Guide Note
Named after the granddaughter of Lotus' former chairman,1 Romano Artioli, the sporty Elise made its debut in Europe in 1996. Drawing directly from Lotus founder Colin Chapman's motto, "Performance through light weight,"2 the Elise is a lightweight car known for its high performance and low price. As a result, the Elise quickly went on to become the best-selling Lotus of all time.3
Fast Facts
- Class: Sports car
- Engine: 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-4
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Fuel Efficiency: 21/27 mpg
- Power: 189hp @ 7,800rpm
- Torque: 133 (lb-ft) @ 6,800rpm
- 0-60: 4.9 seconds
- MSRP: $46,270
Reviews
"It amazes like a Dwyane Wade drive to the hole; nothing should be able to move the way it does."—Car and Driver4
"This may be the best car in the world — if all you need it to do is stay ahead of whatever's chasing it."—Edmunds5
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