Lotus drops Elise pricing

LOTUS Cars Australia has announced a thorough revision and re-pricing of the hard-core Elise sports car range from late this month when the 2004 models arrive.

Pricing has been dropped back close to 1997 levels when the first generation Elise was introduced and the range has been expanded to four models – Elise, Elise S, Elise 111S and Elise Sport 111.

The equipment level has also been boosted. The best example of this is the standard Elise which now includes air-conditioning, carpet, remote activated alarm and radio/CD with four-speaker sound system for an all-up $74,990 – a massive $10,000 under the current price.

The new Elise S has a higher level of comfort fitment than the standard car, including a new noise insulation package, and retails for $84,990.

The Elise 111S continues and is joined by the track-oriented Sport 111, both $5000 less than the old 111S at $99,900.

The standard Elise and Elise S are both powered by a 88kW 1.8-litre four-cylinder mid-mounted engine, while the 111 and Sport 111 get 116kW VVC versions of the same engine.