Lightweight Lotus Elise Sprint unveiled

Next month will see the arrival of another Elise variant. The new Sprint, which is going to slot in between the existing Sport and Cup 250 models, has been on a strict diet.

Indeed, when powered by a normally-aspirated 1.6 litre engine delivering 134 bhp (100 kW / 136 PS), dry weight is just 803 kg (1,770 lbs). Numerous special components have made such a figure possible.

Lotus Elise Sprint 220 (2017) Front SideLotus Elise Sprint 220 (2017) Interior

They include forged alloy wheels, a polycarbonate rear screen, carbon race seats, an 'open-gate' gear-change mechanism and a lithium-ion battery. Furthermore, the engine cover, front access panel and roll hoop cover are all made from carbon fibre.

If an even lighter car is required, then selecting two-piece brake discs and carbon fibre sill covers from the options list brings the Sprint's mass down to 798 kg (1,759 lbs).

Lotus Elise Sprint 220 (2017) SideLotus Elise Sprint 220 (2017) Rear Side

A Sprint 220 version is also being offered that features a 217 bhp (162 kW / 220 PS) 1.8 litre supercharged motor. It tips the scales at 851 kg (1,876 lbs), or 845 kg (1,862 lbs) with the aforementioned extras.

For both the Sprint and Sprint 220, less bulk promises enhanced driving dynamics and stronger performance compared to their Sport counterparts. The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) times aren't dramatically better, though:
  • Elise Sport – 6.5 seconds
  • Elise Sprint – 6.3 seconds
  • Elise Sport 220 – 4.6 seconds
  • Elise Sprint 220 – 4.5 seconds
Of course, that one benchmark doesn't tell the whole story.

UK prices for the Elise Sprint start at £37,300, while the Sprint 220 costs from £44,300.

Related posts:
Lotus reveals the Elise 250 Special Edition
Lotus introduces the quickest Elise ever

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
Read more

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more