NYA MODELLER

[AB]

23 October 2007 NEWS RELEASE Page 1 of 8




Big Boost to Lotus Line-up
Supercharger for Elise, 240bhp for Exige S, amongst 2008 model year upgrades
Foreword by Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc
Lotus is a global high tech company and expanding fast. We are committed to driving forward
with technology for both Lotus Cars and our Engineering Clients, spearheading research into
ever-increasing fields, such as, hybrids, electric vehicles and renewable fuels. Lotus Cars now
retails its products in 32 countries and is growing quickly in new territories such as Malaysia,
Korea and China in South East Asia and the Gulf States in the Middle East. Lotus Engineering
continues to provide and develop high technology engineering consultancy for the worlds motor
industry.
The exciting Model Year 08 line up heralds increased levels of performance for both Elise and
Exige, to provide a peerless driving experience. Listening to Lotus owners’ views we are
determined to continue with improvements to the experience of Lotus ownership and as an
example we have developed the option packs to simplify the purchasing process. We are
expanding our future model line-up to include exciting new products such as a mid range 2+2
sportscar and a stunning high specification supercar, both of which will be true to the Lotus
brand philosophy.


23 October 2007 NEWS RELEASE Page 2 of 8




Key Points
· 220 PS Supercharged Elise SC
· 240 PS Performance Package Exige
· Airbags standard across the whole Lotus range
· Instrument pack with new graphic design and increased functionality
· New alarm/immobiliser + single integrated function key
· Simplified option packs
· 2008 Model Year changes available from October 2007
2008 Model Year in more detail
Lotus powers into the 2008 Model year with the most powerful series production version of the
Elise to date – the Supercharged Elise SC – and a 240 PS Performance Pack option for the
Supercharged Exige S that further reinforces its credentials as a “race car for the road”.
But extra performance is only a part of the 2008 Model Year story. There are several other
enhancements that make the Elise and Exige ranges more sophisticated and better value than
ever before. Driver and passenger airbags are now standard on all models.
An advanced new instrument pack (again common to all models) provides extra information
about vehicle systems, including servicing reminders, but thanks to ‘secret until lit’ technology,
drivers won’t be alerted to such details until it is necessary. A completely new alarm/immobiliser
system has allowed the introduction of a new Lotus designed key with integrated fob, the
famous Lotus roundel operating as one of its three functional buttons.
Following feedback from customers and dealers the number of option packs for the Elise and
Exige has been reduced from four to two, but with increased specification for each. And should
customers wish to personalise their Lotus still further, there are a myriad of accessories
available through the Lotus Aftersales Operation.


23 October 2007 NEWS RELEASE Page 3 of 8




Introducing the Supercharged Elise SC
The biggest news from the 2008 Model Year Lotus line-up is the introduction of the
Supercharged Elise SC, a 220 PS version of the multi award-winning roadster, easily identified
by its new rear spoiler and unique new design of alloy road wheels.
Despite the on-paper similarity with the Exige S, this is no mere engine swap – this is an allnew,
non-intercooled installation applied to the current Elise’s 1.8-litre 2-ZZ VVTL-i engine.
The Lotus-designed, Magnuson-produced supercharger uses a smaller Eaton rotor pack (an
M45 unit) than that of the current Exige S, and is married to the intake manifold plenum as part
of a single-piece casting. Combined with the absence of an intercooler and its associated
pipework, this integrated supercharger/intake assembly contributes to an 8kg reduction in
engine weight compared with the Exige S.
A further benefit of dispensing with the intercooler for the Elise SC application is the
supercharger packaging viability for Elise and improved rear visibility when adopted into the
Exige S, where vision from the rear view mirror is masked by the current intercooler installation.
The Elise SC has been designed to have different driving characteristics to the Exige S. In
keeping with its role as a supremely fast road car rather than extreme track machine, throttle
response is very progressive but also very direct, resulting in a measured, refined driving
experience.
But, as you might expect of a car with 220 PS and weighing only 903 kg (1987 lbs), the
performance of the Elise SC is electrifying – 0-60 mph in 4.4 secs / 0-100 km/h in 4.6 secs
(estimated); 0-100 mph / 160 km/h in 10.7 secs (estimated); top speed 150 mph / 240 km/h
(estimated). Although for the record, the Exige S remains the faster car on track, thanks to its
superior aerodynamics package that generates 42 kg (92 lbs) of downforce at 100 mph (160
km/h). The fuel economy of the Elise SC is impressive with an estimated combined figure of 9.1
litres / 100 km (31.0 mpg).
A new bespoke wheel design is introduced to the Elise SC, the rears having increased half an
inch in width to 8.0 inches, to give even better grip performance from the standard Lotus specific
Yokohama AD07 LTS 225/45 R17 tyres.


