Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight sports car, track-day enthusiast vehicle
Key Competitors:
Caterham Seven, Porsche Boxster, Mazda MX-5 (though positioned at a higher performance tier)
Chassis Design:
Aluminum extruded bonded chassis (Lotus 'clamshell' design)
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for exceptional handling, steering feel, and lightweight construction
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners to perform complex maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs at specialized workshops.
Overall Coverage:
Comprehensive front-to-back repair and service information
Estimated Pages:
Varies by specific edition, but typically extensive (e.g., 1000+ pages for a complete factory manual)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Likely Digital (PDF) or Printed Book
Engine:
Overhaul, rebuilding, performance tuning, timing belt service, firing orders, troubleshooting, diagnostics
Transmission:
Removal, installation, in-car servicing, specifications
Brakes:
Servicing procedures, specifications, torque values
Suspension:
Components, procedures, specifications, front-end alignment
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Air conditioning service, capacities
Chassis:
U-joint and CV-joint service procedures
Diagnostics:
Trouble shooting, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts, vacuum diagrams
General Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components
Maintenance:
Basic servicing and maintenance tasks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon issues
Depth:
Detailed illustrations, diagrams, depth illustrations, technical specifications
Accessibility:
Understandable with basic mechanical knowledge
Digital Format:
Typically PDF for easy searching and printing
Illustration Quality:
High-quality illustrations and diagrams as per factory standards
Printed Binding:
Likely Coil-bound or Perfect Bound for durability
Printed Paper:
Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments
Engine Type:
Mid-mounted, transverse inline 4-cylinder
Engine Code Examples:
Rover K-Series (various displacements, e.g., 1.8L)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 120-160 bhp (naturally aspirated variants), higher for supercharged 'Exige' variants often discussed alongside Elise
Torque Range:
Approximately 120-140 lb-ft (naturally aspirated variants)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed steps for piston, ring, bearing, valve, and cylinder head work
Belt Replacement:
Specific procedures, tensioning, and torque specifications
Type:
5-speed Manual Transaxle
Type:
Some later or special editions might have different options, but manual is standard for this era Elise.
Clutch System:
Hydraulic actuation, detailed service procedures
Gearbox Oil:
Typically GL-4 or GL-5 synthetic gear oil (specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual, e.g., 75W-90)
Length:
Approx. 3785 mm (149 in)
Width:
Approx. 1670 mm (65.7 in)
Height:
Approx. 1125 mm (44.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 750-800 kg (1650-1760 lbs), highly dependent on specification and options
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2300 mm (90.6 in)
Crash Test Results:
Minimal official crash testing due to low volume and specialized nature, but designed with safety cell principles.
Braking System:
AP Racing or Brembo calipers, ventilated discs
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard on most models from this era.
Roll Over Protection:
Integral roll hoop within the chassis structure
Oil Change:
Typically every 6,000-9,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact intervals).
Timing Belt:
Critical service, often recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles or 4-5 years, depending on engine variant and usage.
Engine Oil:
Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 meeting API SN or ACEA A3/B4 specifications (confirm with manual).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically 50/50 mix with deionized water. Specific type (e.g., OAT) to be confirmed.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (high boiling point, glycol-based) recommended for performance braking systems.
Head Gasket:
A known concern for Rover K-Series engines, especially earlier variants or if not properly maintained; manual will detail checks and replacement procedures.
Clutch Release Bearing:
Can sometimes wear out, requiring clutch assembly replacement. Manual covers clutch servicing.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many low-volume sports cars, intermittent electrical issues can occur. Detailed wiring diagrams are crucial.
Philosophy:
Lightweight, simplicity, performance through agility ('The Great Engineer')
Generation:
Series 2 (S2) Elise introduced in 2001, building on the Series 1.
Key Changes S2:
Improved safety (airbags, strengthened chassis), refined aerodynamics, introduction of Rover K-Series engines with VVC (Variable Valve Control) on some models.
Original Manufacturer:
Lotus Cars, Hethel, UK