Lotus products have always been favoured by motorists who like to spend weekends thrashing about race tracks. But it seems thrill-seekers are now after a motor they can drive during the week and hammer around circuits in their spare time.
So the Norfolk company has given its Elise more power and better comfort, too. Called the 111s and powered by a 156bhp edition of Rover's K-Series engine, the newcomer offers improved performance and more refinement than ever, so it can take on supercars on track days, while rivalling a conventional roadster for ease of use.
It's a two-seater that's certain to impress Elise buyers, who are reported to be furnishing their cars with every available extra. Priced from £25,995 for the basic machine, options include metallic paint, a hard-top, leather interior and air-con. Add that lot up and the car will cost close to £30,000.
It's a lot of money, but the 111s gets fresh wheels, a more distinctive aerodynamic diffuser at the rear and discreet badging. It also has a Vauxhall VX220-style roof, which is far more user-friendly than the old set-up.
Speed addicts will also argue that the extra cost of the 111s is money well spent, as the car will sprint from 0-60mph in only 5.3 seconds and hit a top speed of 132mph – which is respectively 0.4 seconds and 7mph quicker than the normal Elise.
The extra muscle isn't only noticeable at the track, though. On the road, throttle response is sharper than before, while a revised exhaust proves a lot more vocal. And thanks to the 111s's relatively light weight and more efficient engine, fuel consumption is actually improved – it returns 40.9mpg, 2.4mpg better than the standard model.
The unmodified suspension is supple, and helps the Elise maintain near-flawless poise on rough roads. The brakes receive a boost, though, and are now drilled to help improve cooling and fade in extreme conditions.
With an eye on its luxurious competition, it's clear the Elise is aiming to rival the Mazda MX-5 and nibble at the ankles of the Porsche Boxster. But with big hitters such as BMW among its opponents, Lotus has a fight on its hands.
Loggato
