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Photo of a Lotus Elise

Lotus Elise

The 1996 Elise: 725 kg made 118 hp enough for 0–60 mph in 5.8 seconds.1

Researched November 1, 2026 from 34 sources

At a glance

0150300
118–250 hpPower
0510
3.8–6.1 s0–60 mph
0125250
201–248 km/hTop speed
0150300
160–264.4 N·mTorque
05001,000
690–931 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1367101112

Layout
Transverse mid-mounted engine; rear-wheel drive1
Built at
Lotus Hethel, UK; S1 kits: Proton Shah Alam, Malaysia1
Units built
35,124 Elises across all versions9

The story

Made to revive the Lotus Seven's spirit with Romano Artioli's backing, the Elise took its name from his granddaughter Elisa Artioli. Fiberglass over bonded, extruded aluminum kept weight and production costs down.12

1995: Frankfurt debut, bonded aluminum beneath19951996: 118 hp, 725 kg and aluminum brake discs19961999: 111S: VVC and drilled iron discs19992000: Series 2 debuts in Birmingham20002004: Toyota 111R opens the US chapter20042008: Supercharging takes the S2 to 217 hp20082016: Cup 250: 1:34 around Hethel20162017: 798 kg Sprint, 250 hp Cup 26020172021: 35,124 Elises; Emira takes over2021 Lotus Elan (original range): 1962–1975Lotus Elan M100 (M100): 1989–1995M100Lotus Elise Series 1 (S1): 1996–2001S1Lotus Elise Series 2 (S2): 2001–2011S2Lotus Elise Series 3 (S3): 2010–2021S3 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones145101318
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1962–1975Lotus Elan (original range)
1989–1995Lotus Elan M100 (M100)
1996–2001Lotus Elise Series 1 (S1)
2001–2011Lotus Elise Series 2 (S2)
2010–2021Lotus Elise Series 3 (S3)
1995Frankfurt debut, bonded aluminum beneath
1996118 hp, 725 kg and aluminum brake discs
1999111S: VVC and drilled iron discs
2000Series 2 debuts in Birmingham
2004Toyota 111R opens the US chapter
2008Supercharging takes the S2 to 217 hp
2016Cup 250: 1:34 around Hethel
2017798 kg Sprint, 250 hp Cup 260
202135,124 Elises; Emira takes over
  1. 1995

    Frankfurt debut, bonded aluminum beneath

    Unveiled on September 12, the Elise puts bonded, extruded aluminum beneath bodywork created by Julian Thomson's team.3

  2. 1996

    118 hp, 725 kg and aluminum brake discs

    Launched in September, the original Elise combines a 1.8-liter Rover K-series with aluminum MMC brake discs and a 725 kg curb weight.14

  3. 1999

    111S: VVC and drilled iron discs

    The 143 hp Rover VVC-powered 111S adds closer gear ratios and drilled discs, following the range's switch from aluminum discs to cast iron.15

  4. 2000

    Series 2 debuts in Birmingham

    October's Birmingham Motor Show introduces the second-generation Elise, with revised chassis and suspension, larger wheels and a new soft top.13

  5. 2004

    Toyota 111R opens the US chapter

    The 111R adds a 1.8-liter Toyota, six-speed manual and servo-assisted ABS. The 2005 model reaches the United States that summer.15

  6. 2008

    Supercharging takes the S2 to 217 hp

    The Elise SC adds a non-intercooled supercharger; the European version makes 217 hp and reaches 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.13

  7. 2016

    Cup 250: 1:34 around Hethel

    The 243 hp Cup 250 claims the production-Elise Hethel lap record at 1 minute 34 seconds, 4 seconds quicker than the Cup 220.6

  8. 2017

    798 kg Sprint, 250 hp Cup 260

    Carbon fiber helps the Sprint hit 798 kg dry. The Cup 260 is planned as a 30-car run with Nitron suspension and 250 hp.78

  9. 2021

    35,124 Elises; Emira takes over

    A yellow Sport 240 Final Edition closes production at 35,124 Elises. The assembly lines make way for the Emira.9

Every generation

  • Lotus Elan (original range)
    Lotus Elan (original range)1962–1975
  • Lotus Elan M100
    M1001989–1995
  • Lotus Elise Series 1
    S11996–2001
  • Lotus Elise Series 2
    S22001–2011
  • Lotus Elise Series 3
    S32010–2021
  • Lotus Emira
    Lotus Emira

Power over the years

From 118 hp to 250 hp in 21 years.

