🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Lotus

Model:

Elise S2

Year:

2001 Onwards

Chassis Code:

Type 111

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Lightweight Sports Car / Track-Focused Road Car

Competitors Era:

Porsche Boxster, Honda S2000, BMW Z3/Z4, Toyota MR2 (SW20/ZZW30)

Design Philosophy:

Minimalist, lightweight construction, exceptional handling, driver-focused experience.

Chassis Construction:

Aluminum monocoque chassis providing exceptional rigidity and low weight.

Aerodynamics:

Focus on downforce generation and aerodynamic efficiency for high-speed stability.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Workshop Repair and Service

Estimated Pages:

Likely 500+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

K Series Engine (Introduction, Content, Description, Operation, Overhaul, Data, Torque, Tools)

Engine Management:

Engine Management & Fuel Injection

Transmission:

PG1 Manual Gearbox (Introduction, Description, Operation, Data, Torque, Tools)

Chassis Suspension Front:

Front Suspension

Chassis Suspension Rear:

Rear Suspension

Chassis Steering:

Steering System

Chassis Brakes:

Brake System & Pedal Box

Chassis Wheels Tyres:

Wheels & Tyres

Bodywork Exterior:

Body Care & Repair, Body Fittings

HVAC:

Heating & Ventilation

Electrical:

Electrics

Fuel System:

Fuel System

Cooling System:

Engine Cooling

Clutch System:

Clutch

Maintenance General:

Maintenance & Lubrication

Maintenance Tasks:

Regular maintenance checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication.

Engine Overhaul:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, component replacement, timing belt/chain service (if applicable).

Transmission Repair:

Manual gearbox disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.

Suspension Repair:

Front and rear suspension component diagnosis, replacement, and alignment procedures.

Brake System Repair:

Brake caliper, disc, pad replacement, bleeding procedures, pedal box adjustments.

Steering System Repair:

Steering rack and column diagnosis and repair.

Bodywork Repair:

Panel repair, replacement, and body fitting adjustments.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting common electrical faults.

Fuel System Repair:

Fuel pump, injector, and fuel line servicing.

Cooling System Service:

Radiator, fan, thermostat, and coolant hose replacement and flushing.

Clutch Replacement:

Clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing replacement.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repairs, including full engine and transmission overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader

Quality:

Professional quality, designed for clear viewing and potential printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Rover K Series (Naturally Aspirated)

Engine Displacement:

Typically 1.8 Liters (1796cc)

Engine Configuration:

Inline-4 Cylinder, Mid-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 118 hp (120 PS) to 160 hp (162 PS) depending on variant (e.g., standard, VVC)

Torque Range:

Approx. 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (Gasoline)

Bore X Stroke:

80.0 mm x 89.3 mm (for 1.8L)

Compression Ratio:

Typically 11.5:1

Engine Control Unit:

ECU (specific model varies, e.g., MEMS)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Lotus PG1 (Rover R65) 5-Speed Manual Transaxle

Type:

No automatic transmission offered for Elise S2 models covered by this manual.

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios detailed in the manual, typically optimized for performance.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, single dry plate clutch.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3,785 mm (149.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,700 mm (66.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,120 mm (44.1 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,300 mm (90.6 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 700-750 kg (1,543-1,653 lbs), varies with specification.

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Refer to vehicle placard/manual specific to VIN.

Trunk Capacity:

Minimal, typically behind the engine for tools/small items.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

As a low-volume sports car, formal crash test ratings (e.g., NHTSA, Euro NCAP) may be limited or unavailable. Focus is on inherent safety through lightweight construction and driver control.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front, solid rear typical), ABS optional or standard depending on market and year.

Traction Control:

Traction control system (TCS) may be present on later or higher-spec models.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts.

Roll Protection:

Integrated roll bar and windscreen hoop for occupant protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic factory radio/CD player typical for the era. Aftermarket upgrades are common.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional or later standard feature depending on market. Manual will cover its operation and diagnostics.

Connectivity Features:

Limited to basic audio connectivity; no integrated navigation or smartphone integration from factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 12 months or 10,000 miles (16,000 km), whichever comes first. Check manual for exact recommendation based on usage.

Major Service:

Refer to manual for specific interval for tasks like timing belt inspection/replacement (if applicable to specific K-series variant), coolant flush, brake fluid change.

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH/SJ, ACEA A2/A3. Viscosity typically 10W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic. Refer to manual for precise specification.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., OAT, HOAT).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Gearbox Oil:

API GL-4 75W-90 or 75W-80 synthetic transmission oil. Refer to manual for exact specification.

Engine Head Gasket:

The K Series engine is known for potential head gasket issues, especially if overheated or poorly maintained. The manual will cover inspection and replacement procedures.

Clutch Slave Cylinder:

Potential for clutch slave cylinder leaks or failure. Manual will detail replacement.

Corrosion:

While the chassis is aluminum, steel subframes and other components can be susceptible to corrosion. Body care section is crucial.

Electrical Gremlins:

As with many older sports cars, minor electrical issues can arise. The detailed 'Electrics' section is vital for diagnosis.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

United Kingdom

Brand Philosophy:

Emphasis on lightweight sports cars, pure driving dynamics, and racing pedigree.

Elise Generation:

Series 2 (S2) introduced in 2001, evolving from the original Series 1.

S2 Updates:

Features revised bodywork, improved chassis dynamics, and updated powertrain options.

Production Period S2:

2001 - 2010 (various iterations)

Manufacturing Location:

Hethel, Norfolk, United Kingdom

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Driving Dynamics Accolades:

The Elise series is universally praised for its exceptional handling and steering feedback, often cited in automotive journalism as a benchmark for sports car dynamics.

Performance Reviews:

Consistently receives high marks for performance, agility, and driver engagement from automotive publications worldwide.