from the Mk 1 111S and full 40hp more than the standard Elise. 0-60mph times were almost a half-second faster than the base Elise and coupled with the newly revised ratios in the 5-speed, the Elise 111 was a wonderful all around performance car.

In 2004 we saw an important Elise in the S2 111R, a car built for the U.S market. In order to let the Elise to enter the largest sports car market in the world, Lotus decided to find another engine because the K-series engine did not comply with the emission regulations. They first contacted Honda for its 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine, but it was Toyota who eventually agreed to supply its 1.8-litre VVTL-i engine to Lotus, together with a 6-speed gearbox.

2007 saw the introduction of a new base model, now called the Elise S. Loss of the Rover K series engine had temporarily created a hole in Lotus’ portfolio and its disappearance from the range was not good news for entry level sports car lovers across the globe. The challenge of plugging the gap has now been addressed with the launch of the new Lotus Elise S. The other exciting model in the second generation Elise was the 2008 Lotus Elise SC. Supercharging is not a new idea to the Elise family, as its sister car Exige S already employed this technology to improve power and torque. This was the first time an Elise model had supercharging and it was a beast of a car. Lotus claimed the Elise SC can top 150 mph, accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and do 0-100 mph in 10.7 seconds.

Lotus Elise Mk2 Model Variants

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