LOTUS ELSIE S GOES CLUB RACING IN COMFORT
Lotus has made the ‘comfort equipment pack’ standard on the 2015 Lotus Elise S Club Racer enhancing the usability of the ultimate track day version of the supercharged Elise.
“Following the launch of the Lotus Elise S Club Racer last year, the majority of customers have opted for the comfort pack,” explains Glen Sealey, General Manager of Lotus Australia and New Zealand. “The comfort pack makes the S Club Racer not just a more practical car for everyday use, it also means it is practical for owners to drive their Club Racer to some of the more remote race tracks where they are able to fully explore the abilities of their Lotus.”
The Lotus Elise S and the Club Racer variant share a level of performance both in a straight line and around corners that is able to humble many a supercar costing hundreds of thousands of dollars more than the Elise. They will demolish the sprint to 100 kmh in 4.6 seconds and share a chassis developed on the legendary Lotus test track at Hethel in the UK.
The Lotus Elise S Club Racer interior is fitted with a body colour centre console, Slate Grey SuedeTex ® Lightweight composite seats with visible body colour seat shells and S Club Racer logo’s as well as Slate Grey SuedeTex ® gear lever and brake gaiter, door panels, interior door pulls and a steering wheel with Ebony Black perforated leather inserts. Externally the Elise S CR can be distinguished by Grey brake calipers a black rear diffuser and Satin Black Y-type cast wheels, 16” at the front and 17” at the rear.
The Comfort Pack adds a full convertible roof, a digital audio system with four speakers, central locking, the sound insulation from the standard Elise S, a light weight aluminum passenger foot rest, front mud flaps and standard suspension and anti-roll bar.
For Elise owners wishing to have the full track day car experience, the normally aspirated Lotus Elise Club Racer retains Comfort Pack as an option, which means it has the Club Racer suspension with adjustable front antiroll bar so owners can fine tune their driving experience.
Both Elise Club Racer variants come complete with a Sport setting for the DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) allowing even the less experienced sports car drivers to feel at the top of their game, while the ability to switch it off completely will please the more established track orientated drivers. DPM combined with improved agility courtesy of Lotus finely tuned sport suspension and an adjustable anti-roll bar on the normally aspirated Elise Club Racer it is equally versatile for both road and race track fun.
The engineers behind the Elise Club Racer took a stripped-to-the-bare-bone approach made self-evident by the body-coloured seats but also matched by weight reductions to the drivetrain and the body. Attention to even the smallest of details has ensured that Lotus’ passion for performance through lightweight has been translated throughout the car.
The supercharged Lotus Elise S Club Racer is staggeringly fast in a straight line – it has 60% more power compared to the Elise Club Racer – with a zero to 100 kmh time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 234 kmh. But this is just part of the story, with the light weight and the race track developed chassis endowing it with a level of responsiveness, turn in and control that is rarely seen outside a motorsport facility. This is all delivered with a level of unencumbered purity of the best Lotus driving experiences.
“The traditional Lotus approach of reduction in weight and purity in driving experience is a design ethos that is now much copied. This means that for more than 16 years the Lotus Elise has been an icon in the sports car market, carving out a niche market with a dedicated following of fans looking for the purity of real performance driving,” says Glen Sealey. “The new Elise S Club Racer will definitely give these people something extra. This car epitomizes everything that has contributed to the iconic status of the Elise – it’s fast, raw, responsive and a huge amount of fun to drive plus it looks great!”
Quality throughout the vehicle has been a top priority, highly regarded component suppliers such as Eibach for springs and Bilstein for dampers ensure that the Elise Club Racer is a car of substance as well as style.
The Elise S Club Racer pleases the eye as well as the soul with a choice of six striking standard colours (Chrome Orange, Toxic Green, Daytona Blue, Formula Red, Carbon Grey and Aspen White) and bespoke design elements that emphasise the character of the car.
It’s pocket pleasing too, at $84,990 excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and delivery and, with a combined fuel consumption of 7.5 litres per 100 km, it’s a green guilt free performance trip!
The 2015 Lotus Elise range opens with the Elise and Elise Club Racer both at a recommended retail price of $74,990, excluding statutory charges, delivery and dealer costs, and both the supercharged Elise S and Elise S Club Racer with a recommended retail price of $84,990 excluding statutory charges, delivery and dealer costs.
The Lotus Elise S in detail
The Lotus Elise S is fitted with a supercharged engine that boasts an extra 40 Nm of torque with significantly lower toque and power peaks, enabling the driver to even more fully and easily able to exploit the remarkable chassis abilities of the Elise S with its new levels of drivability.
