Lotus, as a brand in general, is renowned for building lightweight cars, so what a better way to celebrated the 20th birthday of the Elise than with a lighter special edition model.
The new ‘Lotus Elise 20th Anniversary Special Edition’ slots between the existing 924kg (2,037 lbs) Elise S and the 896kg (1,975 lbs) S Club Racer, nearly splitting the weight difference between the two at 914kg (2,015 lbs), while sharing the same 1.8-liter turbocharged four producing 217hp.
Despite the small differences in weight, all three models deliver the same standard performance numbers at 4.2 seconds for 0-60mph (4.6 sec for 0-100km/h) and a 145mph (237 km/h) top speed.
The 10kg (22 lbs) reduction in weight over the S comes from the lighter matte black forged wheels, center console (painted in body color) and sports seats dressed in leather or Alcantara with color-coded stitching. The 20th Ann. model also gets a sport mode that increases throttle response and alters the traction slip threshold.
It’s available in Blue, Green, Yellow and Silver exterior colors, with the rear diffuser, wing mirrors, roll hoop cover and rear transom painted matte black. The 20th Anniversary decals on the dashboard and seats and outside above the side indicator, complete the changes.
Lotus said that the additional equipment “amounts to £5,150 worth of extra value, for only £2,700 more than the standard Elise S (£37,200)”.
Photo Gallery
