Lotus Cars Australia announces MY20.5 updates to Elise

2020 Elise_Grey_Elise_220-_Sport_1     Featuring revised specification, new paint and trim options and value-added option packages, the MY20.5 Lotus Elise model ranges are now available for purchase in Australia. 

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Lotus Elise Sport 220

The Lotus Elise Sport 220 features an ultra-rigid and lightweight extruded aluminium chassis, which contributes to a 924kg unladen weight.

The Elise Sport 220 is powered by a mid-mounted, supercharged (with charge cooler), 1.8-litre fourcylinder engine that features dual variable valve timing, double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder.

This compact, lightweight unit generates 162kW at 6800rpm, with 250Nm torque at 4600rpm. While rating highly on specific output, the Elise Sport 220 also returns strong efficiency numbers, with combined fuel consumption of only 7.7L/100km and 175g/km CO2.

Zero to 100km/h is accomplished in 4.6sec with a top speed of 233km/h.

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Harnessing this speed are AP Racing twin-piston front calipers and single-piston Brembo rear calipers. These clamp 288mm vented and cross-drilled discs at each corner.

A six-speed manual gearbox with stunning exposed shifting mechanism and polished aluminium shift knob features close ratios to ensure the Elise is always ready to perform.

Lotus-tuned double wishbone suspension, via Bilstein dampers with coaxial Eibach springs and a front anti-roll bar, works in harmony with the 16-inch front and 17-inch rear cast alloy wheels and Yokohama Advan Sport tyres, which measure 195/50/ZR16 on the front axle and 225/45ZR17 on the rear. Responsive, feelsome steering is taken care of via a quick 2.86 turns lock-to-lock rack and pinion system.

Adding further layers of ability are the Lotus Dynamic Performance Management system, race-tuned ABS and an electronic differential lock to ensure even greater control.

As standard, sports seats are trimmed in lightweight cloth/leather with contrast stitching, while airconditioning, central locking and electric windows add practical elements. Protecting your investment is an immobiliser, as well as a remote activated alarm.

Both the gorgeous three-spoke steering wheel and curvaceous sill trims are finished in black leather, the latter with the choice of red or yellow contrast stitching.

These stitching choices also detail the lightweight, tactile black leather that is applied to the door cards, face-level air vents and centre console. A black soft top roof is standard fitment with hard top incorporating soft cloth roof lining available as an option.

For MY20.5 Lotus has developed two value-added options packages for the Elise Sport 220. These group specific options into either Touring or Sport themes, for a reduced overall price compared to ordering each option individually.

The Touring pack brings additional comfort, with a choice of leather or Alcantara trim packs, as well as four-speaker stereo with DAB functionality, sound insulation pack, cruise control and full black carpeting.

The leather trim pack can be specified in black, red or tan with contrasting silver stitching, while the Alcantara trim pack can be finished in black or red, again with silver stitching.

Opting for the Sports pack adds a black full Alcantara steering wheel, two-piece brake discs, a sports suspension tune using Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs, and 10-spoke lightweight forged alloy road wheels finished in black or silver.

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A range of single options are also available, including:

  • Four-speaker stereo with DAB digital radio
  • Cruise control
  • Face level vents trimmed in black Alcantara
  • Black Alcantara sill trims
  • Interior stitching in red, yellow, orange or black
  • Interior colour pack to match exterior body colour
  • Interior colour pack in gloss red, yellow, orange, white, black, solid red or silver
  • Black carpet mats
  • Brake calipers painted in red
  • GFRP hard top
  • Carbon fibre hard top, front access panel, rear boot lid, sports seats, sill covers
  • Lightweight lithium ion battery with battery conditioner
  • 10-spoke lightweight forged alloy wheels in black or silver
  • Metallic, premium or pearl exterior paintwork
  • Titanium exhaust

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Lotus Elise Cup 250

As per Lotus tradition, the Cup package further intensifies the driving experience. The supercharged (with charge cooler) 1.8-litre engine is further tuneed to generate 181kW peak power at 7200rpm, supported with 250Nm torque available from 3500-5500rpm. Zero to 100km/h is achieved in only 4.3sec, with a 248km/h top speed.

Fuel efficiency sits at 7.8L/100km on the combined cycle, with 178g/km CO2.

Where the Elise Cup 250 truly stands out is in its aerodynamics, highlighted by its stunning rear wing. At top speed, the Elise Cup 250 generates 148kg of downforce, sticking the car to the road. With the additional aerodynamic aids, standard weight remains low, at 931kg.

Compared to the Elise Sport 220, the Cup 250’s Bilstein suspension dampers are tuned to be stiffer in both compression (front plus-12 per cent; rear plus nine per cent) and rebound (front plus-20 per cent; rear plus-30%) strokes, ensuring even greater precision and response. Its front anti-roll bar is also adjustable.

Yokohama Advan A052 tyres (195/50/R16 on the front, 225/45/R17 rear) further contribute to the racecar feeling, as does the standard T45 steel roll bar.

Standard features on the Lotus Elise Cup 250 include a lightweight lithium-ion battery kit, Alcantaratrimmed carbon fibre race seats, a polycarbonate rear screen and lightweight forged alloy wheels.

Like the Elise Sport 220, the Lotus Elise Cup 250 can be optioned with a Touring pack. There is the same choice of leather or Alcantara trim packs, as well as four-speaker stereo with DAB functionality, sound insulation pack, cruise control and full black carpeting.

The leather trim pack can be specified in black, red or tan with contrasting silver stitching, while the Alcantara trim pack can be finished in black or red, again with silver stitching.

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A range of single options are also available, including:

– Four-speaker stereo with DAB digital radio – Cruise control – Face level vents trimmed in black Alcantara – Black Alcantara sill trims – Interior stitching in red, yellow, orange or black – Interior colour pack to match exterior body colour – Interior colour pack in gloss red, yellow, orange, white, black, solid red or silver – Black carpet mats – Brake calipers painted in red – GFRP hard top – Carbon fibre hard top – Carbon fibre front access panel – Carbon fibre rear boot lid – Carbon fibre sports seats – Carbon fibre sill covers – Metallic, new premium or pearl exterior paintwork – Titanium exhaust

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Lotus Elise Pricing

All prices below are calculated as the Manufacturer’s Retail List Price, including LCT and GST. MY20.5 Lotus Elise range

Elise Sport 220 $87,990 MLP* 162kW / 250Nm 7.7L/100km / 175g/km CO2

Elise Cup 250 $107,990 MLP* 181kW / 250Nm 7.8L/100km / 178g/km CO2

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

About Rob Fraser 2475 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.