The 2ZRFE engine fitted to the Elise S uses a Roots-type supercharger driven from the crankshaft by a belt, which means a lag-free performance boost that remains proportional to the engine speed. The new supercharger has been developed in partnership with Magnuson and incorporates the latest technology, including the Eaton TVS Twin Vortices Series that reduces noise, vibration and harshness compared to other forms of Supercharger.
The Elise S also benefits from the fitment of an air to water charge intercooler that improves the density of the air entering the engine by cooling it and, thereby, the volumetric efficiency of the engine. The Lotus desire for compact, light and efficient design even extends to the engine with the intake manifold, intercooler and supercharger all integrated into one light, compact casing.
Also added to the engine is an oil cooler that extends engine life, reduces the heat load on the engine and radiator, increases the oil capacity and reduces under bonnet temperatures.
Further enhancing the driveability of the Lotus Elise S is a revised gearbox with new first and second gears that enable 100 kmh to be reached without a dog leg gearchange into third gear and a higher sixth gear for relaxed and economical cruising.
The changes combine to enable the Elise S, on one hand, to blast to 100 kmh in 4.6 seconds and, where law permits, on to 160 kmh in 11.2 seconds, while also be able to boast a 10 per cent improvement in fuel consumption with a new combined fuel figure of 7.5 l/100 km and a CO2 figure of just 175 g/km.
Both the Elise and Elise S benefit from changes to the chassis electronics with modifications to Lotus Dynamic Performance Management system (DPM) providing less intervention in Sport mode and, when it does intervene, smoother and more progressive intervention.
The Lotus Elise in detail
The Lotus Elise is the epitome of the Lotus ethos of minimum weight and the minimum number of parts deployed in the most effective manner to produce a car that is entirely focussed on providing the driver with a driving experience that, in terms of performance, chassis, steering response and involvement is as close to a racing car as it is possible to achieve in a road going car. Yet, while the Elise is highly capable on the race track, it is more than capable of being a car for regular daily use
It is, therefore, no surprise that it is also one of the most successful and acclaimed models that Lotus has produced, accounting for 42 per cent of its sales to date. The technology developed for the Elise, its bonded and extruded aluminium chassis and composite crash structure, has also been used with great success for other car makers and other Lotus models.
Now in its third incarnation following its launch in 1996, the Lotus Elise has a design that is a clear evolution of the original car, with a crisper cleaner, more dynamic look with a more planted, purposeful shape. This has been provided by new bumpers, blended headlights, new engine cover, a more aggressive rear diffuser and new detailing.
Manufactured by Lotus Lightweight Structures, the Elise boasts the world’s first bonded and extruded aluminium chassis. It is produced by combining extruded aluminium sections that are bonded together, a combination that produces a total weight for the chassis of just 68 kg. But lightness does not mean a lack of strength. Indeed, its structure will absorb three times as much energy in an accident as an equivalent steel structure and with a stiffness of 10,800 Nm/degree; it provides the ideal basis for accurate, responsive suspension.
The Lotus Elise is powered by a choice of two Toyota sourced engines providing a combination of reliability and durability which have been ‘tweaked’ by Lotus with a Lotus-developed Engine Management System to provide the performance characteristics required of a Lotus sports car. The normally aspirated 1.6 litre engine provides 100 kW, sufficient to push the lightweight Elise to 100 kmh in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 204 kmh.
This remarkable engine performance is achieved with a wide range of advanced technologies, including on the 1.6 litre engine, Valvematic variable valve lift that produces a more effective combustion process, reducing pumping losses, increased power and a sharper response from the engine. Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing) on both intake and exhaust camshafts enabling phasing for optimised power, torque and economy through the engine operating range. The Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) enables optimised power and torque delivery through the engine operating range via a variable length induction system and the Direct Ignition System (DIS) provides improved control of the combustion process.
The chassis of the Lotus Elise is a blend of the mechanical and the electronic that provides a unique driving experience that is responsive, sharp, with perfect handling and, yet, at the same time safe, allowing both the expert and the novice to enjoy a superb driving experience on the road or the race track.
The mechanical side starts with the weight balance provided by the mid-engine layout, which is biased by 62 per cent to the rear in an unladen car. It continues with a mechanical layout that is the synthesis of more than five decades of Lotus expertise, comprising of fully independent suspension utilizing unequal length wishbones, Bilstein Sports mono-tube gas damper, Eibach coaxial coil springs at each corner and front anti-roll bar.
Electronically, the Lotus Elise can boast the full range of acronyms, starting with CBC or Corner Brake Control, which redistributes brake force during cornering to ensure braking during corners does not throw the car off the desired line. Drag Torque Control (DTC) eliminates torque induced wheel lock up during quick down shifts by matching engine and road speeds; the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) has been calibrated specifically for the Elise to maximise safety and minimise its intervention and maximise driver enjoyment. The ABS brakes are fitted with the latest Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) to enable the driver to get the absolute maximum stopping power when required and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) to cope with changing grip levels. The Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Traction Control System (TCS) ensure that under all conditions the Elise can lay down the maximum power and torque safely and effectively.
