Lotus Elise S2 - Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Lightweight Sports Car |
| Released At | 2001 Model Year |
| Built At | Hethel, United Kingdom |
| Engine | 1.8L Inline-4 (Rover K-Series / Toyota 2ZZ-GE) |
| Position | Mid-Engine, Transverse |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Multi-Point Fuel Injection |
| Displacement | 1796 cc / 109.6 in³ |
| Power | 120 - 192 hp / 89 - 143 kW |
| Specific Output | 106 hp per liter (Toyota 2ZZ-GE variant) |
| Torque | 165 - 181 Nm / 122 - 133 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 204 - 241 km/h / 127 - 150 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | 4.7 - 5.6 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 5.0 - 6.0 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Bonded Aluminum Chassis with Composite Body Panels |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Forged Aluminum Alloy Wheels |
| Front Tires | 175/55R16 |
| Rear Tires | 225/45R17 |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs with 2-Piston Calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs with 1-Piston Calipers |
| Front Wheels | 16 x 6.0 in |
| Rear Wheels | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone with Coil Springs and Dampers |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone with Coil Springs and Dampers |
| Curb Weight | 860 - 910 kg / 1896 - 2006 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | Front 39% / Rear 61% |
| Wheelbase | 2300 mm / 90.6 in |
| Length | 3785 mm / 149.0 in |
| Width | 1719 mm / 67.7 in |
| Height | 1117 mm / 44.0 in |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Manual (Toyota Variant) |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | Varies by Engine |
| Fuel Capacity | 40 liters / 10.6 gallons |

Lighter Than Most Modern Cars – The Lotus Elise S2 weighed as little as 860 kg (1,896 lbs), thanks to its aluminum chassis and fiberglass body, making it one of the lightest sports cars of its time.
First Elise to Feature a Toyota Engine – Early S2 models (2001-2004) were powered by a Rover K-Series engine, but from 2004 onward, Lotus switched to a Toyota 1.8L 2ZZ-GE engine, improving power and reliability.
0-100 km/h in Just 4.9 Seconds – Thanks to its lightweight design and mid-engine layout, the Elise S2 could accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.9 seconds in the 111R variant.
No Power Steering for a Pure Driving Feel – The Elise S2 does not have power steering, making the steering ultra-responsive and providing a direct connection between the driver and the road.
Named After Lotus Founder’s Granddaughter – The Elise was named after Elisa Artioli, the granddaughter of Romano Artioli, the chairman of Lotus and Bugatti at the time.
Available in Several Performance Variants – The S2 Elise was offered in multiple versions, including the 111S, 111R, Elise R, Elise SC (supercharged), and Elise Cup editions, each with unique performance upgrades.
Inspired by Formula 1 Technology – The aluminum-bonded chassis of the Elise was inspired by Lotus' F1 innovations, providing a strong yet lightweight structure.
Supercharged Elise SC for More Power – The Elise SC model (2008-2011) featured a supercharged Toyota 1.8L engine, producing 220 hp, making it one of the fastest Elise S2 variants.
Offered a Unique Exige-Based Version – The Elise 111R – The Elise 111R shared its engine with the Lotus Exige S2, featuring a 190 hp Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine, providing a more track-focused driving experience.
A Favorite Among Track Enthusiasts – Due to its exceptional handling, lightweight nature, and mid-engine balance, the Elise S2 remains a popular choice for track days and performance driving.

The Elise S2 is the ultimate analog lightweight sports car, famous for its aluminum chassis, sub-800kg weight, and razor-sharp handling.
Here's the definitive EU market breakdown:
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
By Engine & Condition
Rover K-Series (1.8L, 120–135hp)
Project Car: €15,000 – €25,000(Needs engine/rust work)
Driver-Quality: €25,000 – €35,000(Running, minor flaws)
Showroom Condition: €35,000 – €50,000(Under 50,000 km, stock)
Toyota 2ZZ-GE (1.8L, 190hp "111S/Sport 190")
Good Condition: €30,000 – €45,000
Low-Mileage (<30,000 km): €45,000 – €65,000+
Special Editions (240R, Type 72, Cup 250)
€50,000 – €90,000+(Extremely rare in EU)
2. Key Value Factors
✅ Originality
Unmodified Chassis: Aftermarket bracing hurts value
Factory Wheels: OZ Ultraleggera or Team Dynamics preferred
✅ Service History
Rover Engine: Must have head gasket history (€2k repair)
Toyota Engine: Timing chain service every 60,000 km
✅ Rust & Corrosion
Check Chassis Bolts: Prone to rust (replacement: €1,500+)
Sill Panels: Fiberglass doesn’t rust, but bonding fails
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
Classifieds: PistonHeads, Mobile.de
Clubs: Lotus Owners Club Europe (private sales)
4. Market Trends
📈 Toyota-Powered Models Rising Fast
+10% yearly since 2020 (now €45k+ for clean 111S)
Last Non-Assisted Steering Lotus (pure driving feel)
⚠️ Red Flags
"Track Car" Conversions: Deduct 20% for stripped interiors
UK Imports: Check for salt damage (UK roads = rusty bolts)
(Fun Fact: The Elise S2’s chassis weighs just 68kg – lighter than most passengers!)
Pro Tip: A pre-purchase inspection (€300–€500) should check:
Chassis bolt corrosion
Gearbox synchros (2ZZ models wear 2nd gear)
Clutch life (replacement: €1,500+)
(Bonus: The Toyota engine’s "lift" cam profile kicks in at 6,200 rpm – like a mini-Honda VTEC!)
(Note: 2004–2010 "Series 2" cars have improved interiors but identical mechanics.)
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