Segment:
Lightweight Sports Car / Track Day Car
Key Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, Alfa Romeo GTV, BMW Z3, Toyota MR2
Design Philosophy:
Lightweight construction, pure driving experience, driver-focused design
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and independent workshops with detailed knowledge for accurate maintenance, diagnosis, and repair, reducing reliance on expensive dealerships.
Engine:
Rover K-Series (various displacements), Engine management, Fuel system, Ignition system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Exhaust system
Transmission:
Manual Gearbox (PG1), Clutch, Driveshafts, Differential
Chassis:
Bonded Aluminium Extruded Section Chassis, Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Brakes (front and rear), Wheels and Tires
Bodywork:
GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Accessories, Battery, Charging System, Starter Motor, ECU
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid), Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper Rebuild, Steering Rack Repair, Electrical Component Troubleshooting and Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, Fault finding charts, Symptom-based diagnosis
Depth:
Comprehensive disassembly and reassembly procedures, detailed component specifications, torque values, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical schematics
Engine Type:
Mid-mounted, Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine Code Family:
Rover K-Series
Displacement Common:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Horsepower Elise Sport 1.8:
118 bhp @ 5500 rpm (typically)
Torque Elise Sport 1.8:
122 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (typically)
Horsepower Elise 111S:
135 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Elise 111S:
124 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
Engine Notes:
Known for its lightweight construction and free-revving nature. Early K-Series engines had potential head gasket issues, which the manual would address.
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Limited Production Sports Car, typically not subjected to standard crash testing regimes of mass-produced vehicles)
Braking System:
Hydraulically assisted disc brakes front and rear. Lotus intended a direct, unassisted feel.
ABS:
Optional on some models, not standard on all S1 variants.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard, passenger airbag optional on some later models.
Roll Over Protection:
Integral roll cage within the chassis structure.
System:
Basic analogue gauges, cassette/CD player (optional), minimal electronic aids reflecting its minimalist design.
Aids:
Focus is on driver skill and chassis dynamics rather than electronic driver aids. ABS was optional.
Features:
N/A (no modern connectivity features)
Oil Change:
Every 6,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Coolant Change:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000 miles (depending on type specified).
Engine Oil:
API SJ/SL, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (e.g., Castrol Magnatec, Mobil 1)
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water (e.g., Rover Antifreeze or equivalent)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (e.g., Castrol Response DOT 4)
Head Gasket:
Early K-Series engines are susceptible to head gasket failure due to the 'dry liner' cylinder construction. Proper torque procedures and coolant management are critical. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Clutch Actuation:
Potential for air in the hydraulic clutch system, requiring bleeding. Master cylinder wear can also occur.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in suspension bushings can lead to degraded handling and knocking noises. The manual covers inspection and replacement.
Oil Filter:
e.g., Fram PH4731, Mann W712/4, Mahle OC205
Air Filter:
e.g., Fram CA5514, Mann C20307
Philosophy:
Lightweight, simplicity, handling dynamics
Key Variants S1:
Elise Sport, Elise 111S, Elise GT1 (homologation special)
Manufacturing Location:
Hethel, Norfolk, UK
Total S1 Production Approx:
~2700 units
