|
Harking back to some key Lotus sports and GT racer colour schemes
(used on some versions of the Lotus Elite, Type 23, and Lotus Elan)
from the 1950s and 1960s, Lotus introduces the limited edition Lotus
Elise Sports Racer.
Two distinctly different vehicles have been produced. The first, in
Ardent Red, features a single painted white stripe flanked by two
thinner painted white stripes and has distinctive white wing mirrors.
The interior of the car is also unique, with matching red stitching
set against black leather trim.
The second car is Nightfall Blue and has twin painted white stripes
running the length of the vehicle. Again, this car features white wing
mirrors and has a unique interior, subtly matching the exterior of the
vehicle, with blue stitching on the leather.
Both the versions have a coloured (red or blue respectively) Elise
logo stitched into the headrests and unique Elise Sports Racer decals
positioned on the exterior of the car.
The Elise Sports Racer will be built in limited numbers with a total
production run, across the two colours, of 199 units worldwide with
each one given an individually numbered build plate.
Under the blue and red colour schemes, the Elise Sports Racers use
some of the best sports and track specific components available
including ultra-lightweight 7-twin spoke forged alloy wheels (saving a
massive 1.2 kg of unsprung weight per corner), Advan Neova AD07 LTS
tyres linked to sports suspension (uprated Eibach springs and stiffer
Bilstein dampers), twin oil coolers and switchable Lotus Traction
Control (LTC).
The switchable engine-managed Lotus Traction Control System (LTC) is
active above 8 km/h (5 mph) and works through the engine, reducing
power when required to maintain traction. It operates much quicker
than many brake based systems. A Torsen-type limited slip differential
(LSD) is available as an option for tight low speed, high acceleration
driving (such as auto tests).
Standard luxury kit includes a colour matched hardtop, central door
locking, electric windows, interior stowage net, sound insulation
pack, black soft-top with sound/thermal insulation and black full
carpet set.
LED rear lights are fitted which are brighter and the brake lights
illuminate 2 tenths of a second (0.2 seconds) quicker (or one Elise
car length at 70km/h / 43 mph) and are 36% lighter (around 0.6 kg)
than conventional filament bulbs.
The Proven and High Performing Engine and Gearbox
With a VVTL-i engine (Variable Valve Timing and Lift-intelligent)
producing a maximum power output of 141 kW (189 hp or 192 PS) and 181
Nm
(133 lbft or 18.5 kgm) of torque, the Elise Sports Racer sprints to
100km/h in 5.2 seconds (60 mph in 4.9 seconds) and 160km/h (100 mph)
in 13.0 seconds before reaching a certified top speed of 241km/h (150
mph).
This performance is achieved through a balance of environmental
considerations with the fully Euro IV Emissions compliant engine
helping the Elise to return 8.8 litres/100 km (32.1 mpg) on the
combined cycle, as well as the very low figure of 208 g/km of CO2
emissions.
Sometimes steel is lighter than Aluminium! A new lightweight pedal box
The Lotus Elise Sports Racer uses a new lighter weight pedal box with
forged steel pedal arms and extruded aluminium pads. This new unit,
which is lighter that the previous extruded aluminium unit, has an
electronic throttle for quicker and smoother engine response, reduced
brake pedal ratio and improved pedal feel for the brake and throttle.
All three pedals are better positioned for improved "heel and toe"
brake and throttle control on downshifts. The cable-less throttle also
ensures that emissions are managed more effectively and kept as low as
possible under all operating conditions.
Air-conditioning is available as an option and weighs in at a
featherweight 15 kg.
The Lotus Elise Sports Racer is available from Lotus dealers in
November 2005 at a recommended retail price of £31,995 in the UK.
Other world market prices will be issued shortly.
Ends
|