0100200300 199520002005201020152020 hp 1996 · 118 hp · Elise K-series1999 · 143 hp · 111S VVC2000 · 160 hp · Sport 1602002 · 156 hp · S2 111S VVC2004 · 189 hp · 111R, Toyota VVTL-i2006 · 134 hp · S, Toyota2008 · 217 hp · SC, supercharged2011 · 134 hp · 1.6 L, 2011 model year2012 · 217 hp · S, supercharged 2ZR-FE2016 · 243 hp · Cup 2502017 · 250 hp · Cup 2602021 · 240 hp · Sport 240 Final Edition 250 hp Cup 260 118 hp Elise K-series
13681314
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1996118Elise K-series
1999143111S VVC
2000160Sport 160
2002156S2 111S VVC
2004189111R, Toyota VVTL-i
2006134S, Toyota
2008217SC, supercharged
20111341.6 L, 2011 model year
2012217S, supercharged 2ZR-FE
2016243Cup 250
2017250Cup 260
2021240Sport 240 Final Edition

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    S1 Elise

    1996–2001

    118 hp
  • S3 Elise Sport 220 / Sprint 220

    Performance

    S3 Elise Sport 220 / Sprint 220

    2015– (Sport); 2017– (Sprint)

    217 hp
  • S2 Elise 111R / R

    Performance

    S2 Elise 111R / R

    From 2004

    189 hp
  • S2 Elise 111 / 111S

    Performance

    S2 Elise 111 / 111S

    2002–2004

    156 hp
  • S1 Elise 111S

    Performance

    S1 Elise 111S

    1999–2001

    143 hp

    1,487 built

  • S2 Elise SC

    Performance

    S2 Elise SC

    From 2008

    217 hp
  • Elise Cup 250

    Performance

    Elise Cup 250

    From 2016

    243 hp
  • Elise Sport 240 / Cup 250 Final Editions

    Limited

    Elise Sport 240 / Cup 250 Final Editions

    2021

  • Performance

    S1 Elise Sport 160

    2000–2001

    160 hp

    311 built

  • Limited

    Elise Classic Heritage Editions

    2020

  • Elise Cup 260

    Limited

    Elise Cup 260

    From 2017

    250 hp

  • Limited

    Elise SC Final Edition (North America)

    2011

    218 hp

    15 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • S1: rounded, retro bodywork with cowled headlights.4
  • Earlier S2 cars have the four-headlight face.16
  • S3: a single triangular headlight unit on each side.1

Year by year

  1. June–September 1998

    S1 switches from MMC to cast-iron brake discs in June; an integral luggage box replaces the trunk bag in September.5

  2. 1999

    S1 specials: green 50th Anniversary, red/white Type 49 and black Type 79 wear gold wheels; Millenium adds Atlantis Blue.513

  3. March 2002

    S2 gains the shorter, tailless soft top and a revised rear-window surround to accept the optional hardtop.5

  4. 2006–2007

    LED taillights arrive for 2006; 2007 adds raised LOTUS lettering and, on US cars, bumperettes beside the rear plate.1

  5. 2011 model year

    Single triangular headlight units gain LED running lights and indicators; vents beside the outer rear lights disappear.117

  6. 2017

    Rear clusters drop from four to two, reversing/fog lights move inboard, and the cabin gains an exposed gear linkage.7

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Lotus Elise
    Elise
    Photo of a Exige
    Exige

    Exige

    The 2004 Exige has a fixed roof, a rear wing on struts and a front splitter.5

  • Photo of a Lotus Elise
    Elise
    Photo of a Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX220
    Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX220

    Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX220

    The VX220 has lower door sills and 17-inch front wheels; the S2 Elise uses 16-inch fronts.1

Against its rivals

  • Elise vs Factory Five Racing Mark II Roadster

    Test weight lower is better

    Elise875.4 kg
    Factory Five Racing Mark II Roadster935.3 kg
    19

  • Elise vs Caterham Seven Superlight R

    Test weight lower is better

    Elise875.4 kg
    Caterham Seven Superlight R570.2 kg
    19
  • Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata (2004)

    Elise vs Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata (2004)

    Test weight lower is better

    Elise875.4 kg
    Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata (2004)1,177.5 kg
    19