For track use with the exception of the ABS, HBA and EBD, these systems may be turned off to enable the driver to have maximum fun and enjoyment.
The Lotus Elise is not a luxury car. But, nor is it a stripped track-day only special. It has the equipment and features to ensure that daily use is a practical reality and, as such can bring the ‘Lotus rush’ to everyday commuting.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, electric windows, central locking with alarm system, easy-remove soft top roof (shower cape for naturally aspirated Elise Club Racer), leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, twin air bags and a four speaker digital audio system (optional for naturally aspirated Elise Club Racer). The ProBax Sports seats are worth a special mention. Using technology derived from Formula One, these light weight composite seats mould themselves around the driver and passenger to grip them in unobtrusive but effective manner to enable them to enjoy and fully utilise the high levels of grip and therefore lateral g-forces offered by the Elise.
TECHNICAL Specifications – Lotus Elise and Elise s
Engine Code / 1ZR-FAE / 2ZR-FE
Engine / Mid-mounted, transverse, engine, aluminium lightweight and compact construction, 4 cylinders in line, water cooled, naturally aspirated with double overhead camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder, valvematic, dual variable valve timing, acoustic control induction system, direct ignition system, electronic throttle control system-intelligent / Mid-mounted, transverse, engine, aluminium lightweight aluminium lightweight and compact construction, 4 cylinders in line, water cooled, Chain driven Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, dual variable valve timing, acoustic control induction system, direct ignition system, Lotus electronic throttle control system
Magnuson R900 supercharger utilising Eaton TVS™ technology
Capacity / 1598 cc / 1797
Bore and Stroke / 80.5/78.5 / 82.0/88.3
Compression ratio / 10.7:1 / 10.0:1
Engine Management / Lotus Te6 / Lotus Te4
Power kW/rpm / 100 kW/6800 / 163 kW/6800
Torque NM/rpm / 160 NM/4400 / 250/4600
Emissions / Three-way catalytic converter. Euro V emissions compliant with full On-Board Diagnostics (OBD).
Transmission / C60 Gearbox, aluminium lightweight construction, 6-speed, constant mesh helical gears and open differential.
Ratios / 1st / 3.538:1 / 3.538:1
2nd / 1.913:1 / 1.913:1
3rd / 1.310:1 / 1.310:1
4th / 0.971:1 / 0.971:1
5th / 0.818:1 / 0.818:1
6th / 0.700:1 / 0.700:1
Reverse / 3.333:1 / 3.250:1
Final Drive / 4.294:1 / 4.529:1
Suspension / Fully independent suspension utilizing unequal length wishbones, Bilstein Sports mono-tube gas damper, Eibach coaxial coil spring at each corner and front anti-roll bar.
Chassis / Lotus designed lightweight structure of epoxy bonded aluminium alloy extrusions with integral steel seat-belt support structure and lightweight steel rear subframe.
Chassis Electronics
(All apart from * can be completely switched off) / Corner Brake Control (CBC)
Drag Torque Control (DTC)
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)*
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)*
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)* / Corner Brake Control (CBC)
Drag Torque Control (DTC)
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)*
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)*
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)*
Steering / Solidly mounted mechanical rack and pinion steering box with 2.8 turns lock-to-lock.
Brakes / Servo-assisted, track tuned 4-channel Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Lotus/AP-Racing twin-piston fixed aluminium alloy front brake calipers, Brembo single-piston sliding rear calipers and 282 mm diameter, 26 mm thick front and rear cast-iron ventilated discs.
Wheels / Y spoked Hi-Power Silver 12-spoke lightweight alloy wheels 7.5 x 17”
Tyres / Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 LTS 225/45 R17
Performance
0-100 kmh (secs) / 6.5 / 4.6
0-160 kmh (secs) / 18.6 / 10.8
Max speed (kmh) / 204 / 234
Fuel Consumption
Urban (l/100 km) / 8.31 / 10.3
Extra Urban (l/100 km) / 5.04 / 5.9
Combined (l/100 km) / 6.28 / 7.5
CO2 (G/km) / 149 / 175
Dimensions (mm)
Wheelbase / 2300
Track front/rear / 1457/1507
Length / 3824
Width maximum / 1719
Overhang front/rear / 783/702
Ramp angle f/r degrees / 12.5/23
Ground clearance / 130
Fuel tank (l) / 40
Weights
Unladen / 876 / 924
Weight distribution f/r / 38%/62%
Drag coefficient / 0.41
TECHNICAL Specifications