Positioning:
The Lotus Elise Series 1 and Exige Series 1 are iconic lightweight sports cars renowned for their exceptional handling and driver engagement. They occupy a niche in the performance car market focused on purity of driving experience.
Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, Caterham 7, Ariel Atom (though more track-focused)
Chassis:
Extruded aluminum monocoque chassis offering exceptional rigidity and low weight.
Engine:
Mid-mounted Rover K-Series 1.8L DOHC 16-valve engine, often featuring VVC (Variable Valve Control) for improved performance across the rev range.
Aerodynamics:
Designed for significant downforce, especially on the Exige model.
Engine:
Rover K-Series VVC (Variable Valve Control) Engine (1.8L)
Engine Management:
ECU, sensors, fuel injection, ignition system
Transmission:
PG1 5-Speed Manual Transaxle
Clutch:
Hydraulic clutch system
Brakes:
Front AP Racing 4-piston calipers, Rear Lotus-designed calipers, ABS (where fitted)
Suspension:
Double wishbone front and rear, adjustable dampers, coilovers
Steering:
Rack and pinion, power assisted (optional)
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ancillary electronics
Bodywork:
Composite body panels, chassis construction, doors, windows, aerodynamics
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, HVAC, trim components
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, error code interpretation
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system service, suspension component replacement, electrical repairs
Refurbishment:
Procedures for restoring worn components and systems
Restoration:
Guidance on bringing vehicles back to original specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork repair.
Description:
Rover K-Series 1.8L (1796cc) DOHC 16-valve Inline-4, with VVC (Variable Valve Control) in many variants.
Horsepower Elise:
118 hp (88 kW) for standard Elise, up to 135 hp (101 kW) for Elise S1 Type 25.
Horsepower Exige:
177 hp (132 kW) for Exige Series 1.
Torque Elise:
120 lb-ft (163 Nm) for standard Elise, 133 lb-ft (180 Nm) for Elise S1 Type 25.
Torque Exige:
170 lb-ft (230 Nm) for Exige Series 1.
Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with electronic control.
Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Petrol) - typically 95 RON or higher.
Type:
Liquid-cooled, pressurized system with engine-driven water pump and radiator.
Type:
Lotus PG1 5-speed manual transaxle.
Type:
N/A (Manual transmission only for this generation).
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios vary by model year and variant; manual contains detailed charts.
Type:
GL4 rated 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (e.g., Castrol Syntrans GL4 or equivalent).
Length:
Approx. 3741 mm (Elise S1), 3813 mm (Exige S1)
Height:
Approx. 1150 mm (Elise S1), 1140 mm (Exige S1)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2300 mm
Curb Weight Elise:
Approx. 720 kg (760 kg for Type 72)
Curb Weight Exige:
Approx. 875 kg
Capacity:
Minimal; typically a small luggage compartment behind the seats.
Crash Test Results:
Not independently tested by major agencies due to low production volume and niche market.
Braking System:
High-performance disc brakes, ABS optional on some Elise models, standard on Exige.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/model dependent.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts, racing harnesses available/fitted on some models.
Rollover Protection:
Integrated rollover hoop structure within the chassis.
Oil Change:
Every 12 months or 6,000 miles (9,650 km), whichever comes first.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 12 months/6,000 miles, replace as needed or every 24 months/12,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 36,000 miles (57,900 km) or 3 years.
Coolant Flush:
Every 3 years.
Engine Oil:
API SJ/SL or ACEA A3/B3/B4, SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50 (check manual for VVC specific viscosity recommendations).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant, suitable for aluminium engines (e.g., Havoline XCL or equivalent).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 High Performance (e.g., Castrol Response DOT 4).
Head Gasket:
The Rover K-series engine is known for potential head gasket failure if overheated or poorly maintained. Regular coolant checks and prompt attention to leaks are crucial.
Vvc Mechanism:
The VVC unit can develop issues if not properly maintained or if oil levels are low. The manual details its inspection and service.
Clutch Release Bearing:
Can wear over time, leading to noise or difficulty in engagement. Manual details replacement.
Chassis Corrosion:
While the aluminum chassis is resistant, fasteners and certain areas can be susceptible to corrosion if exposed to harsh environments without care. Manual provides guidance on inspection.
Philosophy:
Lotus Cars has a long history of producing lightweight, agile sports cars focused on handling and driver feedback, founded by Colin Chapman.
Elise S1 Development:
Launched in 1996, the Elise Series 1 was designed to revive Lotus's focus on pure sports car driving. It featured a revolutionary extruded aluminum chassis and composite body panels.
Exige S1 Development:
Launched in 1999, the Exige Series 1 was a track-focused variant of the Elise, featuring a fixed roof, larger spoiler, more powerful engine (VVC), and aerodynamic enhancements.
Manufacturing Location:
Hethel, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Production Years:
Elise S1: 1996-2001; Exige S1: 1999-2000
