Lotus Elise Series 2 1.8 i 16V (122 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.3 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.8 / 5
Comfort 2.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Lotus Elise:

The Lotus Elise GT1 is a race car developed for grand tourer-style sports car racing starting in 1997.
Lotus Cars had previously been using the Lotus Esprit GT1—a racing version of their Lotus Esprit road car—in the BPR Global GT Series since its foundation in 1994, competing in the premier GT1 class against the likes of the McLaren F1 GTR, Venturi 600LM, Ferrari F40 GTE and others. However, in 1997, the series came to be known as the FIA GT Championship and manufacturer involvement was increased with the new international exposure. Porsche was the first to start a new breed of racing cars in 1996, with their purpose-built homologation special known as the 911 GT1. This was quickly followed by the announcement that Mercedes-Benz planned to do the same with their CLK GTR for 1997....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Series 2 Overview:

Lotus Elise (Series 2). With 168 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.4 l/100km). Weighing only 756 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.7 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.8 i 16V (122 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The entry-level 122 Hp K-Series offers a lively, engaging drive, perfectly suited to the Elise's lightweight chassis. While not blistering fast, its accessible power makes it enjoyable on twisty roads.

Fuel Economy

With a combined 7.4 l/100 km, it's reasonably economical for a sports car, benefiting from the car's low weight.

Best Use Case: Spirited B-road driving / Daily enthusiast driver

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Unrivaled handling and steering feel
  • • Extremely lightweight and agile
  • • Exhilarating performance, especially 111R
  • • Timeless, iconic design
  • • Strong community and aftermarket support

Cons:

  • • Very limited practicality and storage
  • • Challenging ingress/egress
  • • Harsh ride quality on poor roads
  • • K-Series engine reliability concerns (head gasket)
  • • Basic interior and amenities

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Series 1: 1997 - 2000).

General:
Brand:Lotus
Model:Elise
Generation:Series 2
Modification (Engine):1.8 i 16V (122 Hp)
Start of production:2000
End of production:2010
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Roadster
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:122 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:68 Hp/l [51mm more]
Torque:168 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:K16 (18K4FL70) More details about the engine K16 (18K4FL70)
Engine displacement:1795
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:8 l
Engine layout:Middle, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:80 mm mm
Piston Stroke:89.3 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.15 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:5.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:5.7 sec
Maximum speed:200 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:6.2 kg/Hp, 161.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.5 kg/Nm, 222.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:5.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:756
Max. weight:940
Max load:184
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:115 l
Fuel tank capacity:38 l
Size:
Length:3785 mm mm [51mm more]
Width:1719 mm mm [18mm more]
Height:1143 mm mm [59mm less]
Wheelbase:2300 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1457 mm
Rear (Back) track:1503 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size175/55 R16; 225/45 R17
Wheel rims size16; 17
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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