Lotus Elise 111R
Published: 23rd October 2004
Lotus Elise 111R
Power-to-weight in abundance
Lotus undertook a thorough and exhaustive evaluation of a wide range of state-of-the-art engines. Toyota’s 2ZZ-GE 1.8 litre 4 cylinder 16-valve VVTL-i engine and C64 six-speed gearbox was chosen as an outstanding package, excellently suited to the Elise.
This engine has breath taking power and torque characteristics, and critically for a Lotus, is lightweight, featuring a compact metal matrix composite alloy cylinder block.
A bespoke exhaust system has been developed for the Elise 111R with the twin exhaust pipes exiting through the rear diffuser.
Lotus subjected the 2ZZ-GE to a rigorous testing and development programme covering a wide range of extreme climate conditions from the Arctic Circle to the Arizona and Nevada deserts, and at altitude in Colorado. Furthermore, the engine management system, bifurcated exhaust downpipe, and bespoke gearshift mechanism are designed and developed by Lotus, resulting in a power unit perfectly integrated with the Elise’s chassis and dynamics.
Lotus has tuned the engine to suit the very essence of the Elise by employing a brand new, custom engineered Lotus T4 engine management system (EMS). The software for the EMS was designed and developed by Lotus specifically for the Elise 111R. All calibration and validation work was undertaken solely by Lotus engineers, ensuring that the Elise performs as a true Lotus should.
Toyota’s world-renowned VVTL-i system allows the engine management system the flexibility to select the optimum camshaft profile, lift and timing across the full range of engine operating conditions. This interaction between the Lotus T4 EMS and the VVTL-i system gives the Elise its optimum linear torque characteristics, peaking at 181Nm at 6800rpm coupled with the peak power of 192 PS (141kW) at 7800rpm.
The all-aluminium lightweight Toyota C64 six-speed gearbox is fitted with an all-new Lotus designed and developed shift operating mechanism. With the closest ratios and gearset afforded by the transmission,the gearbox offers a fast, precise and light gearshift, ensuring drivers have total control and flexibility to apply the power exactly as and when required.
True to Colin Chapman’s philosophy of performance through lightweight, the power density available from the Toyota power unit gives the Elise a staggering 223PS/t (164kW/t) and a 0-100km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds!
Proof, if needed, that there actually is a substitute for “cubic inches”!
Equipment
Standard equipment for the Elise 111R includes: half leather interior, sun visors, central door locking, Blaupunkt Lausanne radio CD-R/W player and Blaupunkt high performance front and rear speakers.
Optional equipment includes a Touring Pack, which provides a combination
of options designed to
increase comfort and convenience, while still maintaining the essence
of a Lotus sports car. This pack
includes:
Auxiliary front driving lights, a choice of either full leather or Alcantara trim, a soft-top with sound and thermal insulation, electric windows, an upgraded Blaupunkt Woodstock DAB radio, CD-R/W and MP3 player, interior stowage net, sound insulation, and full carpet with a lightweight aluminium passenger footrest.
Other options also include metallic paint, air-conditioning and a body coloured hard top.
