Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight sports car, track-focused variant
Competitive Analysis:
Competes with other focused sports cars emphasizing handling and driver engagement
Vehicle Philosophy:
Simplicity, lightweight construction, pure driving experience
Exige Distinction:
Exige variant typically features a more aggressive aerodynamic package and enhanced performance over standard Elise
Diy Repair:
Empowers owners for DIY maintenance and repairs, reducing reliance on specialized workshops
Cost Savings:
Helps avoid unnecessary repair costs by providing accurate diagnostic and repair information
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (Type 280/281/282) operation and repair, clutch assembly
Braking Systems:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if applicable), brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, power steering system (if applicable), steering rack
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, instruments, ECU diagnostics
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis lubrication
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspections
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuild, gearbox overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Component Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for the disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of major components
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including ECU information and fault finding
Wiring Diagrams:
Full-color, detailed wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
File Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchability:
Fully searchable text content
Print Quality:
High-resolution, printable pages
Accessibility:
Compatible with Windows, Mac, iPad, and most eBook readers
Engine Type:
Rover K-Series (K18)
Engine Layout:
Inline 4-cylinder, Mid-engine, Transverse
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Aspiration:
Naturally Aspirated (for standard Elise, Exige may differ)
Horsepower:
Approx. 135-160 hp (depending on specific configuration and region)
Torque:
Approx. 120-135 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
95-98 RON Unleaded Gasoline
ECU Type:
Lotus/Rover ECU (specific part numbers in manual)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transaxle (Lotus Type 280/281/282)
Optional Transmissions:
N/A for this model year
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific L.S.D. compatible gear oil (e.g., Castrol Syntrans)
Length:
Approx. 3700 mm (145.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1150 mm (45.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 700-750 kg (1543-1653 lbs)
Weight Distribution:
Designed for near 50/50 front/rear bias
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash testing due to low volume production, focus on inherent structural integrity
Braking System:
Lotus/AP Racing or Brembo 4-piston calipers with ventilated discs
Traction Control:
Typically not fitted as standard on S2 Elise/Exige
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or omitted for weight saving
Chassis Safety:
Integrated roll cage within the extruded aluminum chassis
Audio System:
Basic radio/CD player (often aftermarket upgrades common)
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges for speed, RPM, oil pressure, water temperature; warning lights
ABS:
Optional on some models, standard on later variants
Traction Control:
Rarely fitted as standard on this generation, focus on driver skill
Connectivity Features:
Minimal; focus on mechanical feedback and driver engagement
Oil Service Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first
Major Service Interval:
Refer to manual for detailed 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 mile intervals
Engine Oil Type:
Fully synthetic 5W-30 or 0W-30 (e.g., Castrol Edge)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., Toyota Super Long Life Coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 High Performance Brake Fluid
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, suspension bushings, brake discs/pads due to spirited driving
Engine Considerations:
Potential for head gasket issues with K-Series if overheated; regular coolant level checks are critical
Oil Filter Part Number:
e.g., Mann-Filter W719/30, Mahle OC205
Air Filter Part Number:
e.g., K&N 33-2041 (performance upgrade)
Philosophy:
Lightweight, simplicity, performance through less weight
Elise Debut:
Series 1 launched in 1996
S2 Elise Launch:
Series 2 launched in 2001, featuring revised chassis and styling
Exige Development:
Exige variant developed as a more track-focused version of the Elise
Manufacturing Location:
Hethel, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Production Period:
Series 2 Elise production ran from 2001 to 2010
