Lotus Elise (United Kingdom, 1996-2001)

The British car brand Lotus released its Type 111 model (how it’s internally known), which was named Elise, at the 1995 Frankfurt Auto Show. When the Lotus factory started works on the Elise model that year, the goal was not about achieving high power outputs but rather maintain weight as low as possible, getting a good performance from a more dynamic than powerful car.

Also, low weight meant fewer accessories which mean lower costs, making the Elise a rather affordable car to own but still preserving its good performance and good looks. Besides the standard production versions, the series 1 Lotus Elise was also released in some limited editions. Some of them differ in potency and others only vary in the exterior design, like the 50th Anniversary Edition that celebrates the 50 years of Lotus produced cars.

All Lotus Elise variants, except for the GT1, come with a 1.8 L Rover K-Series engine that makes the car achieve a maximum speed of 126 mi/h (202 km/h). The GT1 version of the Elise comes with a 3.5 L twin-turbo V8 engine and reaches 199 mi/h (320 km/h).

Depending on each variant, this rear-wheel drive model’s power output ranges from 118 (standard) to 350 hp (GT1). The Elise is driven by a 5-speed manual transmission, again except for the GT1’s 6-speed manual gearbox.

This 2-seat model, designed by Julian Thomson, was available both in roofless and hardtop convertible shapes, depending on the editions.

The purpose of this Lotus roadster was to gain performance through lightness instead of high power outputs, so its body is built over an aluminum frame and the low weight of its body shell provides it with a great handling and acceleration power.