In the ranks of sports cars Lotus Elise looks rather modest due to its relatively small size, but appearance is deceiving.
The first Elice models were released back in 1996, but later underwent several engineering modifications. The final type we know today is the 2010 version.
Appearance
"Lotus Elice" continues the glorious tradition of futuristic design of nimble and powerful sports cars. Its lightweight and elegant body provides perfect traction. This is possible due to the special design of the bottom, which allows to thin out the incoming air. The car does not break away from the roadbed even at high speeds, turns and bends are passed smoothly. The English roadster has a characteristic “smiling” radiator, two front air intake locks and two additional ones closer to the “tail” that supply air to the side radiators. The teardrop headlights and rounded contours give it the look of a bathyscaphe or spaceship from a fantasy novel. The rear wing is so organically and precisely designed that it is almost invisible at first glance.
Engine
The mentioned side radiators are no coincidence. The engine in the Elice is located not under the bonnet, but aft, making it a typical rear-wheel drive sports car. The Japanese engine VVT-I Toyota 1ZR-FAE with 1.6 liters capacity produces 136 "horses" at 6800 rpm. Maximum motor torque holds at 160 Nm. At first glance, the numbers look dull and not encouraging, given that the rivals quietly give out more than 2 hundred "horses" and up to 400 Nm of torque. However, do not forget about the unprecedented lightness of the car. The complete rig weighs just 876 kilos, while other brands sometimes exceed 1.5 tons. Aerodynamics makes its own contribution: "Alice" hits its max speed of 200 km / h without any problems, and exchanges the first hundred after 6.5 seconds. The consumption of such an engine is also quite sparing: in mixed mode, the sports "Lotus" consumes only 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers, and a capacious 44-liter tank will allow you to cover impressive distances without refueling.
Interior
Inside, the Lotus Elise looks luxurious. The right-hand drive Briton has completely abandoned the central command panel. Instead, all controls are located literally at hand, which allows you to control any parameter almost without distracting from the road. The style and quality of materials and set up are also remarkable. The only drawback of the roadster is considered its "tightness". Two-door sports car rarely boasts spaciousness, and "Lotus" did not escape this fate. The rest of the car does not cause any complaints and will definitely appeal to lovers of fast and comfortable driving.
By the way, if you are still in doubt whether to put Lotus Elise in the garage, try renting it or a similar car on our website to check the driving performance yourself.
