Limited edition Elise and 2015 model
04.10.2010 - Martin Gurdon
(6)
As Lotus marked the end of European Elise and Exige 1.8 production with a limited edition, it has revealed details of the car's replacement due in 2015.
The current Toyota-engined 1.8 Elise and Exige models won't pass incoming Euro 5 anti-pollution regulations, so are being retired with RGB-badged limited editions. RGB is the initials of long-time Lotus engineer Roger Becker.
Lotus will then sell the existing Elise in 1.6-litre form before replacing it in 2015 with an all-new model which it has just revealed.
Outside, the styling is sharper than the current, curved Elise, which has echoes of 1960s Lotus models. Inside the car retains the minimalist look of the current car, although the cabin is all-new.
Some versions of the incoming 2.0-litre Elise will have stop and start technology. Although Lotus hasn't given details about the new car's engine, it claims it will take 4.3 sec to reach 0-62mph and boast a 167mph top speed.
The Elise will again have a mid-mounted engine, and takes over from a model launched in the mid-1990s, which is still praised for its handling.
One big change will be cabin accessibility. Lotus is claiming this will be far easier than in the existing car.
