CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Lotus Elan Se Turbo

Lotus Elan Se Turbo — convertible. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

About the Lotus Elan Se Turbo

Lotus Elan Se Turbo is a convertible in the sports car class. The guide brings together the vehicle information currently available for this model and a Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1962–1975)Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1989–1995) layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This guide is designed to answer practical questions about the Lotus Elan Se Turbo, including its specifications, engine, fuel economy, tires, maintenance and ownership details.

Lotus Elan Se Turbo 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	Elan Se Turbo
Model years	Not specified
Body style	convertible
Vehicle class	Sports car
Manufacturer	Lotus Cars
Market / country	NL, NZ

Engine, transmission and performance

The available source data does not identify a single engine configuration for every Lotus Elan Se Turbo variant.. Published power figures include 108 bhp; 93 bhp.. Published torque figures include 108 lb.ft.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1962–1975)Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1989–1995).

Fuel type	22.2 mpgimp
Drivetrain / layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1962–1975)Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1989–1995)
Power	108 bhp; 93 bhp
Torque	108 lb.ft
Top speed	112.5 mph; 121 mph
0–100 km/h / acceleration	24.1 sec; 20.3 sec

Lotus Elan Se Turbo other specifications

Sp	uk
Name	Lotus Elan
Image	File:Four Elans.jpg
Caption	Top (from left to right): S4 DHC, S3 FHC; Bottom (from left to right): M100, +2

Lotus Elan Se Turbo 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 Elan	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1962–1975)Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1989–1995)

Lotus Elan Se Turbo 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

✓successor = Type 79 Lotus Esprit

✓Lotus Elan S3 SE), a naming convention later carried onward in the legendary mid-engined Esprit model line

✓In the UK the Elan was offered as a fully assembled vehicle and, for tax avoidance purposes, as a lower cost kit for final assembly by the customer

✓The front and rear suspensions attach to the ends of their respective arms: turrets at the end of the arms hold the suspension springs and dampers

✓3.55 differentials became more common in later cars (especially the more powerful Sprints) to provide more relaxed cruising on newly built highways

✓This could be readily detected by the driver

✓especially at takeoff and during gear changes, and was slightly disconcerting when driving an Elan for the first time

✓The layout was a classic double wishbone arrangement with coilover springs and shock absorbers

✓The bottom pair also held the base of the shock absorber and coil spring assembly

✓the top was connected to its chassis suspension tower

✓The shock absorber and coil spring strut was integrated into the upright and bolted via a rubber "Lotocone" coupling to its chassis suspension tower

✓Additional features such as electric windows, more luxurious carpeting, and larger wheels and tyres all contributing to the gain

✓''Motor Sport'': The tremendously responsive steering and handling requires similar qualities from the driver and the speeds achieved round corners and on the straight are deceptively fast

✓Despite the fact that the Lotus Elan has been (and continues to be) used extensively for racing it was Lotus' first car that was not designed with racing in mind

✓electric windows, larger tyres, power washers and windows, hazard and reversing lamps) and updated cosmetics (e.g

✓Ongoing changes were frequently necessary for a variety of reasons: component availability from suppliers, price changes, the need to meet regulatory requirements (especially for Federal vehicles), model year enhancements and the phase-in and phase-out of stock during the transition to the next Series

✓* Electric windows with chrome glass frame

✓The tax savings were considerable, the prices above being reduced to £1,095 and £2,044 respectively

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Lotus Elan Se Turbo

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 Elan Se Turbo

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 tire pressure should I use for the Lotus Elan Se Turbo?

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 Elan Se Turbo?

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

What body style is the Lotus Elan Se Turbo?

The Lotus Elan Se Turbo is classified as a convertible.

What fuel does the Lotus Elan Se Turbo use?

The available source data lists the Lotus Elan Se Turbo fuel type as 22.2 mpgimp.

How much horsepower does the Lotus Elan Se Turbo have?

The published figure for the Lotus Elan Se Turbo is 108 bhp; 93 bhp. Output can vary by engine and specification.

Is the Lotus Elan Se Turbo FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Lotus Elan Se Turbo is Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1962–1975)Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1989–1995).

Who makes the Lotus Elan Se Turbo?

The manufacturer listed for the Lotus Elan Se Turbo is Lotus Cars.

How much torque does the Lotus Elan Se Turbo produce?

The available source data lists 108 lb.ft of torque for the Lotus Elan Se Turbo.

How fast does the Lotus Elan Se Turbo accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h?

The available source data lists 24.1 sec; 20.3 sec for the acceleration figure.

What is the top speed of the Lotus Elan Se Turbo?

The available source data lists a top speed of 112.5 mph; 121 mph.

What class of car is the Lotus Elan Se Turbo?

The Lotus Elan Se Turbo is listed in the Sports car class.

Which markets or countries sold the Lotus Elan Se Turbo?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Lotus Elan Se Turbo with NL, NZ. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Lotus Elan Se Turbo?

The available vehicle data lists Lotus Elise (for Lotus Elan M100) as a successor where applicable.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Lotus Elan Se Turbo?

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 Elan Se Turbo?

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 Elan Se Turbo 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.

Can the Lotus Elan Se Turbo have different tire pressures front and rear?

Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.

Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Lotus Elan Se Turbo?

Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

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

Lotus Elan Se Turbo images

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