23 October 2007 NEWS RELEASE Page 4 of 8




Airbags for all
In this safety-conscious age and with more and more owners using their Elise or Exige as daily
transport, demand has been growing for standard-fit airbags. Lotus have responded to provide
driver and passenger airbags as standard on all Elise and Exige models; previously they were
available as part of the Super Touring option package. The new dashboard has a new, softtouch
surface finish.
More than just new dials
The new instrument pack in the Elise and Exige contains so much more than just a fresh pair of
– stylishly back-lit – dials. It also features a high-definition LCD message panel that can display
a scrolling text message with vehicle systems information.
The new instrument pack always displays the fuel gauge, engine temperature and odometer,
however you can select to display the time (from November 07), trip distance or a digital readout
of your speed in the opposite calibration to that of your speedometer dial – if your dial is in
mph, the readout is in km/h.
Warning symbols are ‘secret until lit’, keeping the instrumentation free from visual clutter and
distraction until absolutely necessary. New gearchange ‘shift’ lights similarly remain hidden until
required. There are three shift up lights, cumulatively lighting when the driver is getting closer to
the rev limiter and when all three are illuminated, they flash to indicate that you’re almost on the
rev limiter so time to change up a gear!
A “key” issue
In response to forthcoming legislation, the Elise and Exige both have a new “Thatcham
approved” alarm/immobiliser system. This, in turn, has enabled a new Lotus design of key that
incorporates the controls for the alarm/immobiliser and central locking functions. This upmarket
key fob features three buttons, the one which locks the doors and sets the alarm/immobiliser is
stylishly crowned with the famous Lotus roundel. The second button unlocks the doors and deactives
the alarm/immobiliser, and the final button is a panic button.


23 October 2007 NEWS RELEASE Page 5 of 8




Complete range of option packages – from four down to two
Partly because of customer demand and partly due to the fact that airbags are now standard
across the Elise and Exige ranges, the number of trim option packages has been cut from four
down to two.
The previous Super Touring and Super Sport packages have been dropped, in part because
they included the aforementioned airbags.
The contents of the revised Touring pack, for both Elise and Exige, now includes:
· Full leather or Microfibre suede-effect interior
· Leather trimmed centre console
· Leather handbrake gaiter
· Sound system ipod connection
· Full carpets, with embroidered logo
· Auxiliary driving lights (where legally allowed)
· Sound insulation kit
· Cup holder
The Elise Sport pack includes:
· Bilstein sports dampers
· Traction control
· Twin oil coolers
· ProBax Sport seats
· Hi-Power silver ultra lightweight Forged wheels with standard AD07 tyres
The Exige Sport pack includes:
· Traction control
· Twin oil coolers (standard on Exige S)
· ProBax Sport seats
· Adjustable front anti-roll bar
· T45 roll bar, with integrated harness mounts


