Lotus Unveils New Lightweight Sport Models

Group Lotus plc has taken the wraps off its new Elise Sport and Elise Sport 220 sports cars. The vehicles, which replace the outgoing Elise 1.6 and Elise S, will be launched in Europe next month before bowing globally in early 2016.

Lotus last used the Sport name in the early 2000s for high performance versions of the Esprit.

The new Elise models are 22 lbs lighter than the cars they replace, with the Elise Sport weighing in at just over 1,900 lbs and the Elise Sport 220 tipping the scales at 2,015 lbs. The savings are due in part to the use of lightweight sports seats. Optional forged wheels can save an additional 11 lbs.

The diets improve fuel economy slightly to 45 mpg for the Sport and 37.5 mpg for the Sport 220 on the European driving cycle.

The Elise Sport is powered by a 1.6-liter engine that makes 134 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque. The Sport 220 gets a 1.8-liter mill that generates 217 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox.