Built by Lotus Sport Special Vehicles Operations at Hethel, Norfolk, this race version of the Elise is fitted with Lotus Sport Original Performance Products and is intended for circuit use only.
The development and selection of ultra-lightweight competition accessories, including specially manufactured lightweight front and rear clamshells, reduce the overall vehicle weight to 670 kg.
The result is a stunning power to weight ratio of 283.6 bhp per tonne which, combined with the legendary Lotus ride & handling and a close ratio gearbox, gives performance that until now only super league cars could deliver.
The Lotus Sport Elise accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) in 4.4 seconds and from 0-160 km/h in 10.7 seconds (0-100mph in 10.9s).
Race developed brake pads and track specification brake discs are mounted for use with slicks. The competition springs and dampers lower the car by 40mm while maintaining the roll axis of the car relative to the ground. This enables the track car to handle with the same peerless characteristics as the standard Elise.
A full safety kit has been installed, including a RAC approved roll cage with diagonal bracing for circuit use, a competition seat with a six point harness exclusive to the Elise and a higher rate (stiffened) front anti-roll bar.
The Lotus Sport Elise also mounts a competition silencer kit reducing overall weight and enhancing noise quality, a specially designed competition air filter and carbon fibre cold air box, a catalyst replacement pipe, an oil cooler kit, a lightweight competition battery with master switch, a non-locking fuel cap and a lightweight, polycarbonate rear screen. A removable steering wheel completes the competition package.
Tested extensively on the track, the Lotus Sport Elise performs with the aptitude and dynamics of a finely tuned thoroughbred mid-engine racecar - a true Lotus in which enthusiasts can competitively drive the Elise to wins in many categories and classes of motorsport.
Text and photos courtesy of Lotuscars
