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October 2003
Elise US Engine Confirmed
Nine months before the Lotus Elise goes on sale in the U.S., Lotus Cars Ltd. announces its choice of powertrain for the "Federal" version of the "world’s finest sportscar".
The 2ZZ-GE 1.8 litre 4 cylinder 16-valve engine with Variable Valve Timing and Lift-Intelligent (VVTL-i) system has been chosen. This class-leading engine, mated to a six-speed gearbox and mounted amid-ships, has been tuned by Lotus specifically for the U.S. Elise and produces around 190hp.
Manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation, the VVTL-i engine was selected after a thorough and extensive study of all the possible powertrain units available. The Toyota engine and gearbox was selected as it is lightweight, with a high power output and most importantly, ideally suited to the character of the Elise.
By choosing this engine, Lotus has once again ensured that the pure character of the Elise – a racecar for the road – is exploited. The VVTL-i system affords the car increased low end torque for greater acceleration from low engine speeds, before unleashing the full 190hp at the higher end of the rev range.
In January 2003, Lotus announced it will expand its presence in the U.S. with the introduction of a U.S. specific version of the world-acclaimed Elise. U.S. sales of the 2005 Elise are scheduled to begin in mid 2004. The "Federal" Elise will retain the benchmark performance, handling and dynamics that have proven so popular particularly in the U.K. and Europe while being fully compliant with U.S. regulations.
The recipient of numerous industry awards and accolades for design, performance, drivability, and handling, the Elise is constructed around a strong, rigid, yet lightweight extruded and bonded aluminium chassis. Consistent with the Lotus design philosophy of achieving performance and efficiency through lightweight, this high tech chassis weighing less than 150lbs allows for a complete vehicle weight of less than 2000lbs.
A comprehensive study of the U.S. market and the success of the Elise in Europe and world markets have shown that there is a demand for a small, lightweight and very high performance sportscar in the U.S. While remaining a hand-built car, a new state of the art manufacturing facility at its Headquarters in Hethel, England has enabled Lotus to build cars at a higher volume and introduce unprecedented quality standards, vital for today’s discerning customer.
Lotus Cars U.S.A. is implementing a plan to provide the highest quality sales and service support throughout the dealer network and is adding new dealers in key market areas, making the brand more accessible to its expanded customer base.
Complete specifications and price for the U.S. Elise will be published in the next few months.
For Further Information, please contact:
PR Department
Group Lotus PLC
Tel.: +44 - (0)1953-608264
Fax.: +44 – (0)1953-608111
Email: pr@lotuscars.co.uk
Lotus is pleased to announce the new Elise Range
The Lotus Elise, the world’s greatest sportscar has been updated for 2003. The new range has been introduced to offer greater comfort yet retain its race-bred performance and looks. The new range sees the introduction of the ‘S’ models.
The standard 'S' model features include; central locking, electric windows, increased storage space, efficient sound insulation pack (minimising sound intrusion into the cabin), full leather trim, carpets, sun visors and a 4 speaker stereo system, alongside ultimate and world renowned ride and handling.
The Lotus Elise, from £22995.00*. To celebrate this launch the Elise is now available from as little as £349.00** per month with APR 5.9% with a deposit of only £2,056.59 *** from 14 July 2003 until 14 November 2003. Combine this great finance offer with the fact that the Elise has combined CO2 emissions of 177g/km and combined fuel consumption of 38.5mpg and it really is all the car you will ever need. Full terms and conditions apply, please click below for further details.
Elise Footwell Floor Corrosion
Lotus would like to reassure Elise owners that we are continuing to investigate the cosmetic corrosion of the top surface of the footwell floor panels experienced by a small proportion of cars when factory fitted with plastic floor covering. This condition may take the form of staining and/or deposits of either powder or a paste like substance in the footwell.Our engineers have been working with the chassis manufacturer and a number of specialist institutes to identify the causes of this specific issue and provide our customers with an appropriate resolution.We thank you for your continued patience and understanding whilst the necessary testing and validation of solutions are pursued. Lotus places a high value on the satisfaction and loyalty of its customers and it is for this reason that we wish to make sure that we have identified the possible causes and have verified that the solution we introduce is effective and inconveniences our customers as little as possible.We would like to reassure our customers that the footwell floors are not part of the primary load bearing structure and therefore the integrity of the chassis is not compromised by this condition.Once Lotus has completed its investigations, affected vehicles will be individually assessed and where necessary will be treated under warranty through the dealer network (subject to normal warranty terms and conditions). Until such time, owners may adopt the following routine maintenance practice:
* Remove any footwell floor covering to reveal the alloy surface.
* Using suitable hand and eye protection, wash the footwell floor and underside of the mat using a nylon brush and clean water (do not use soap solutions as these often have a high salt content).
* Mop the floor using paper towels and allow the floor and mat to dry thoroughly before refitting the mat.
* Refit the mat using a 25 mm wide strip of double sided tape only along the rear edge.
* It is important to lift the mat periodically and wipe the floor and mat underside to ensure the area is kept dry.
No other action should be taken at this time in order to protect against possible interference with any future recommended treatment.As soon as further news is available, this will be advised via the Lotus Cars website and via the dealer network.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ELISE, EXIGE & 340R OWNERS
RANGE OF VIN NUMBERS POSSIBLY AFFACTED BY OUTSTANDING RECALLSElise MK1, 111S build dates from 1 Sept 1999 to 31 Aug 2001, VIN numbers XHC35722 to YHC31916
Please note Elise vin numbers with prefix XHD to YHD are also affected by this recallElise MK1, build dates from 1 Oct 1999 to 31 Jan 2001, VIN numbers XHD37980 to YHC32250
Please note Elise vin numbers with prefix XHC to YHD are also affected by this recallElise MK1, build dates from 1 Sept 1998 to 1 Jan 1999, VIN numbers WHD33980 to XHD35772
Please note Elise vin numbers with prefix WHC to XHC are also affected by this recall340R build dates from 1 Oct 1999 to 31 Jan 2001, VIN numbers YHC60004 to YHC69973
Please note 340R vin numbers with prefix YHD are also affected by this recallExige build dates from 1 Jan 2001 to end of build, Vin numbers YHC80001 to YHD81180
Please note Exige vin numbers with prefix YHD to YHC are also affected by this recallElise MK1, build dates from 1 July 1999 to 30 Aug 1999, VIN numbers XHD37232 to XHD37571
Please note Elise vin numbers with prefix XHC are also affected by this recallElise MK11, build dates from 1 July 2001 to 30 August 2001, VIN numbers HC70580 to HC70838
Please note Elise vin numbers with prefix HD are also affected by this recallElise MK11, build dates from 1 July 2002 to 30 September 2002, VIN numbers HC73308 to HC73597
Please not Elise vin numbers with prefix HD,HN and HP are also affected by this recall.
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