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Lotus Elise 340 R 1.8 i 16V (180 Hp)
Overall Rating
Lotus Elise:
The Lotus Elise GT1 is a race car developed for grand tourer-style sports car racing starting in 1997.
Lotus Cars had previously been using the Lotus Esprit GT1—a racing version of their Lotus Esprit road car—in the BPR Global GT Series since its foundation in 1994, competing in the premier GT1 class against the likes of the McLaren F1 GTR, Venturi 600LM, Ferrari F40 GTE and others. However, in 1997, the series came to be known as the FIA GT Championship and manufacturer involvement was increased with the new international exposure. Porsche was the first to start a new breed of racing cars in 1996, with their purpose-built homologation special known as the 911 GT1. This was quickly followed by the announcement that Mercedes-Benz planned to do the same with their CLK GTR for 1997....(Read more on Wikipedia)
340 R Overview:
Lotus Elise (340 R). With 171 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 660 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.6 s). The top speed reaches 210 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.8 i 16V (180 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The naturally aspirated 1.8L K-Series engine, delivering 180 Hp, provides exceptional performance for the ultra-light 340 R, offering thrilling acceleration and a high-revving, engaging driving experience perfectly suited for track days and spirited road driving.
Fuel Economy
While not its primary focus, the lightweight nature of the 340 R means its 1.8L engine can achieve reasonable fuel economy for a performance car, though aggressive driving will significantly impact consumption. Fuel tank capacity is 40L.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unparalleled driving dynamics and handling
- • Extremely lightweight design (660 kg)
- • Exhilarating acceleration (0-100 km/h in 4.6s)
- • Pure, unfiltered driving experience
- • Highly collectible and rare
- • Excellent power-to-weight ratio
Cons:
- • Minimal comfort and practicality
- • Limited weather protection (no roof)
- • High maintenance costs for specialized parts
- • K-Series engine known for potential head gasket issues
- • Not suitable for daily commuting
- • Lack of modern safety features
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Series 1: 1997 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Lotus |
| Model: | Elise |
| Generation: | 340 R |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 i 16V (180 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 180 Hp @ 7800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 100.2 Hp/l [114mm less] |
| Torque: | 171 Nm @ 5000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | K16 (18K4FL70) More details about the engine K16 (18K4FL70) |
| Engine displacement: | 1796 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 8 l |
| Engine layout: | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 4.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 4.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 3.7 kg/Hp, 272.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.9 kg/Nm, 259.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 660 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 40 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3620 mm mm [114mm less] |
| Width: | 1702 mm mm [1mm more] |
| Height: | 1123 mm mm [79mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2300 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1488 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1470 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/50 R15; 225/45 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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