CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Lotus Elise

Lotus Elise — 2-door 2-seat targa top roadster, 1.8 L Rover ''K-series'' I4. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine1.8 L Rover ''K-series'' I4

Transmission5-speed manual

About the Lotus Elise

Lotus Elise is a 2-door 2-seat targa top roadster in the sports car (s) class. The available vehicle data lists 1.8 L Rover ''K-series'' I4 as an engine configuration, paired with 5-speed manual and a Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Lotus Elise guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 1.8 L Rover ''K-series'' I4 and 5-speed manual transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Lotus Elise specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Lotus
Model	Elise
Model years	Not specified
Body style	2-door 2-seat targa top roadster
Vehicle class	Sports car (S)
Manufacturer	Lotus Cars
Production	1996–202135,124 produced
Market / country	ES, FI, GB, LU, MY, NL, NZ, UA

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Lotus Elise includes 1.8 L Rover ''K-series'' I4.. Transmission information includes 5-speed manual.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive.

Engine	1.8 L Rover ''K-series'' I4
Transmission	5-speed manual
Drivetrain / layout	Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	2300 mm (90.6 in)
Length	3726 mm (147 in)
Width	1719 mm (67.7 in)
Height	1202 mm (47.3 in)
Kerb / curb weight	725 kg (1,598 lb) ~ 755 kg (1,664 lb)

Lotus Elise other specifications

Image	Lotus_Elise_Club_Racer_(front_quarter).jpg
Caption	Lotus Elise S Club Racer (Series 3)
Name	Lotus Elise
Sp	uk

Lotus Elise generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Lotus Elise	1996–202135,124 produced	Not specified	Not specified	Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Series 1	1996–2001	1.8 L Rover ''K-series'' I4	5-speed manual	Not specified
Series 2	2001–2011	1.8 L Rover ''K-series'' I41.8 L Toyota ''1ZZ-FE'' I41.8 L Toyota ''2ZZ-GE'' I4	5-speed Rover PG1 manual	Not specified
Series 3	2011–2021	1.6 L Toyota ''1ZR-FAE'' I4 1.8 L Toyota ''2ZZ-GE'' I4 (2011 Models)1.8 L Toyota ''2ZR-FE'' Supercharged I4	6-speed Toyota EC60 manual6-speed Toyota C64 manual (2011 US Models)	Not specified

Lotus Elise features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓250 nickel-cadmium batteries provide 300 volts (at full charge) to two Zytek oil-cooled brushless DC motors, which deliver a total power of 150 kW and torque of 100 Nm

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Lotus Elise

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load34 PSI front32 PSI rear

Fully loaded36 PSI front35 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	34 PSI	32 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	36 PSI	35 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Lotus Elise

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Lotus Elise have?

The available source data lists the Lotus Elise engine as 1.8 L Rover ''K-series'' I4. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Lotus Elise?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 34 PSI front and 32 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Lotus Elise?

There is no single best engine oil for every Lotus Elise configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Lotus Elise?

The Lotus Elise is classified as a 2-door 2-seat targa top roadster.

What are the dimensions of the Lotus Elise?

The available source data lists length 3726 mm (147 in), width 1719 mm (67.7 in), height 1202 mm (47.3 in), and wheelbase 2300 mm (90.6 in).

What transmission does the Lotus Elise have?

The available source data lists 5-speed manual transmission options for the Lotus Elise.

Is the Lotus Elise FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Lotus Elise is Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive.

Who makes the Lotus Elise?

The manufacturer listed for the Lotus Elise is Lotus Cars.

When was the Lotus Elise produced?

The available source data describes production as 1996–202135,124 produced.

How much does the Lotus Elise weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 725 kg (1,598 lb) ~ 755 kg (1,664 lb). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

Where was the Lotus Elise built?

The available source record lists assembly information as United Kingdom: Hethel, Norfolk, EnglandMalaysia: Shah Alam (Lotus Cars Malaysia: Series 1, 1997–2000).

What class of car is the Lotus Elise?

The Lotus Elise is listed in the Sports car (S) class.

What platform does the Lotus Elise use?

The available source data lists the platform/chassis as Lotus small car platform.

Which markets or countries sold the Lotus Elise?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Lotus Elise with ES, FI, GB, LU, MY, NL, NZ, UA. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Lotus Elise?

The available vehicle data lists Lotus EmiraLotus Theory 1 as a successor where applicable.

What replaced the Lotus Elise?

The available vehicle data lists Lotus EmiraLotus Theory 1 as the successor where applicable.

What cars are related to the Lotus Elise?

The available source data identifies related models as Lotus 340RVauxhall VX220/Opel SpeedsterLotus Elise GT1. Relationships can vary by market and generation.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Lotus Elise?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Lotus Elise?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Lotus Elise is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Lotus Elise images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.