The age-old recipe of shedding weight works every time
When will Lotus stop trying to make its cars ever lighter? Never, we hope, as the game is too addictive to quit.
A solid proof for that is what Lotus just did to the Elise, its entry-level model. Engineers took what was already a ridiculously light vehicle and shed a further 41 kg (90 lb), resulting in a dry weight of 798 kg (1,759 lb).
They did that by using lightweight parts, and since their work had to be seen, a "Sprint" badge has been added to the car's name. While at it, Lotus also updated Elise's front and rear, and gave it some interior upgrades.
Available to order from Lotus dealers now and arriving in showrooms this spring, the Sprint edition can be had both on the standard Elise Sport (naturally aspirated 1.6L) and the Elise Sport 220 (supercharged 1.8L). Sprint-badged models will sit above the Elise Sport models and below the range-topping Elise Cup 250.
Standard lightweight components used on the Elise Sprint include a Lithium-Ion battery that saves 9 kg, carbon race seats (-6 kg), lightweight forged alloy wheels (-5 kg), as well as carbon access panel, roll hoop cover and engine cover, and polycarbonate rear screen (-6 kg).
All these parts cut shave 26 kg off the Elise Sport and Sport 220's dry weight, but the optional two-piece brake discs cut a further 4 kg, with the carbon sill covers also contributing to a reduction of 0.8 kg.
As a result, the Elise Sprint and Elise Sprint 220 now accelerate quicker from 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) — in 5.9 seconds and 4.1 seconds, respectively. Lotus also says cornering abilities are improved thanks to the power-to-weight ratios of 168 hp/metric ton (Elise Sprint) and 257 hp/metric ton (Elise Sprint 220).
Besides the weight diet, the Sprint sports an updated exterior including a matt black transom panel, black wheels with contrasting metal spun rims, side stripes, and Sprint badging.
Inside, Sprint models get a series of enhancements including the lightweight open-gate gear select mechanism first seen on the Lotus Exige Sport 350. Other distinctive features are the bodywork color inserts for the sports seats, transmission console and HVAC surround, and Sprint badge stitching. Customers can also get optional Alcantara trim for the doors, sills, seats, and vents surrounds.
Prices for Sprint models start from £37,300 for the Elise Sprint and £44,300 for the Elise Sprint 220.