Make / Model Search
New models - Lotus - EliseFirst look: Elise 111 sexy but exyPower and passion: The Elise 111S adds more power and more equipment, and $20,000 to the asking price. Lotus adds even hotter versions of the Elise, but they will cost you more as well2 Jul 2002 By BRUCE NEWTON LOTUS Cars Australia will bolster its stocks with the launch of two hot new Elise variants, the 111 and the 111S, as soon as September. Although promising acceleration in the supercar league, the two new track-oriented variants of the minimalist sports car also command a pricetag close to $100,000, compared to the standard car's $79,990 price. The major mechanical difference between the standard Elise and the 111 and 111S is that a developed version of the Rover K-Series VVC 1.8-litre powerplant is now mid-mounted transversely in the engine bay. In this guise it develops 116kW at 5500rpm and 175Nm between 3500rpm and 4650rpm. The standard Elise produces 89kW and 165Nm. Lotus claims a 0-100km/h dash time of 5.3 seconds for the 111, compared to the standard car's 5.7 second time. The 111 also passes 160km/h in 14 seconds and races on to a top speed of 212km/h. Lotus is also claiming emission levels and fuel consumption have been improved from the standard Elise. Other mechanical modifications include revised gearing, a three-element diffuser for improved aerodynamic performance, a stainless steel exhaust system and new eight-spoke alloy wheels. Lotus Cars Australia proudly points out that the 111, which retails for $94,990, comes standard with air-conditioning, but there's very little else in the way of comfort features offered standard. Even LCA admits the 111S is the value for money choice, even thought at $99,990 it is the most expensive Elise. It includes among its added features cross-drilled brakes, auxiliary driving lights, an alcantara or leather trim pack and remote activated alarm. LCA is hoping to sell 50 Elises in 2002. To the end of May it had sold 17, plus two Exiges. Import of the V8 Esprit has stopped with just one car left to sell. The company also handles Morgan sales in Australia and is about to deliver its first car, a +8, to a customer. Ten cars have been sold since the relaunch last year, but ADR homologation for traditional models has only just been achieved. The new generation Aero 8 is yet to be approved for local sale. All new models Alfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chery Brabham Chrysler Chevrolet Cupra Citroen DS Dodge Fiat Ferrari Foton Ford Great Wall FPV Haval GWM Honda Holden Hyundai HSV Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Pagani Opel Porsche Peugeot Ram Proton Rolls-Royce Renault Saab Rover Smart Skoda Subaru SsangYong Tesla Suzuki Volkswagen Toyota VolvoElise pricing
Motor industry news GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events. |
|
Connect with us
Facebook Twitter Instagram