Market Segment:
Lightweight sports car, performance, enthusiast vehicle
Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, Honda S2000, BMW Z3
Design Philosophy:
Simplicity, lightweight construction, pure driving experience
Chassis Type:
Bonded extruded aluminum chassis (Lotus 'lightweight' philosophy)
Body Construction:
Fiberglass composite body panels
Engine:
Rover K-Series 1.8L Naturally Aspirated
Engine Management:
ECU, sensors, ignition system, fuel injection
Transmission:
Manual Gearbox (e.g., PG1)
Drivetrain:
Clutch, differential, drive shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, geometry, alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear braking systems, hydraulic circuits, ABS (if applicable)
Steering:
Steering rack, column, linkage
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrumentation
Bodywork:
Chassis, body panels, doors, hood, interior trim
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (if equipped)
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common fault finding, symptom analysis
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, assembly, and installation
Adjustment:
Component adjustments, settings, calibrations
Torquing Specs:
Tightening torques for critical fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized service tools
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to detailed component overhauls)
Pictorials:
Detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, drawings, and photos
Diagnostics:
Includes diagnostic information and procedures
Wear Limits:
Specifications for wear limits on various components
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code:
Rover K-Series VVC (Variable Valve Control) or non-VVC variants
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Horsepower Range:
118 hp to 145 hp (depending on VVC and specific market tune)
Torque Range:
118 lb-ft to 122 lb-ft (depending on VVC and specific market tune)
Induction:
Multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Crash Test Performance:
Designed for lightweight sports car application; specific independent ratings may vary or not be directly comparable to modern standards.
Braking:
Girling or AP Racing brakes (dual circuit hydraulic system)
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll-over hoop within the windscreen frame, structural integrity of the chassis
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts
Oil Change:
Every 6,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first)
Major Service:
Refer to manual for specific major service intervals (e.g., cambelt check/replacement if applicable to specific K-Series variants).
Engine Oil:
10W-40 or 10W-50 Synthetic (e.g., Castrol Magnatec, Motul 300V)
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant with anti-corrosion additives (e.g., Prestone, Comma)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (High performance, low moisture absorption recommended)
Gearbox Oil:
75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., Castrol Syntrans, Fuchs Titan)
Head Gasket:
Potential for head gasket failure on K-Series engines, especially if not properly maintained or pushed hard; correct torque procedures and coolant levels are critical.
Clutch Wear:
Can be subject to wear depending on driving style, especially for spirited driving.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in suspension bushings can affect handling and ride quality over time.
Philosophy:
Lotus's long-standing commitment to lightweight, minimalist sports cars and racing heritage.
Development Goal:
To create a pure, driver-focused sports car with exceptional handling and feedback, inspired by the Lotus Seven.
Manufacturing Location:
Hethel, Norfolk, United Kingdom
