Green screamer for entry-level Elise

Lotus is aiming to have upgraded Elise and Exige model ranges on sale in Australia come July of this year. The new cars come with revised looks, improved aerodynamics, reduced fuel consumption and extended warranty coverage.

But it's the entry-level Elise where the biggest change has been wrought. Formerly the Elise S, the revised base variant drops the S and loses the 1.8-litre Celica engine for a smaller 1.6-litre four-cylinder that is also sourced from Toyota.

"The Lotus Elise revolutionised the sports car when it was launched 14 years ago and now the Lotus Elise has become greener, giving drivers access to class-leading performance with less guilt," says Dany Bahar, Chief Executive of Group Lotus.

The new engine produces the same power as the 1.8, but less torque -- and performance has suffered slightly as a consequence. However, the new engine is considerably more economical and produces dramatically fewer CO2 emissions. Against the 8.3L/100km and 196g/km figures for the 1.8-litre Elise S, the new 1.6-litre Elise uses just 6.1L/100km and 149g/km of CO2 -- major gains for a car still capable of reaching 100km/h from a standing start in 6.5 seconds.

Lotus claims that the Elise, with the new engine, produces fewer CO2 particles than any other petrol-fuelled high-performance sports car in the world. Furthermore, its fuel consumption has been reduced by 16 per cent, compared with its 1.8-litre predecessor. By being so environmentally friendly, it also avoids the Luxury Car Tax payable on cars priced above $57,180 and using more than 7.0L/100km.

Certified compliant with the Euro 5 emissions standard, the 1.6-litre engine is codenamed 1ZR-FAE and features two computer-controlled systems to vary valve timing and lift. While it develops 100kW of power, as the 1.8-litre engine did, peak power is achieved higher in the rev range -- at 6800rpm, versus 6200rpm for the 1.8. It's a similar story for torque, although the peak figure of 160Nm is not only produced at higher revs (4400rpm, compared with 4200rpm for the 1.8), but it's shaded by the 1.8's higher torque of 172Nm.

Lotus has developed a bespoke engine management system for the engine, which drives through a new six-speed manual transmission, offering an extra ratio over the transmission fitted to the superseded Elise S.

Since the new engine is taller than the previous 1.8 (to accommodate the fancy variable valvetrain), part of the cosmetic upgrade for the Elise involved raising the engine cover by 34mm. Overall, Lotus stylists have sought a look for the Elise and Exige that link the two cars with the Evora.

At the front the bumper, clam and access panel have been revised, with the engine cover at the rear adopting a 'twin spine' look. The redesigned rear bumper incorporates a new-look diffuser and the rear registration plate mounting point. Aluminium mesh inserts are a signature look for the cooling apertures.

In other changes to the Elise range, cruise control is offered as an option for the first time (as part of the Touring Pack option) and, as for the Exige too, headlights are now fully integrated and feature LED day running lights. The boot at the rear can be released from the cabin and no longer requires a key to open. Lotus claims that styling changes have reduced the coefficient of drag by four per cent.

Two new types of alloy wheel are introduced with the new model; a lightweight forged wheel weighing as little as 29.26kg per set, about 2kg lighter than the new cast-alloy wheel set. Buyers can order the car with either set of wheel finished in silver or black.

The warranty has been extended from two to three years and now covers up to 60,000km, should the vehicle travel that distance within the three-year period.

Lotus continue to offer Australian buyers the choice of the entry-level Elise or the 1.8-litre Elise R and the supercharged Elise SC. All variants are offered with the options of reverse-parking sensors and a Black Style Pack. The latter features black wheels and rear diffuser. A sports exhaust is another option for the 1.6-litre Elise only.

Lotus will introduce the new-look Elise range with the Elise SC in July, followed shortly thereafter by the 1.6-litre Elise, priced at $69,990 -- excluding on-road costs and dealer pre-delivery.

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