Vehicle Type:
Lightweight, high-performance sports car
Era:
90s/early 2000s pure sports car
Competitors Contemporary:
Porsche Boxster, Caterham 7, Ariel Atom (in spirit), TVR Griffith
Chassis Design:
Bonded aluminum extruded section chassis for exceptional rigidity and low weight
Body Construction:
Fiberglass composite body panels
Driving Experience:
Renowned for its direct steering, exceptional handling, and minimalist driving experience
Engine:
Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for the Rover K-Series engine
Transmission:
Service and repair for the gearbox (likely PG1)
Suspension:
Comprehensive coverage of front and rear suspension systems, including geometry adjustments
Brakes:
Repair and maintenance for the braking system, including ABS (if equipped)
Electrical:
In-depth troubleshooting and repair of all electrical systems, including detailed wiring diagrams
Bodywork:
Procedures for body panel repair, alignment, and trim components
Cooling System:
Maintenance and repair of the cooling system, including radiator and fan
Fuel System:
Service and repair for fuel delivery and injection systems
Exhaust System:
Repair and replacement guidance for the exhaust components
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, including electrical faults
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement, from minor to major
Rebuilds:
Complete disassembly and reassembly guidance for major components like the engine and transmission
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid types and capacities
Diagrams:
Detailed illustrations, drawings, and photos for all procedures
Electrical Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for easy electrical system diagnosis
Depth:
From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Target Audience:
Suitable for both experienced mechanics and enthusiastic DIYers
Compatibility:
Compatible with all PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac
Printability:
All pages printable without restriction
Illustrations Quality:
High-quality illustrations, drawings, and photos
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Delivery Method:
Instant Download link on checkout page after payment
Software Requirement:
Adobe PDF Reader
Engine Type:
Rover K-Series (VHPD - Very High Performance Derivative)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 118 hp (standard Elise S1), up to 145 hp (later models/Sport 135) - *Manual will cover the exact variants specified.*
Torque:
Approx. 122 lb-ft (standard Elise S1)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON / 91 AKI)
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition
Cooling Medium:
Water-cooled
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transaxle
Gearbox Model:
Likely Lotus specification of Rover PG1
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic operated, dry single plate clutch
Gearbox Oil Specification:
Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. (Example: Castrol Syntrans SMX-80W90 or similar)
Length:
Approx. 3726 mm (146.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1100 mm (43.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2300 mm (90.6 in)
Kerb Weight:
Approx. 720 kg (1587 lbs)
Weight Distribution:
Near 50/50 due to mid-engine layout
Crash Test Data:
No extensive official crash test data available due to low volume niche production, but designed for occupant safety within its class.
Braking System:
Hydraulic, dual-circuit, vacuum-assisted with ABS (optional on some early models, standard on later ones).
Traction Control:
Not typically equipped on this generation
Airbags:
Driver's airbag typically standard, passenger airbag not common on early models.
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll-over structure within the chassis and windshield frame
Audio System:
Basic radio/cassette or CD player, often with two speakers. Aftermarket upgrades common.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (optional or standard depending on model year/market)
Bluetooth:
Not factory equipped
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges for speed, RPM, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. Minimal digital readouts.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise recommendation)
Major Service Interval:
Refer to manual for detailed schedule, often includes cambelt check/replacement (if applicable to the K-series derivative) and coolant flush.
Engine Oil Specification:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 10W-40 or 15W-50 synthetic) and API/ACEA rating. (Example: Castrol GTX 10W-40 or Motul 300V 15W-50)
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, pre-mixed or concentrate. (Example: Pre-mixed OAT coolant)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 minimum, preferably DOT 4 High Performance or DOT 5.1. (Example: Castrol Response DOT 4)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change (refer to manual)
Cooling System Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts) (refer to manual)
Engine Gaskets:
Head gasket failure is a known potential issue on K-series engines, particularly if consistently overheated or poorly maintained.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch can wear faster than average in spirited driving conditions.
Electrical Gremlins:
Like many older sports cars, can be prone to minor electrical issues if wiring insulation degrades or connections corrode.
Corrosion:
While the chassis is aluminum, other components and fasteners can be susceptible to corrosion if not cared for.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Example: Mann-Filter W719/5, Purflux LS383, Fram PH5794 (Always verify with manual/parts catalog)
Air Filter Part Number:
Example: Mann-Filter C26012, K&N 33-2052 (Always verify with manual/parts catalog)
Lotus Philosophy:
Colin Chapman's 'Simplify, then add lightness' principle
Lotus Legacy:
Long history of producing lightweight, driver-focused sports cars and racing cars
Elise Introduction:
Launched in 1996 to revive Lotus's core values
S1 Variants:
Base Elise, Elise S1 Type 111, Elise 111S (with variable valve timing for increased power), Sport 135
Manufacturing Location:
Hethel, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Production Period S1:
1996 - 2001
