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

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