Prices

Value today $20.8K–$65.0K1025

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$50K$100K$150K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $20,800–$65,000 2005 · $40,780 · US base2005 · $42,130 · US as tested, Touring2020 · $59,200 · UK Classic Heritage, approx. $1.28/£2021 · $62,335 · UK Sport 240 FE, approx. $1.37/£2021 · $69,733 · UK Cup 250 FE, approx. $1.37/£ 2016 · $36,300 · 2005 Elise, under 5,500 miles, Hilton Head2021 · $40,186 · 1997 Elise, under 1,800 mi; approx. $1.38/£, Open Roads2025 · $87,500 · 2011 Elise SC Final Edition, 16k miles, BaT2025 · $38,000 · 2005 Elise, 44k miles, BaT2025 · $42,750 · 2009 Elise, 12k miles, BaT2026 · $45,500 · 2005 Elise Touring Pack, 58k miles, BaT2026 · $20,800 · 1999 Elise, 46k mi; approx. $1.30/£, BaT2026 · $121,000 · 2011 SC Final Edition, 1,100 miles, BaT2026 · $56,500 · 2005 Elise, 19k miles, BaT2026 · $35,361 · 2000 Elise 111S, 29k km shown, BaT2026 · $45,750 · 2009 Elise, BaT $121.0K BaT, 2026
14152325262728293031323334
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2005Price when new$40,780US base
2005Price when new$42,130US as tested, Touring
2020Price when new$59,200UK Classic Heritage, approx. $1.28/£
2021Price when new$62,335UK Sport 240 FE, approx. $1.37/£
2021Price when new$69,733UK Cup 250 FE, approx. $1.37/£
2016Auction sale$36,3002005 Elise, under 5,500 miles, Hilton Head
2021Auction sale$40,1861997 Elise, under 1,800 mi; approx. $1.38/£, Open Roads
2025Auction sale$87,5002011 Elise SC Final Edition, 16k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$38,0002005 Elise, 44k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$42,7502009 Elise, 12k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$45,5002005 Elise Touring Pack, 58k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$20,8001999 Elise, 46k mi; approx. $1.30/£, BaT
2026Auction sale$121,0002011 SC Final Edition, 1,100 miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$56,5002005 Elise, 19k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$35,3612000 Elise 111S, 29k km shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$45,7502009 Elise, BaT
2026Value today$20,800–$65,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “Cup 250: a claimed 1:34 around Hethel”
    • “Cup 260 claimed another 2.5 seconds at Hethel”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Lotus Elise - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. The origins of the Lotus Elise with the men that made it happen | evo evo.co.uk
  3. Lotus Elise – Iconic Sports Car | Lotus Cars lotuscars.com
  4. Used Lotus Elise (S1, 1996-2001) review – a world-beating sports car for supermini money | evo evo.co.uk
  5. Elise model history - TechWiki wiki.seloc.org
  6. Lotus Elise Cup 250 lotusdriversguide.com
  7. Lotus Elise Sprint lotusdriversguide.com
  8. Lotus Elise Cup 260: the fastest Elise yet | evo evo.co.uk
  9. Production Ends for Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora: New Era Ramping Up as Another Draws to a Close kahnmedia.com
  10. Lotus Elise (S3, 2010-2021) review – lithe, lightweight and extinct | evo evo.co.uk
  11. Lotus Elise Cup 250 vs Lotus Elise Series 1 | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  12. Lotus Elise S2 specification and costs | evo evo.co.uk
  13. Lotus Elise - Lotus Drivers Guide lotusdriversguide.com
  14. Lotus Elise and Exige to sign off with Final Edition models | evo evo.co.uk
  15. Automotive, Press releases - ICONIC LOTUS RACE CAR LIVERIES INSPIRE ALL-NEW CLASSIC HERITAGE EDITIONS OF THE ELISE kahnmedia.com
  16. Lotus Elise Buyer's Guide - S2 Common Issues, Problems, Pricing roadandtrack.com
  17. 2011 Lotus Elise revealed ahead of Geneva debut - paultan.org paultan.org
  18. Lotus Elan - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  19. Tested: 2004 Lotus Elise vs. Four Minimalist Roadster Rivals caranddriver.com
  20. Lotus Elan Type 100 – Pure driving convertible | Lotus Cars lotuscars.com
  21. Lotus Elise GT1 - After a run of 25 years production of the Elise will end. automedia.revsinstitute.org
  22. Where to Race | Lotus Elise Cup PB-R elisecuppbr.net
  23. 2005 Lotus Elise - First Drive & Road Test Review - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  24. IGCD.net - Internet Game Cars Database igcd.net
  25. No Reserve: 46k-Mile 1999 Lotus Elise for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,000 on September 8, 2026 (Lot #262,017) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  26. 2005 Lotus Elise | Hilton Head 2016 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  27. 1997 Lotus Elise | Open Roads, April 2021 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  28. 2005 Lotus Elise for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $45,500 on September 2, 2026 (Lot #261,172) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 1,100-Mile 2011 Lotus Elise SC Final Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $121,000 on September 15, 2026 (Lot #263,079) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 19k-Mile 2005 Lotus Elise for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $56,500 on October 23, 2026 (Lot #270,192) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 2000 Lotus Elise 111S for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $35,361 on August 14, 2026 (Lot #257,753) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 12k-Mile 2009 Lotus Elise for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $42,750 on January 14, 2025 (Lot #177,112) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 16k-Mile 2011 Lotus Elise SC Final Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $87,500 on November 19, 2025 (Lot #220,370) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2005 Lotus Elise for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $38,000 on April 29, 2025 (Lot #189,592) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • evo.co.uk
  • lotuscars.com
  • wiki.seloc.org
  • lotusdriversguide.com
  • kahnmedia.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • roadandtrack.com
  • paultan.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • automedia.revsinstitute.org
  • elisecuppbr.net
  • motortrend.com
  • igcd.net

Photo credits

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