Lotus Reveal Lightest Elise Since Original
Lotus has returned to its roots and “added lightness” to its latest Elise roadster. The boutique British brand has revealed a mild update for its entry-level two-seater, which includes the introduction of a new Sprint variant that h
Lotus has returned to its roots and "added lightness" to its latest Elise roadster.
The boutique British brand has revealed a mild update for its entry-level two-seater, which includes the introduction of a new Sprint variant that has a host of lightweight features that culminate in the most significant weight reduction since the car was launched over 20 years ago.
While all 2017 Elise variants receive blink-and-you'll-miss-it new front and rear bumpers as well as interior upgrades such as the open-gate gear lever first introduced on the Exige Sport 350, the Sprint offers the most significant changes. Among the lightweight alterations is a smaller lithium-ion battery, carbon-fibre race seats, forged alloy wheels, a polycarbonate rear window and carbon fibre bootlid and roll hoop covers. With a combined weight saving of 26kg - along with other light weight measures introduced across the entire Elise range - the Sprint tips the scales at just 798kg, making it the lightest Elise variant since the original arrived in 2006.