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Seven Interesting Facts about the Lotus Elise

  • Based on the Series 1, a special edition Elise was released by Lotus in 2000. Badged as the 340R, this model was roofless and powered by a buffed Rover K-Series engine. The name originally stood for the power-to-weight ratio of the said vehicle. However, after it was launched, the name was used to indicate the total number of 340R units produced-340.

  • In 2005, the first Lotus Elise was made available to car enthusiasts in the United States. However, due to a report filed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2005 Elise was given a three-year exemption because it did not comply with the US headlight and bumper standards.

  • To boost its sales in the so-called lifestyle market, Lotus released fifty special edition Elises. Called the California Edition, 25 of the vehicles under this package were painted Ardent Red, while the other 25 were colored Saffron Yellow. Interior-wise, the California Edition featured two-toned leather. The other notable attributes of this package were the 16-spoke wheels and silver front grille.

  • The Lotus Elise is known worldwide for its superb overall performance. In fact, some of its noteworthy recognitions include the Best Sports Car in 2004 from BBC's Top Gear Magazine, Autocar's Best Driver's Car in 2001, and UK Horizons TV's Car of the Year in 2003.

  • In the car racing video game series Need for Speed, the Lotus Elise 111R is featured as a mid-engine roadster. With its low weight and excellent performance, this vehicle is hailed by gamers and Need for Speed alike as one of the best-performing cars in the game.

  • Want to know where the name Elise came from? When the Lotus Elise was launched, the chairman of the company was Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli. To honor his granddaughter Elisa, Artioli decided to name the vehicle line after her.

  • To celebrate Lotus' 50th year, a special edition Lotus Elise was launched in 1998. It featured a metallic green paint job that is coupled to two-toned (green and beige) leather seats and special decals. Only 50 units of this model were released, and to show its uniqueness, a certificate of authenticity was issued with every purchase.

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Lotus Elise Articles

  • Lotus Elise: Usual Issues and How to Resolve Them

    17 January 2013

    Many car experts and enthusiasts around the world consider the Lotus Elise as one of the best mid-engined roadsters ever made. With its innovative design and superior performance, it's no surprise that this vehicle managed to bag several awards in the past. However, despite its recognitions, it is still plagued by various problems that affect its overall performance. Check out the list below for some of the common malfunctions that car owners may encounter with the Lotus Elise.


    Cooling

    One problem that many Lotus Elise owners complain about involves the cooling system. In fact, those who experience this difficulty report intermittent temperature changes. For instance, if the temperature is rated at 87 to 89 C, it will unexpectedly rise to 110 to 120 C, therefore causing the coolant to boil in the header tank.

    To solve this problem, car owners and experts recommend routine maintenance of the cooling system. However, repairing or replacing damaged components unsupervised is a no-go because the parts of the Lotus Elise tend to be on the steep side.


    Footwell floor corrosion

    Another problem that plagues the Lotus Elise is the corrosion of the synthetic mats in the footwells. Many car owners reported that after some time, these mats deteriorate, therefore making the vehicle look unpleasant. To address the problem, Lotus conducted a series of research, and the company found out that the moisture and salt that build up between the mat and floor surface were the culprits behind the issue.

    Also, to make sure that the problem will not happen again, Lotus pulled out all PVC-based mats and replaced them with breathable black carpets. Owners are also given the option to contact their dealers so that their old mats can be replaced or buffed with an anti-corrosion solution.


    Fire risk

    In 2011, Lotus issued a recall for almost 5, 037 units of 2005 to 2006 Lotus Elises because they are at risk of being fire hazards. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this recall was necessary because the oil cooler lines of the affected Elises may disconnect from its fitting, therefore causing oil to spray in the engine compartment. Fortunately, no deaths or injuries were reported to be caused by the defect. Still, to compensate drivers, Lotus said that it was willing to reimburse U.S. owners who spent money to repair the faulty part.

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