First look: New Lotus debuts in Brisbane
BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 9th Feb 2004
And at the same time Lotus Cars Australia announced a drastic cut to pricing on all models, after a re-negotiation with the factory triggered by improving exchange rates.
The first shipment of Elise 111Rs arrived in January 2004, before the UK dealers received their first stocks.
The Elise 111R replaces the current Elise 111S in Australia, although this model continues in other markets and can be specially ordered here.
With a VVTL-i engine (Variable Valve Timing and Lift-Intelligent) producing a maximum power output of 141kW and 181Nm of torque, the 111R sprints to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds and 160km/h in 13.0 seconds, before reaching a certified top speed of 241km/h.
The engine – which matches to a six-speed manual transmission - is already seen here in the Toyota Celica, MR2 and Corolla Sportivo. But the hard-core two-door from Hethel is undoubtedly its most extreme mount yet.
That’s because the Elise 111R weighs in at a mere 860kg - unladen with no options - giving a spectacular power to weight ratio of 164kW/tonne.
Yet Lotus also claims fuel consumption of just 8.8 litres/100km on the ECE combined cycle, as well as Euro IV emission certification.
The Elise 111R is 22 per cent more powerful than the Elise 111S, is fitted with a track tuned ABS system for the first time on an Elise and is available in two variants.
The 111S is powered by a 116kW Rover VVC engine mated to a five-speed gearbox. It is one tenth of a second slower to 100km/h than the R, and one second slower to 160km/h, making it in 14 seconds. It has a top speed of 210km/h.
Standard features across the range include air-conditioning, full carpet with passenger footrest, radio/CD with four -speakers and remote alarm.
* As with the Elise 111R, Australia is also the first market in the world to receive the exciting new Lotus Exige.
Production starts this month (February) and the first shipment is expected to arrive by the end of March.
PRICING:
Lotus Exige with Touring or Performance Pack $106,990
Lotus Exige $ 99,990
Lotus Sport 111 $ 99,990
Lotus Elise 111R with Touring Pack $99,990
Lotus Elise 111R $94,990
Lotus Elise S $79,990
Lotus Elise $69,990