| The 135 was equipped with lowered suspension, re-valved standard Koni dampers, stiffer springs and a front-anti-roll bar. Brakes were now cross-drilled cast iron discs. By using a mildly ported cylinder head with a VVC plenum, sports exhaust and de-cat pipe, output rose to an officially quoted 135bhp at 5750rpm, but in reality, this was actually closer to 145bhp. More torque was on tap than in either the standard Elise or VVC-engined 111S, a close-ratio gearbox providing additional punch throughout the rev range. Each car also received a silver roll-over bar, headlamp covers, driving lights, 'Sport 135' graphics, a sports steering wheel and Corbeau competition-styles seats. Lotus claimed a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds and 130mph top speed. The first batch of Sport 135's came painted Quicksilver (silver with a blue tint) and had a contrasting dark blue soft top. The second run were completed to an even higher specification with six-spoke OZ Racing wheels, a black fuel-filler cap, matt finish alloy gear knob and 'Sport 135 99' decals. Customers could also now specify whatever colour they wanted from the Elise range. As usual, all the upgrades found on the Sport 135 could be retro-fitted by the factory to existing cars, the tuned engine package being referred to as Lotus Stage II. |
