Vehicle Type:
Lightweight, mid-engined, two-seater sports car.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, track day participants, owners seeking to maintain or repair their vehicle.
Key Competitors Era:
Porsche Boxster, Honda S2000, Toyota MR2 Spyder, Alfa Romeo GTV.
Design Philosophy:
Minimalist, lightweight construction (Lotus 'Lightweight Future' philosophy), driver-focused experience, exceptional handling and steering feel.
Chassis Type:
Aluminum extruded bonded monocoque chassis.
Manual Scope:
Comprehensive workshop, repair, and maintenance.
Specific Areas Covered:
Engine, engine management, transmission, chassis, suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes, wheels and tires, body care & repair, body fittings, fuel system, engine cooling, clutch, maintenance & lubrication, heating & ventilation, electrics, trouble diagnosis.
Estimated Page Count:
Not specified, but typical for a comprehensive workshop manual is 500-1500 pages.
Manual Classification:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Language Of Manual:
English (presumed, typical for manufacturer documentation)
Product Format:
Digital (PDF likely, as it's a 'product' for sale, though physical is possible)
Powertrain Systems:
Engine (K-Series), Engine Management (ECU, sensors, fuel injection, ignition), Transmission (gearbox specifics not detailed, but covered), Fuel System, Engine Cooling System, Clutch.
Chassis And Suspension:
Chassis structure, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Brakes System, Wheels and Tires.
Body And Electrical:
Body Care & Repair, Body Fittings, Electrics (wiring diagrams, component location, relay modules), Heating and Ventilation.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance, lubrication schedules, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, adjustments (e.g., throttle cable).
Repair Procedures:
Engine assembly/disassembly, transmission servicing, suspension component replacement, brake caliper and disc servicing, body panel repair, electrical component replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Trouble code diagnosis, troubleshooting guides for various systems, sensor testing, ECU diagnostics, component specific fault finding.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics, including ECU error codes, sensor data interpretation, and component-level troubleshooting.
Rebuild Capability:
Covers engine and transmission assembly/disassembly, implying capability for full mechanical rebuilds.
Electrical Depth:
Detailed electrical schematics, component location, relay identification, and troubleshooting for electrical faults.
Digital File Type:
Likely PDF; Adobe Acrobat compatible.
Digital Resolution:
High-resolution scans for clear text and diagrams (expected for professional manual).
Physical Format Potential:
If printed, likely coil-bound or ring-bound for lay-flat use in a workshop environment.
Physical Format Potential:
If printed, durable, often coated paper to withstand workshop conditions.
Engine Family:
Rover K-Series (specifically MG Rover K4 engine variants).
Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, transverse mid-engine layout.
Engine Displacement:
1.8L (1796cc)
Engine Code:
Likely K16 or KV6 variations, specific Elise S2 2001 would be K16 based.
Horsepower:
Approximately 118 hp (88 kW) for standard models, 125-135 hp for later S2 variants depending on specific engine tune and market. Manual details specific output.
Torque:
Approximately 120-125 lb-ft (163-169 Nm).
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with electronic control unit (ECU).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 95 or 98 recommended).
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transaxle.
Transmission Options:
None typically offered for this generation.
Gearbox Manufacturer:
Lotus usually sourced from various suppliers, often based on Toyota or Rover units depending on the model/era. For Elise S2, likely a Lotus-tuned Rover PG1 variant.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, dry single-plate clutch.
Length:
Approx. 3785 mm (149.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 1669 mm (65.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1121 mm (44.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2300 mm (90.6 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 720 kg (1587 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not explicitly stated, but typically around 950-1000 kg.
Crash Test Ratings:
No official NCAP ratings available for this period and niche vehicle. Designed for track performance and lightweight construction, not crash energy absorption in the conventional sense.
Braking System:
Hydraulically assisted, power-assisted disc brakes all around (front ventilated). ABS not standard on all early S2 models, but may have been an option.
Traction Control:
Not typically fitted as standard.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard. Passenger airbag not standard on early S2 models.
Seat Belts:
3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Roll Over Protection:
Integrated rollover protection structure (hoop) behind the seats.
Audio System:
Basic radio/CD player likely, often with aftermarket upgrades common. Manual details electrical connections for audio components.
ABS:
Optional on early S2 models, standard on some later ones. Manual covers ABS system diagnostics and repair.
ECU Interface:
OBD-II compliant for engine management diagnostics, as indicated by engine management section.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to manual for detailed schedule; often includes spark plug replacement, cambelt check/replacement (if applicable to the specific K-series variant), coolant flush, brake fluid replacement.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual; typically a synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 meeting API SJ/SL or ACEA A3/B3/B4 specifications.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically OAT (Organic Acid Technology) formulation, often blue or pink. Refer to manual for specific type and mix ratio.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or higher.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual; often a GL-4 or GL-5 rated manual transmission fluid.
K Series Head Gasket:
Historically, K-Series engines can be prone to head gasket failure if overheated or poorly maintained. The manual will detail inspection and repair procedures.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear is normal with driving, especially aggressive use. Manual covers clutch inspection and replacement.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings and ball joints in the suspension can wear over time, affecting handling. Manual details inspection and replacement.
Philosophy:
Simplicity, lightness, performance ('When you add lightness, it stays added').
Elise Introduction Year:
1996 (Series 1).
S2 Introduction Year:
2001.
S2 Key Changes:
Revised chassis structure, improved aerodynamics, updated interior, introduction of composite front clamshell and rear deck, revised engine management.
Manufacturing Location:
Hethel, Norfolk, United Kingdom.
Production Period S2:
2001-2010.
Automotive Journalism Awards:
Elise models, including the S2, consistently received high praise from automotive publications for handling, steering, and pure driving experience. Specific awards for the 2001 model year are numerous but vary by region and publication.
