Lotus Elise Series 3, facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8 (250 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.8 / 5
Comfort 1.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

Series 3, facelift 2017 Overview:

Lotus Elise (Series 3, facelift 2017). With 265 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.1 l/100km). Weighing only 895 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.2 s). The top speed reaches 243 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

Cup 260 1.8 (250 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

The ultimate track-focused Elise, delivering explosive performance with its supercharged 1.8L engine. Its rapid acceleration and high-revving nature make it incredibly thrilling on circuits.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is higher due to its aggressive tune and performance focus, but still reasonable for a car offering such track capabilities. Not designed for economy.

Best Use Case: Track Days / Extreme Performance

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Unmatched handling and steering feel
  • • Extremely lightweight and agile
  • • Exhilarating driving experience
  • • Reliable Toyota-derived engines
  • • Iconic and timeless design

Cons:

  • • Very limited practicality (storage, ingress/egress)
  • • Minimal comfort features and refinement
  • • High road noise and firm ride
  • • Niche market appeal and potentially high running costs for some parts
  • • No Euro NCAP safety rating

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Series 3: 2016 - 2017).

General:
Brand:Lotus
Model:Elise
Generation:Series 3, facelift 2017
Modification (Engine):Cup 260 1.8 (250 Hp)
Start of production:2017
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Roadster
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:250 Hp @ 7200 rpm.
Power per litre:139 Hp/l
Torque:265 Nm @ 5500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:2ZR-FE [Same engine] More details about the engine 2ZR-FE
Engine displacement:1798
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Supercharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC, Dual VVT-i
Engine oil capacity:4.8 l
Coolant:12 l
Engine layout:Middle, Transverse
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.5 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:4.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:4.2 sec
Maximum speed:243 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:3.6 kg/Hp, 279.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.4 kg/Nm, 296.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:3.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:895
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs, 288 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs, 288 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 205/45 R16
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 16
Front suspensionDouble wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionDouble wishbone

Is the Lotus Elise your dream ride or just a daily drive? Let's talk!