The
2010 Lotus Elise is a two-seat convertible sports supercar that comes with a removable targa-type cloth top or an optional removable hardtop and is available in a base trim as well as the SC trim. Powered by a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine connected to a six-speed manual transmission, the Lotus Elise is a spunky roadster 149 inches long, 68 inches wide, and 44 inch high.
A great car for weekend drives and quick getaways, the Lotus Elise is also suitable for everyday driving, although getting in and out requires some finesse and maneuverability, and the cabin can be a bit noisy. The Elise is offered with a Versatile Vehicle Architecture, which is a signature Lotus feature, consisting of bonded/riveted aluminum extrusions. To give the body a rigid but light presentation, the Elise also boasts composite fiberglass body panels, an aluminum central tub, rear steel sub-frames, and aluminum sub-frames.
New for 2010
For 2010, the Lotus Elise receives a new Performance Value package with a long list of features, including an Alcantara-trimmed interior, a body-colored hardtop, traction control, sport seats, twin oil coolers, and a harness bar.
Essentials
Engines: 1.8L I-4, 1.8L supercharged I-4
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Body Style: Convertible
Trims: Base Coupe, SC Coupe
On the Outside
From its low-slung nose and quad tail lights to its center-mounted exhaust and side-mounted air inlets, the Lotus Elise is a traffic stopper. While its black soft-top is standard, it can be replaced with an optional removable hardtop.
From the Inside
Standard interior features include air conditioning, an Alpine four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, an anti-theft alarm system, a leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel, and black-cloth sport seats. Optionally available are black leather trim, iPod connectivity, and a sound-insulated soft-top.
Driving Performance
The Lotus Elise's naturally aspirated base 1.8-liter I-4 engine churns out 189 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque, while the SC's supercharged engine boasts 220 horsepower and 153 pound-feet. Zero-to-60 mpg times range from 5.0 seconds for the base trim to around 4.5 seconds for the SC. The chassis features AP Racing brakes and a control-arm suspension with Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features on the Lotus Elise includes driver and passenger front airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, an immobilizer alarm, traction control, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes.
Gas Mileage
Elise: 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway
Elise SC: 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway
Plusses
- Sharp handling
- Speedy acceleration
- Open-top motoring
Minuses
- Little cargo space
- Rough ride quality
- Entering/exiting vehicle
Rating
Little supercar performer that's a ton of fun
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