2007 Lotus Elise Base Convertible 2-Door 1.8L

Detailed item info Model OverviewThe Lotus Elise seems to have been conceived as a race car for the street. rather than the other way around. Everything about the Elise is designed to provide unparalleled handling. Tipping the scales at 1. 80 pounds. it is obviously very light. Lotus purchased Toyota's 1. 8L engine that used to power the MRS and Celica and tweaked it to put out 190 horsepower. It's that combination of light weight and modest displacement that makes for the Elise's remarkable efficiency. The EPA rates the Elise at 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway--incredible for a car that can run a quarter-mile in 13. 6 seconds. The car is built on a lightweight aluminum chassis and carries almost nothing that doesn't contribute directly to higher performance. The engine is mounted mid-ship. The anti-lock disc brakes are dual-piston up front and Brembo single-piston in the rear. The steering is unassisted rack and pinion with a quick ratio to make it easy to use. The only transmission is a six-speed manual. Lotus does concede a few comfort items. however. The cloth racing-style seats have leather inserts. Air conditioning. which can be deleted for a $250 credit. is standard. A CD player by Alpine provides musical accompaniment. Enthusiasts will buy the Elise for any number of reasons. most relating to the purity of the driving experience. Whether that experience is on the track or the open road. Lotus offers several ways to tweak the vehicle. The Touring Package increases ride comfort by upgrading the seats to full leather. adding power windows. and additional sound insulation. The Sports Package adds wider front performance tires and stiffer performance-tuned shocks for better handling. The Premium Package adds more leather trim on the shift knob and parking brake handle. a cup holder. and a 200-watt Alpine stereo with subwoofer. XM Satellite radio and iPod connectivity. Finally. the Track Package is really appropriate for those who are planning on taking their Elise racing. because it adds racing-style adjustable Bilstein shocks with threaded spring perches as well as mounting provisions for a racing harness and roll bar.