Category:
Lightweight Sports Car
Philosophy:
Performance through light weight and excellent handling, inspired by Lotus's racing heritage.
Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, Caterham Seven, Panoz Esperante, various other track-focused sports cars.
Chassis Construction:
Extruded aluminum monocoque chassis, bonded and riveted.
Body Construction:
Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) composite body panels.
Engine Placement:
Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive.
Aerodynamics:
Designed for downforce, particularly the Exige variant with its larger rear wing and front splitter.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for the Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine (supercharged variant for Exige S2).
Transmission:
Maintenance, repair, and disassembly of the manual gearbox.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, differential, axles, and hubs.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, geometry, alignment, dampers, springs, wishbones, and anti-roll bars.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), discs, calipers, pads, lines, and bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Steering rack, column, and associated components.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, ECU diagnostics, lighting, starter, alternator, battery, and body electronics.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, lines, fuel tank, and evaporative emissions control.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fans, thermostat, water pump, hoses, and coolant specifications.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and heat shields.
Body And Chassis:
Aluminum chassis, composite body panels, doors, hood, engine cover, interior trim, and crash repair information.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnostics and repair, heating system.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics and repair, seat belts.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, and lubrication schedules.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major systems.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed instructions for taking apart and reassembling various components and systems.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), scan tool usage, specific sensor testing, and electrical circuit testing.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners critical to safety and component integrity.
Alignment Procedures:
Wheel alignment specifications and adjustment procedures.
Schematics:
Detailed electrical and vacuum schematics.
Diagrams:
Exploded views of components for assembly and identification.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Engine Code:
2ZZ-GE (Toyota)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, VVTL-i (Variable Valve Lift and Timing intelligent)
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1798 cc)
Aspiration:
Supercharged (Magnussen or Edelbrock for Exige S2, depending on specific variant and year)
Horsepower:
Approximately 240-260 hp (Varies slightly by year and specific supercharger setup)
Torque:
Approximately 180-190 lb-ft (Varies slightly by year and specific supercharger setup)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM/CD stereo systems were common, often with aftermarket upgrades available.
Gauges:
Digital and analog gauges for speed, RPM, oil pressure, water temperature, boost pressure (on some models).
Traction Control:
Often available, referred to as 'Lotus Traction Control' (LTC).
Launch Control:
May be present on some higher-performance variants or aftermarket implementations.
Connectivity Features:
Minimal by modern standards. Bluetooth or USB connectivity was not standard on early models.
Oil Change:
Typically every 6,000-10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact mileage/time.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (check specific iridium plug recommendation).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at 30,000 miles.
Timing Belt:
N/A (2ZZ-GE is a timing chain engine, which generally does not require periodic replacement unless issues arise).
Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Engine Oil:
Synthetic, 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for specific API/ACEA ratings).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant (e.g., Toyota Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (High-performance synthetic)
Transmission Fluid:
Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF), e.g., API GL-4 or GL-5, specific viscosity like 75W-90.
Supercharger Oil:
Specific supercharger oil for the installed unit (e.g., Magnussen or Edelbrock proprietary oil).
Clutch Wear:
Can be prone to wear due to aggressive driving, but generally robust.
Supercharger Belt:
Regular inspection and replacement of the supercharger drive belt is crucial.
Gearbox Synchros:
Some owners report occasional stiffness in synchros, particularly in older models or with improper fluid maintenance.
Interior Trim Rattles:
As with many lightweight sports cars, minor interior rattles can develop over time due to chassis flex and road noise.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion or loose connections can occasionally affect lighting, sensors, or engine management systems.
Philosophy:
'Lightweight, then add lightness.' - Emphasis on minimal weight and superior handling.
Elise Origins:
The Elise platform was introduced in 1996, characterized by its advanced aluminum chassis and fiberglass body.
Exige Origins:
The Exige variant was developed as a more track-focused version of the Elise, starting in 2000 with a supercharged engine. The S2 Exige further refined this concept.
Manufacturing Location:
Hethel, Norfolk, England
Production Period:
Elise S2 production ran from 2001 to 2010. Exige S2 production typically followed closely within this timeframe, with the specific 2004-2012 range likely encompassing later minor updates and regional variations.
