Cars

Lotus Elise 111R

The biggest advancement in the history of the Elise, which begins in 1995, came in 2000 when the baton was passed to the Series 2. The exterior of the base model was eventually changed in the Series 2, with the original curved styling undergoing a major change towards a sharpness that accentuates the edges.

With the release of the Series 2, the lineup was also further fleshed-out. The variable-valve timing spec 111 was augmented by the luxurious 111S and the high handling performance Sports 111. The engine specifications for all of the models was a maximum power output of 145 ps and maximum torque of 17.7 kgm, with modifications later made to the engine to increase the power to 156 ps.

A limited edition model, called the Type 72, was also released and conjured the image of the classic Lotus “72” F1 machine. This model was painted with the same coloring as the F1 model and other steps not necessarily related to driving were also taken to raise the allure of the Elise.

The most talked about point of the Series 2, however, was the 111R that was first released in 2004. Unbelievably, this model was an Elise that sported a Toyota-made engine. The engine was the 1.8L inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2ZZ-GE that is found in models such as the Celica. The 111R was equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, delivering 192 ps and 18.5 kgm torque.

This partnership became a reality at the request of Lotus, who had been searching for a clean engine for exporting the Elise to North America. The 111R was the first Elise to touch down in America. The 111R was also the first Elise in history to be equipped with 4-channel ABS. The evolution of the Elise into a lightweight sports car with a fanatical fan-base is on-going.