The Elise champions the Lotus philosophy of setting a new benchmark for dynamic ability with every new car; this time it is achieved with a fully independent suspension layout utilising unequal length double wishbones coupled with a Bilstein mono-tube damper and an Eibach coaxial coil spring at each corner. Complementing the package is a front anti-roll bar and uniquely designed and developed wheel sets that reduce unsprung mass to improve ride & handling refinement even further.

The dampers are the very latest in mono-tube technology and enabled Lotus Engineers to fine-tune both compression and rebound independently throughout the force/velocity range. The resulting set-up is therefore able to offer good low-speed control and avoids excessive harshness at higher speeds owing to specially tailored nonlinear force/velocity damper characteristics; the Engineers also reduced vehicle roll to a minimum thus maximising dynamic response to driver steering input. This exhaustive development and attention to detail has contributed to creating a back-to-basics sports car endowed with elegant simplicity and high performance through low mass that is responsive, fun and involving to drive.

Tyre Specification

The Elise is equipped with a unique set of Bridgestone Potenza RE040 ultra-high performance radial tyres measuring 175/55R16 at the front and 225/45R17 at the rear. These tyres were the remarkable result of a winning partnership between the world-renowned Lotus Ride & Handling team and the Bridgestone special equipment department; this partnership was formed to tailor the performance of the tyres to the Elise thus maximising its dynamic ability under all driving conditions.

By taking full advantage of Bridgestone's Formula 1 technology and vast knowledge on tyre compound and construction, the Lotus ride & handling Engineers were able to co-develop a tyre that fully complements the Elise by delivering precision handling, impressive manoeuvrability and outstanding traction.

Braking System

The Elise's braking system is characterised by a non vacuum-assisted hydraulic master cylinder; this was fine-tuned to provide the driver with a natural, undiluted pedal feel and to offer a linear, thus predictable relationship between pedal effort and rate of deceleration during braking. The Elise 111R system distinguishes itself for providing even greater stopping power to match its phenomenal performance. A servo-assisted track tuned, 4-channel, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) individually monitors and distributes braking force to each wheel as directed by a dedicated control unit. Lotus ride & handling Engineers have specifically tuned the ABS initiation point to allow a skilled driver to exploit maximum braking potential through the utilisation of forward transfer of vehicle mass. Only in the event of the driver demanding more braking effort than what is achievable, the ABS system will intervene to optimise the deceleration forces at each wheel.

All Elise variants are equipped with AP-Racing twin-piston fixed aluminium alloy front brake calipers; these were designed and developed in collaboration with Lotus Engineers to provide uniform effectiveness and smooth graduated braking response. These front calipers - along with the Brembo single-piston sliding rear calipers - bite onto AP-Racing 282mm diameter, 26mm thick front and rear cast-iron ventilated discs that provide the necessary heat dissipation to minimise pad-friction fade under extreme driving conditions. This braking set-up provides tremendous, consistent and inspiring stopping power that is normally only associated with cars dedicated to racetrack use.