23 October 2007 NEWS RELEASE Page 6 of 8




The beauty of the Touring and Sport packs is that they can be combined so a customer can
have the additional interior and exterior equipment from the Touring pack with the sport
focussed equipment from the Sport pack.
Air conditioning, Lotus traction control, limited slip differential and hardtop are available as
stand-alone options.
Customers wanting to add further finishing touches to their Lotus – such as specifying an Exige
with the adjustable dampers and forged wheels that were part of the old Super Sport option
pack – will still be able to order from an extensive range of accessories.
As part of the 2008 Model Year enhancements, the Elise, Exige and Europa paint ranges have
been revised, with some less popular shades being dropped and new colours, including some
vibrant pearlescent colours, being introduced.
The new Premium Colour Range has been designed to further enhance the choice for
customers to individualise their cars. Most of the paints in this range require a more
sophisticated manufacturing process and are from our paint supplier’s premium range. The
paint colours in this range have been individually priced, and it is Lotus’ intention to extend and
change this range at periodic intervals.
Performance Pack – more punch, more ability for Exige S
· 308 mm front cross-drilled and vented discs with AP Racing four piston callipers
· Uprated front and rear brake pads
· Full length upsized roof scoop
· Variable slip traction control
· Uprated clutch plate and cover
· Uprated vehicle performance through enhanced power and torque delivery
· Launch control
Although hardly struggling in the performance department in standard 220 PS guise, the Exige
S is now being offered with an optional Performance Pack.
This raises power to the same 240 PS / 179 kW (minimum) at 8000 rpm enjoyed by the limited
edition 240R, courtesy of a Magnuson/Eaton M62 supercharger and new, faster flowing
injectors, and higher torque clutch system and an upsized roof scoop.


23 October 2007 NEWS RELEASE Page 7 of 8




This hike in power, together with an increase in torque to 170 lbft / 230 Nm / 23.5 kgm at 5,500
rpm from the standard 158.6 lbft / 215 Nm (22 kgm) at 5500 rpm, helps whisk the Performance
Pack Exige S from zero to 60mph in 4.0 secs / 0-100km/h in 4.2 secs (estimated) and from
standstill to 100mph in 9.7 secs (estimated). Top speed rises to 153 mph (estimated). The
power and torque of the 240 PS engine is increased across the rev range giving even more
flexibility. Inspite of this phenomenal performance the fuel economy is impressive with an
estimated combined figure of 9.1 litres / 100 km (31.0 mpg)
Of course the increased power and straight-line performance are only a couple of elements of
the Performance Pack option. The clutch is uprated and a clutch damper fitted; there are
thicker, 308mm diameter cross-drilled and vented discs at the front clamped by AP Racing fourpiston
callipers; the standard brakes pads are replaced by uprated items and there are braided
brake hoses.
Keen to pass on lessons learned on the track with the Exige GT3 racing programme, Lotus
Sport has contributed another important technology to the Performance Pack – launch control
combined with variable traction control. This combo has already made its production debut with
the track-oriented Lotus 2-Eleven.
From the driver’s seat the launch control allows you to determine the number of revs you wish to
use during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, you then hold your foot down hard on
the throttle and sidestep the clutch at departure from the line time. The clutch damper cushions
the severity of the clutch / transmission engagement to minimise the stresses to the drivetrain
(noting that abusive/ continuous standing start applications will destroy the drivetrain
components). The launch control also keeps wheelspin at bay until 6 mph, after which the
traction control assumes its duties.
As with launch control, you can control the amount of traction control you require from the
driver’s seats, altering it on the move to suit the characteristics of particular corners. The
amount of traction control can be varied in over 30 increments from an optimum 7 percent tyre
slip to completely off. The message display in the new instrument pack displays what degree of
traction control you have currently dialled in.


