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Lotus Elise Series 3, facelift 2017 Sport 1.6 (136 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)
Series 3, facelift 2017 Overview:
Lotus Elise (Series 3, facelift 2017). With 160 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.3 l/100km). Weighing only 866 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.5 s). The top speed reaches 204 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
Sport 1.6 (136 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers a surprisingly engaging experience due to its ultra-light weight. While not blistering fast, the naturally aspirated 1.6L provides linear power delivery and excellent throttle response, perfect for purists.
Fuel Economy
The most economical option in the lineup, achieving commendable fuel efficiency for a sports car, making it suitable for spirited road driving without excessive fuel stops.
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): | Sport 1.6 (136 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2017 |
| End of production: | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 136 Hp @ 6800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 85.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 160 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 1ZR-FAE More details about the engine 1ZR-FAE |
| Engine displacement: | 1598 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.8 l |
| Coolant: | 12 l |
| Engine layout: | Middle, Transverse |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 204 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.4 kg/Hp, 157 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.4 kg/Nm, 184.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 866 |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 288 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 288 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 175/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 16 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
Your first impression of the Lotus Elise in one word? Go!