2015 Lotus Elise Concept at 2010 Paris Motor Show
- Looks like: A miniature Lotus Esprit Concept
- Defining characteristics: An affordable and wholesome super-handler
- Ridiculous features: Temperature controls on the driver-side door handle
- Chance of being mass-produced: Estimated release in spring 2015
Along with all the hoopla surrounding Lotus’ product expansion, the carmaker hasn’t forgotten about its most affordable entry, the Elise. While it’s still four years off, the Elise will remain a fuel-efficient and affordable option from Lotus.
The 2015 model will still be a two-seat, midengine design and remain relatively lightweight. Judging from Lotus’ specifications, the new Elise will weigh in at around 2,400 pounds, 400 pounds heavier than the current model.
The extra weight shouldn’t affect gas mileage, though. The 315-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder will feature stop/start technology, which Lotus promises will give the Elise class-leading power and fuel economy. The 2010 Elise achieves 21/27 mpg city/ highway. A hybrid variant will also be available.
Lotus says the new model will cost around $45,000 to $55,000 (excluding inflation), around the current pricing of the 2010 model.
In addition to the Elise, Lotus unveiled the Esprit, Elan (Lotus’ upcoming Porsche 911 competitor), Elite and Eterne at the Paris Motor Show. If you just looked at photos of each model, you’d be forgiven if you thought they were all the same. The three we’ve covered – the Esprit , Elsie and Elite — are arguably the most important for the brand.
You do have to sort of question the carmaker’s strategy of showing legit 2015 model year vehicles when we’re still looking forward to 2012.
Continue reading below for detailed specifications.
2015 Lotus Elise Specifications
- Layout: two seats, midengine, rear-wheel drive
- Engine: Gasoline with start/stop option; hybrid powertrain optional
- Capacity: 2.0-liter four-cylinder
- Power/torque (estimated): 315 horsepower, 243 pounds-feet of torque
- Rev limit: 7,800 rpm
- Zero to 62 mph: 4.3 seconds
- Top speed: 168 mph
- Weight (estimated): 2,409 pounds
- Transmission: Six-speed manual; dual-clutch transmission optional
- Start of production: Early 2015
- Enters the market: Spring 2015
- Price (estimated): $45,000-$55,000
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One buys a Lotus for one reason and one reason only: road glue. Whether the fuel economy suffers from the extra weight doesn't matter.
However, how that weight affects the handling matters a TON! Improved suspension components and electric assistance can help mitigate the damage, but you can't escape that it would still have handled better without 400 extra pounds of pork.
Looks like they should have taken a note from the Mazda playbook when they redesigned the Miata. Shave weight anywhere possible, even if only a few grams.
They look similar, but not the same... Lotus = brilliant!
yeah it looks like a cool alien.
I love the look of the interior, with its pod-like binnacle of instruments, steering wheel with F1-style progressive shift lights and its digital rendering of race circuits for those venturing out the the track.
It's an amazing concept :) Real supercar! I'm so gald for Lotus. Unfortunatelly we will have to wait for 5 years...
Wonderful car. Fantastic design. Beautiful interior.
2015 seems to be so far....
The Lotus Elise is a 2-seat mid-engine roadster, which is designed with rear-wheel drive mechanism.
Great!Learn a lot from here!
yeah it looks like a cool alien
This car will have a better power to weight ratio than the latest 2005 Acura NSX and have a faster final drive ratio. 447 rear The Acura has a 410 rear The car still weighs 400lbs less than the acura NSX The handling should be nearly the same, driving or steering feel better, fun factor much better and definitly a lot more acceleration, torque etc.