23 October 2007 NEWS RELEASE Page 8 of 8




Retail Prices in Major European Markets (MSRP)
Belgium France Germany Holland Italy Switzerland United
Kingdom
Elise S 37,760 37,425 37,250 49,800 38,025 CHF 53,450 £23,550
Elise R 45,590 45,700 44,950 60,550 45,790 CHF 64,430 £28,550
Elise SC 50,690 50,195 49,950 67,475 50,850 CHF 71,600 £32,550
Exige N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A £30,550
Exige S 54,230 53,700 53,450 72,300 54,360 CHF 77,365 £34,550
Europa S 51,025 50,600 50,300 67,950 51,180 CHF 72,100 £32,995
Touring Pack 2,850 2,825 2,795 3,857 2,820 CHF 4,030 £2,000
Luxury Touring Pack -
Europa 2,125 2,095 2,085 2,083 2,100 CHF 1,950 £1,250
Sports Pack - Exige S 1,750 1,725 1,700 2,351 1,720 CHF 2,425 £1,500
Sports Pack - Elise R 2,900 2,875 2,850 3,934 2,875 CHF 4,075 £1,500
Performance Pack - Exige
S 3,875 3,825 3,810 5,254 3,840 CHF 5,350 £3,000
Forged Wheels - Exige S 1,525 1,510 1,500 2,069 1,510 CHF 2,240 £1,000
One way dampers - Exige
S 1,525 1,510 1,500 2,069 1,510 CHF 2,240 £1,000
Air conditioning 1,975 1,975 1,950 2,695 1,970 CHF 2,700 £1,000
Limited slip differential 1,650 1,625 1,600 2,215 1,620 CHF 2,350 £1,000
Traction control 725 725 715 984 720 CHF 1,050 £300
Hard-top 1,850 1,825 1,820 2,504 1,830 CHF 2,650 £1,000
Metallic paint 950 925 925 1,275 930 CHF 1,280 £550
Lifestyle paint 1,450 1,425 1,415 1,951 1,425 CHF 2,050 £1,000
Premium Paint 1 4,600 4,545 4,525 6,240 4,560 CHF 6,600 £3,000
Premium Paint 2 2,790 2,750 2,735 3,775 2,760 CHF 3,920 £2,000
(Prices for mainland Europe include transport, delivery, local taxes, and first service but not registration, license plates or full tank of
fuel). Prices for the USA will be issued shortly. Note: United Kingdom prices listed do not include On The Road costs – OTR)
About Group Lotus plc:
The main operating subsidiary of Group Lotus plc is Lotus Cars Ltd, which has two operating divisions –
Lotus Engineering and Lotus Cars. Lotus Engineering is an internationally recognised automotive
engineering consultancy based in Norfolk, UK. Its global facilities include those in Michigan, USA and
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and offices in Germany and China. Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive
and versatile consultancy services to many of the world’s OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, offering a full
engineering service from initial concept and project design through development and integration of the
complete vehicle to meet all worldwide markets and customers to full production. This includes third party
‘niche vehicle’ engineering and manufacture worldwide. Lotus Cars builds and sells Lotus sportscars,
Elise, Exige and Europa for global sale.
For further details please contact:
Group Lotus plc, PR Department, Group Lotus plc, Potash Lane, Hethel, Norfolk, UK, NR14 8EZ
Tel: +44 1953 608264; Fax: +44 1953 608111; Email: pr@lotuscars.co.uk

[Mikael_W]

vad hände med Gt3an

[Mikael_W]

en bild på Elisen:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/inc/popup3 ... 20sc-L.jpg

[kotten]

en bild på Elisen:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/inc/popup3 ... 20sc-L.jpg

Men vilka fula fälgar dom har valt till nya Elisen....

http://www.bell-colvill.co.uk/marketing ... &Owner=BCV

[Lasse H]

