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2008 Lotus Elise SC – forced induction fun

Lotus have released the latest addition to their 2008 line-up, the Supercharged Elise SC. The supercar for those on a budget the new Elise SC will be easy to spot on the road with its new rear spoiler and unique alloy wheels. Lotus have pulled out all st


Lotus have released the latest addition to their 2008 line-up, the Supercharged Elise SC. The supercar for those on a budget the new Elise SC will be easy to spot on the road with its new rear spoiler and unique alloy wheels. Lotus have pulled out all stops for the giant killer and for the first time ever fitted the Elise with an all-new supercharger installation – the result is 162kW and an electrifying 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds.

If your thinking that this is just a case of shoe-horning the supercharged Exige engine into the Elise, you’d be wrong. Lotus have married the Elise’s 1.8-litre 2-ZZ VVTL-i engine with their in-house designed and Magnuson-produced supercharger. The supercharger uses a smaller Eaton rotor pack (an M45 unit) than that of the Exige S, and a single-piece casting intake manifold plenum.

Combined with the absence of an intercooler and its associated pipe-work, this integrated supercharger/intake assembly contributes to an 8kg reduction in engine weight compared with the Exige S.

“The introduction of the Elise SC opens a new sector for Lotus while maintaining its core values of light weight and extreme performance. The Elise SC combines the practicality of the Elise with its removable roof, great vision and superb response, with the exceptional performance of a supercharger installation. The new Elise SC is a formidable package, the very essence of what a real sports car is all about,” said Jonathan Stretton, Sales & Marketing Manager for Lotus Cars Australia

The Elise SC has been designed to possess different driving characteristics to the Exige S. In keeping with its role as a supremely fast road car rather than extreme track machine, throttle response is very progressive resulting in a measured, more refined driving experience.

The variable camshaft shifting, for example, does not operate at a single point; the switchover can vary between 4000rpm-6200rpm depending on how it’s being driven.

As expected in a car with 162kW and weighing just 870kg, the performance of the Elise SC is stunning: 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds, 0-160km/h in 10.7 seconds and a top speed of 241km/h. Like the 141kW Elise R, the Elise SC runs a six-speed gearbox.

A new bespoke alloy wheel design is introduced to the Elise SC with the rears increasing in width half an inch to 8-inches which offers increased grip from the standard Lotus specific Yokohama AD07 LTS 225/45 R17 tyres.

In addition to this extreme performance, the fuel economy of the Elise SC is equally impressive with an estimated combined figure of 8.5litres/100km.

The Lotus Elise SC is built around a bonded aluminium chassis, with a lightweight steel rear subframe. The chassis itself weighs just 68kg with a stiffness of 9500Nm per degree.

Braking is taken care of by AP Racing calipers at the front and Brembo calipers at the rear along with 282mm vented and cross-drilled cast iron discs – you’d never call an Elise ‘under braked’.

An advanced ABS system incorporates an anti-lock system that keeps a subtly low profile. The ABS system is linked to a lightweight pedal box with steel pedal arms and extruded aluminium pads. This unit also has an electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle for quick, smooth and more linear engine response.

The Elise SC also sees several other enhancements evident across the Elise and Exige including an advanced new MY08 instrument cluster which provides extra information about vehicle systems. This includes servicing reminders in a ‘secret until lit’ technology, so drivers won’t be alerted to such details until deemed necessary.

A new MY08 alarm/immobiliser system has allowed the introduction of a new Lotus designed key with integrated fob, the famous Lotus roundel operating as one of its three functional buttons.

The number of option packs for the Elise has been simplified from four to two, but with increased specification for each and if you want to further personalise your Lotus, there are numerous accessories available.

Paint ranges have been revised for 2008 including the addition of vibrant pearlescent colours. The new Premium Colour Range has been designed to offer further customising and due to the more sophisticated manufacturing process, have been individually priced.

Finally, the Elise SC enjoys a bespoke spoiler mounted onto the rear wing to which provides an aerodynamic and aesthetic difference to other Elise variants. Add to this unique Lotus 6-spoke Y-type lightweight cast alloy wheels and the Elise SC becomes instantly recognisable as the premier model in the Lotus Elise range.

The revised Elise Touring pack now includes:

Full leather or Microfibre suede-effect interior

ProBax Seats

Leather trimmed centre console and handbrake gaiter

Sound system iPod connection

Full carpets (Black), with embroidered ‘Elise’ logo

Auxiliary driving lights

Sound insulation paneling

Retractable aluminium cup holder

The Elise Sport pack includes:

Bilstein sports dampers

Lotus switchable traction control

Twin oil coolers

ProBax Sport seats with harness eyelets

7 twin spoke ultra lightweight forged wheels (Hi-power Silver) with standard AD07 tyres

Touring and Sport packs can also be combined.

Prices:

Elise Touring Pack RRP: $8000

Elise Sport Pack RRP: $7000

The Lotus Elise SC is priced at $104,990, excluding dealer delivery and government charges.

Stand-alone options include Lotus traction control, limited-slip differential and removable hardtop. Further accessories such as adjustable dampers and forged wheels are still available to order through Lotus Aftersales.

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