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www.QV500.com - Lotus Elise Series I Part 2: Elise 111S |
 Elise 111S |
Within a couple of years, the Elise had done for Lotus what the Boxster did for Porsche. It not only revitalised the world famous Hethel brand thanks to its runaway commercial success, but equally importantly brought a new generation of customers through the door. Lotus weren't about to rest on their laurels though and production of an even faster Elise commenced in January 1999. Known as the 111S, at its heart was Rover's 143bhp VVC engine coupled to a close-ratio gearbox. To cope with the extra performance, Lotus also upgraded the brakes, wheels, tyres and aero pack. |
| However, because the original Elise was so well engineered, only slight chassis modifications were required. Indeed, the epoxy-bonded aluminium spaceframe remained unaltered, as did the steering, dampers, springs and suspension. The brakes were enhanced though with cross-drilled 282mm cast-iron discs all round and Lotus-AP Racing opposed piston calipers at the front. Track was widened at the back by 60mm because of the wider rear wheels (now 7.5x16 up from 7x16) and consequent need to revise the rear toe-steer angles. There were also new Lotus Design six-spoke wheels that gave the 111S a distinctive look, these being manufactured by OZ Racing in Italy.
The 1.8-litre VVC engine used the same aluminium block as before but this was now toppped by a sophisticated alloy cylinder head featuring Variable Valve Control. VVC worked by creating a continuously variable cam lobe profile which altered the duration of the inlet valve opening and its rev phasing according to both engine speed and loading for optimum performance throughout the rev range. It was controlled by an advanced engine management system and allowed the engine to achieve a healthy power output while maintaining respectable torque (128 lb ft at 4500rpm). Other features like larger inlet and exhaust valves plus a new inlet manifold and plenum chamber with increased flow capacities were all designed to further improve engine breathing. There was also new sequential fuel injection and distributor-less ignition with individual coils for each cylinder. Despite displacement and compression remaining unchanged at 1796cc and 10.5:1 respectively, output rose to 143bhp at 7000rpm, the additional 25bhp combined with a close-ratio gearbox providing a significant boost to performance. Externally the 111S was equipped with a secondary rear wing for enhanced high-speed cornering stability. Joining this were supplementary driving lamps, covered headlights, clear front indicator lenses and a new cookie cutter front grille as standard. A discreet power bulge also appeared on the engine cover to accomodate the VVC motor with its slightly taller cylinder head. Inside there were re-shaped sports seats with a ribbed centre section and deeper foam cushions for better comfort. A carbonfibre instrument surround and metal window winders were installed too. Weight was up by 15kg to 770kg, but the additional horses were more than adequate compensation. Top speed rose from 126 to 133mph, 0-60 dropping from 5.8 to 5.4 seconds whilst 0-100 was down by over three-and-a-half seconds (to 14.4). Aside from those items now fitted as standard to the 111S, the options list remained the same with buyers being able to specify a body-coloured hardtop, leather seats, metallic paint, a coloured soft top, audio fitting kit and alarm/immobiliser. Air conditioning was not available because there was not enough space for it. Launched at the Geneva Salon in March 1999 (two months after the first cars had rolled out of the factory), production continued until June 2000 when the 111S was replaced by a second derivative of the Sport 160 fitted without the hardcore Sport suspension. |
 Elise 111S |