Den nya Elisen är säkert en trevlig maskin. Men jag som är lite
gnällig tycker att det är beklagligt att Lotus ej gått hela vägen.
Dvs tagit fram en bil som vi vet att man kan, och som kunderna
förtjänar. Jag menar alltså en bil som har samma motor som
2-Eleven och som har samma anpassning till bankörning som
den och Exige. I Lotus eget material om lanseringen (se ovan)
så skriver man att Exige är ban-bilen och Elise är gat-bilen !
Därför är Elise mindre hard-core än Exige. Betyder att om man
vill ha en ny Lotus att köra på bana med, och dessutom vill köra
den på vanliga vägar dit, så måste man sitta inomhus. För roadster-
fanatiker så måste man välja ett mjukare alternativ.
Att man valt att ge Elise SC en kompressor (dessutom mindre än
Exige) utan den viktiga laddluftkylaren, gör att man begränsas i
sina trimningsmöjligheter. Men kompressorn ger väl i alla fall det
mellanregister som Elise saknat med Toyotamotorn. Riktigt trist
är det dock att bilen bara blir tyngre ! Ska nu enligt materialet
ovan väga 903 kg. Nu vet jag ej hur dom har vägt, men det är
sannolikt minst 175 kg mer än Elise S1 och 120 kg mer än Exige S1.
Ingen bra utveckling. Skulle tro att ACBC vänder sig i sin grav !
Även om 240 hkr per ton är riktigt bra. Nästan lika bra som en
Audi RS6 men rejält distanserad av ex vis M-B E63 AMG. Är det bara
jag som tycker att det är något fel här ?
Snälla ceo Kimberley, visa en superleggera-version av Elise ! En bil
som väger max 800 kg (rensad från allt "onödigt") och med 252 hkr
motorn, 308 mm bromsar och lite annat funktionellt godis.
Naturligtvis med EU-godkännande. Varför inte, när jag ändå bara
gör upp en önskelista ? Om jag skulle vilja ha en Elise SC ? Jo tack,
men tänk bara så mycket intressantare den skulle kunna vara om
bara Lotus hade haft viljan.

hälsn
Lasse H

[Per-Ola]

Lasse H,

har vi fått en "gnällig gammal gubbe" på forumet

Undrar

Din högst underdånige tjänare (Per-Ola)

[Mikael_W]

undras vad en SC normalutrustad kommer kosta i sverige, den har väl blivit rätt dyr nu.

[Mikael_W]

här är lite fler bilder på bla exigen som har fått större luftintag på taket:

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/23/lotu ... e-for-2008

Får väl se om det kommer något mer inför 2008, GT3an skulle ju komma också.

[Lasse H]

Visst har ni det, Per-Ola !
Och inte är det första gången heller som jag luftar
mina åsikter. Kan inte lova att det var sista gången heller.
Beträffande Elise SC så är det väl den enda riktigt negativa
synpunkten jag har, det där med vikten. Att bilen inte är optimerad
för bankörning går ju relativt enkelt att göra något åt, men att minska
vikten med minst 100 kg kräver ett större grepp. I plånboken.
Nya Exiges luftintag på taket ser racigt ut. Som en McLaren F1.

hälsn
Lasse H

[Falan]

Visst har ni det, Per-Ola !
Och inte är det första gången heller som jag luftar
mina åsikter. Kan inte lova att det var sista gången heller.
Beträffande Elise SC så är det väl den enda riktigt negativa
synpunkten jag har, det där med vikten. Att bilen inte är optimerad
för bankörning går ju relativt enkelt att göra något åt, men att minska
vikten med minst 100 kg kräver ett större grepp. I plånboken.
Nya Exiges luftintag på taket ser racigt ut. Som en McLaren F1.

hälsn
Lasse H

Observera dock att "nya" takscoopet endast ingår i "Performance Pack:et" för Exige S. Går iofs säkert att köpa löst för en sanslös summa. "Gamla" Exige S scoopet (ett litet glasfiber scoop) kostade drygt 5000 SEK olackat...

[kotten]

Just bilderna på denna Exige S 2008 hade även stora bromasarna. Det är väl ingen risk att dessa är standard på Exigen? Kanske kan vara så eftersom dom vill marknadsföra Exigen som banbil. Då kanske även LSD är standard numera.

Den har även fått en ny instrumentpanel verkar det som, liknar lite mer den som sitter i US Exigen.

Den verkar också ha fått den fullt justerbara TC som sitter i 2-Eleven.

Huvscoopet är riktigt snyggt, det är väl samma som sitter på Cup 255?

Någon som har den nya prislistan på Exigen och alla optioner?

[Mikael_W]

http://www.grouplotus.com/mediactr/pr_d ... hp?pid=357

[Lasse H]

Lasse !

Du har rätt beträffande bromsarna. De är ej standard
utan finns upptagna på tillbehörslistan.

hälsn
Lasse H