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Lotus Elise Series 3 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 Overview:
Lotus Elise (Series 3). With 160 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.3 l/100km). Weighing only 876 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.
1.6 (136 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
While less powerful, the naturally aspirated 1.6L still provides ample performance for the Elise's weight, emphasizing driver engagement and momentum driving.
Fuel Economy
The most economical option in the lineup, making it a sensible choice for those prioritizing lower running costs and a purer driving feel.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unrivaled handling and steering feel
- • Exceptional power-to-weight ratio across the range
- • Engaging and pure driving experience
- • Relatively economical Toyota-sourced engines
- • Timeless, iconic design
Cons:
- • Limited practicality and comfort for daily use
- • Challenging ingress/egress
- • Basic interior amenities
- • High road noise and firm ride
- • Limited luggage space
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Series 2: 2004 - 2010).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Lotus |
| Model: | Elise |
| Generation: | Series 3 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 (136 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2011 |
| End of production: | August, 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 136 Hp @ 6800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Torque: | 160 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 1ZR-FAE More details about the engine 1ZR-FAE |
| 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 |
| 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: | 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, 155.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.5 kg/Nm, 182.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 876 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 40 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3824 mm mm [39mm more] |
| Width: | 1719 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1117 mm mm [26mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2300 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| 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 [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 | 175/55 ZR16; 225/45 ZR17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
Your first impression of the Lotus Elise in one word? Go!