2000 Lotus Elise

Lotus Elise S2 (Sports), 2001-2011

The Lotus Elise was in production from 2001 to 2011. Styled in house, it is a mid-engine, rear wheel drive sports car seating two adults.

The Lotus Elise Series 2 was the result of European safety legislation marking the Elise as unsustainable in crashes, and was developed jointly with General Motors. The idea was that Lotus had funds for a new Elise and GM had a new Vauxhall and Opel sports car - the VX220/Opel Speedster. It used a modified version of the original Elise chassis with a new computer designed body, and in early models kept the Rover K-series engine of its predecessor. The sporting 111S model used the VVC version of this engine as seen in the MG TF160, with Type 25 and Type 23 secial editions limited to 50 units marking anniversaries of previous models. Track focused 135R and Sport 190 models were also available.

The biggest change in the Elise S2 production run was the adoption of a Toyota 1.8 litre engine from the Celica for the 111R. This is believed to have been in order to obtain American approval, as Elise S2s were sold in the United States from the 2005 model year. Subsequent developments would also include the launch of the supercharged Elise SC. The Lotus Elise S2 would be replaced by a new Series 3 model for the 2011 model year. This was effectively a heavy facelift of the Series 2, retaining the majority of its panels and underpinnings. Official production numbers are not known as Lotus has only released an overall Elise figure of 35124 cars - covering all S1, S2 and S3 production.

The obvious alternative to a Lotus Elise S2 today is the Vauxhall VX220 which shares many of its underpinnings but with a choice of Vauxhall engines. Alternatively, hardcore enthusiasts may consider the track focused Exige as an option, while those looking for a mid engined road sports car could choose from the MG TF or the Totora MR2 Mk3 as suitable alternatives. Caterham's Seven and the range of models offered by Westfield have an even rawer feel to them, but may not be as usable on a day to day basis.