Market Position:
The Lotus Elise S2 is a lightweight, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car renowned for its exceptional handling and pure driving experience. It occupies a niche in the sports car market, appealing to enthusiasts who prioritize performance and driver feedback over luxury and everyday practicality.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts and experienced mechanics seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.
Competitive Analysis:
Competes with other lightweight, driver-focused sports cars such as the Porsche Boxster, Audi TT, and various Mazda MX-5 variants, often differentiated by its bonded aluminum chassis and minimalist construction.
Key Features:
Bonded aluminium chassis, composite body panels, mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, exceptional power-to-weight ratio, direct steering feel, focused driving cockpit.
Coverage Areas:
General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Brake System, Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Suspension, Periodic Lubrication, Steering, Cooling System, Fuel Injection, Fuel System, Emission System, Heater/Air Conditioning, Engine Control System, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Interior, Differential/Drive, Axle
Page Count:
Hundreds (specific number not provided, but described as extensive)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Completeness:
Complete official full factory service repair manual. All styles covered.
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Systems Covered:
Engine (Rover K-Series variants), Powertrain, Drivetrain, Braking System (including ABS if applicable), Steering System, Suspension System (front and rear), Electrical System (including wiring diagrams), Fuel System, Cooling System, HVAC System, Chassis and Body Structure, Interior Components, Restraint Systems (airbags, seatbelts), Emissions Control System, Ignition System, Lubrication System.
Engine Control System:
Lotus/Rover Engine Management System (ECU), sensor functions (MAP, TPS, Crank, Cam, Lambda, Coolant Temp), ignition timing, fuel injector operation, diagnostic codes (OBD-II compliant).
Chassis Body:
Bonded aluminum chassis inspection, repair procedures for corrosion and damage, composite body panel removal, installation, repair, and alignment, aerodynamic components.
Restraint System:
Airbag system operation, seatbelt inspection and replacement, SRS module troubleshooting.
Interior:
Dashboard removal, instrument cluster diagnostics, HVAC controls, seat removal and installation, interior trim panel servicing.
Differential Drive:
Rear differential inspection, fluid changes, bearing checks. Drive axle boot inspection and replacement.
Axle:
Front and rear wheel bearing inspection and replacement, hub assembly servicing.
Procedures Included:
Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Servicing, Troubleshooting Common Faults, Component Disassembly and Reassembly, Engine Repair and Rebuild, Transmission Service and Overhaul, Brake System Bleeding and Component Replacement, Suspension Alignment and Component Replacement, Electrical Diagnosis and Repair, Wiring Harness Repair, Fuel System Cleaning and Component Replacement, Cooling System Maintenance, HVAC System Service, Chassis Inspection and Repair, Body Panel Alignment and Repair, Interior Trim Removal and Installation, Safety System Checks.
Periodic Lubrication:
Detailed schedules and specifications for chassis lubrication points, wheel bearings, and other moving parts.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic do-it-yourself maintenance to in-depth factory-level repairs and diagnostics. Includes step-by-step instructions with photos and illustrations.
Illustration Quality:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations guiding the reader through procedures.
Primary Engine:
Rover K-Series 1.8L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
Horsepower:
Approximately 118 hp (standard), 158 hp (Lotus Sport 135), 190 hp (Lotus Sport 160)
Torque:
Approximately 122 lb-ft (standard), 141 lb-ft (Lotus Sport 135), 150 lb-ft (Lotus Sport 160)
Fuel System:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Engine Code:
Rover K18 (various suffixes for different power outputs)
Length:
Approx. 3700 mm (145.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1140 mm (44.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2300 mm (90.6 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 700-750 kg (1543-1653 lbs) depending on specification
Weight Distribution:
Close to 50/50 front/rear
Safety Ratings:
Not subjected to typical crash testing as per common sports car manufacturers of the era prioritizing lightweight construction and track performance over extensive safety features. However, equipped with standard safety features for its class.
Active Features:
Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes (often AP Racing or equivalent), performance-tuned ABS (optional on some variants).
Passive Features:
Roll-over protection structure integrated into the windshield frame, three-point inertia-reel seatbelts, front-impact crumple zones integrated into the chassis.
Service Intervals:
Typically 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 12 months for minor service; 12,000 miles (20,000 km) or 24 months for major service. Specific intervals for cambelt replacement are critical (e.g., 5 years or 75,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH/SJ/SL, ACEA A3/B3 or equivalent, SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50 (check manual for exact viscosity based on temperature). Capacity approx. 4.2 liters.
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically 50% mixture with distilled water. Capacity approx. 6.0 liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (e.g., Castrol DOT 4, Motul DOT 4). Capacity approx. 0.5 liters.
Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic. Capacity approx. 2.5 liters.
Clutch Fluid:
Typically brake fluid (DOT 4).
Known Issues:
Head gasket failure (K-series specific, often due to overheating or incorrect coolant), thermostat issues, clutch slave cylinder leaks, minor electrical gremlins, corrosion on aluminum components if not maintained.
Common Maintenance Tasks:
Cambelt replacement is critical, regular checks of coolant levels and condition, brake pad and disc wear checks, suspension bushing inspection.
Brand Heritage:
Lotus Cars has a long and distinguished history in motorsport and sports car manufacturing, founded by Colin Chapman. Known for its 'lightweight is right' philosophy and innovative engineering, particularly in chassis design and aerodynamics.
Model Evolution:
The Series 2 Elise represented a refinement of the original Elise concept, with a more refined interior, updated styling, and continued development of the Rover K-series engine. It introduced slight variations in engine output and optional performance packages.
Production Location:
Hethel, Norfolk, United Kingdom
