posted on June 30, 2020
Simplify and add lots of smiles
Lotus cars have always been the benchmark in terms of lightweight sports cars. Colin Chapman’s “simplify, then add lightness” mantra has produced some of the most iconic automobiles of the 20th century, such as the Seven, Elite, Elan, and even the wedge-shaped Esprit (which also served as 007’s company car during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s).
So how do you capture the spirit of a true British sports car, but retain a few modern conveniences like fuel injection and an airbag or two? Enter the Lotus Elise, which redefines the meaning of a raw sports car for the modern era, and is our June car of the month.
2009 Lotus Elise
| ENGINE | HORSEPOWER | 0 to 60 MPH | TOP SPEED | MILEAGE | DAILY PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4 | 190 hp | 4.9 sec | 150 mph | 23 mpg | $189 |
| ENGINE | HP | 0 to 60 MPH | TOP SPEED | MPG | DAILY PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4 | 190 | 4.9 sec | 150 mph | 23 mpg | $189 |
While many cars claim to be featherweights, the Lotus Elise is of purebred stock. With a mere 2,000 pounds to haul around, the little Lotus is properly light, even by the standards of its predecessors. So, what does it take for a modern car to achieve such a figure? It’s not so much what the Elise has, but rather what it does without.
Take a peek at the interior of Matthew’s 2009 Lotus Elise Purist Edition and it’s a barebones affair. The exposed floorboards and door panels don’t lend themselves much in the way of luxury, but Lotus took every measure possible in the name of weight savings. Though it does splurge on leather upholstery on the bucket seats and the transmission tunnel, Matthew’s Elise, a “Purist Edition,” has even fewer creature comforts than normal. The passenger will have to make do with the fixed seat position, as only the driver’s seat is adjustable.
Let’s face it though, the real reason everyone gets excited to get behind the wheel of an Elise is for its unparalleled driving dynamics. Utilizing a midship setup just like a race car, the Elise is powered by a 1.8 liter “2ZZ” Toyota 4-cylinder that’s more than eager to sweep the tach to its 8,000 RPM redline. With a healthy 190 horsepower on tap and a slick shifting 6-speed manual transmission, the Lotus can rocket to 60 mph in under five seconds. Considering there are a lot of cars that require nearly double the power to achieve that type of acceleration, the Elise is a poster child of power-to-weight ratio. Matthew’s car also features a sportier exhaust setup to really enjoy the engine’s sweet melody.
The fun doesn’t stop with the drivetrain though, as the real magic to any Lotus is in its chassis tuning. In the case of the Elise, a double wishbone suspension at all four corners is a major ingredient in the handling recipe, while staggered 16-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels wrapped in sticky tires keep the car planted around any bend. Since the Elise does not have power steering, feedback is as direct as it gets.
Last, but not least, bespoke dual piston AP Racing front calipers help bring the featherweight Elise to halt without “braking” a sweat. To further set itself apart from the crowd, Matthew’s Elise has a carbon fiber rear diffuser which adds a bit of racecar-inspired flair and helps to properly channel airflow at speed.
Getting behind the wheel of the Lotus Elise is one of the purest driving experiences out there, yet the little Lotus is just as much of a marvel when standing still. The combination of exotic styling paired with the low stance will leave an unmatched impression for driver and spectators alike. With Matthew’s Lotus Elise, not only do you get to feel the true thrill of driving a purebred sports car first-hand, but it’s a refreshing reminder that a low curb weight can transform a car from great to fantastic.
Joey Crosetti
Joey is usually thinking about one thing: cars, cars, and did we mention cars? If he’s not talking about cars, chances are he’s tinkering under the hood of his old E30 BMW.
