For the first time in over seven years, the track-day favourite Lotus Elise is receiving a substantial facelift. And if you’ve noticing a few styling cues lifted from the Evora, your not wrong at all.
The striking new front fascia isn’t there to help create a new-look uniformed range, it’s mainly about efficiency. Thanks to the smoother, lower nose, restyled headlamps (complete with daytime running lights), larger grille and side ducting, new engine cover and reworked rear lines, the 2011 Elise’s coefficient drag figure has been reduced by four percent.
The 1.8-litre engine remains, pumping out 192 hp in its naturally aspirated form and 217 hp when equipped with a supercharger. A new Toyota-sourced 1.6-liter engine will be made available for the first time with 134 hp (at 6,800 rpm) and 118 pound-feet of torque (at 4,400 rpm), which should result in a 0-100kph time of around six seconds. A six-speed manual remains standard on all models, and new lightweight forged wheels are available as an option, along with cruise control.
The 2011 Lotus Elise should be distributed globally from this April, expect sales to begin later this year.
