See also: Lotus Elise, Lotus Elise: A Nimble Car

The Elise marked Lotus' return to basics in 1996.  It is a very light, no frills sports car.  The bonded, extruded aluminum chassis is very rigid.   It initially featured aluminum MMC brakes, although this was discontinued because of on-track failures and poor wet weather performance.  In addition to incorporating a number of firsts in a production car, it is also one of the best handling cars in the world.  The Elise has not been federally certified and is not currently imported to the US for road use.

I am the second owner of the car since it entered the US.  The car was originally a German road car and was acquired by an English auto dealership that sold it to someone who imported it into the US as used race car parts.  The car is an early example (chassis #309) and is primarily used for track days and Lotus club events.

Engine: Rover K16 (1.8L inline 4 cylinder)
Chassis: Box structure consisting of extruded aluminum elements
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive arrangement: Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Bodywork: Fiberglass clamshells and panels
Front suspension: Double A-arm
Rear suspension: Double A-arm

Length: 3726mm
Width: 1701mm
Height: 1202mm
Wheelbase: 2300mm
Front track: 1440mm
Rear track: 1453mm
Unladen weight: 675kg

Stock, aside from:
K&N 57i Air filter
Janspeed exhaust
Bosch +4 platinum spark plugs
Magnecor 8.5mm plug wires

Photos: