One of the most involving cars you can buy today celebrates its 20th anniversary with a new model.
At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1995, Lotus unveiled a new model. The Elise brought in a new name to the Lotus line up, and was an immediate hit among drivers captured by its purity of experience. With lightweight manufacturing and feel through every part of the car, it remains today, 20 years later, one of the purest sports car experiences you can buy.
To celebrate, Lotus has released the originally-named Elise 20th Anniversary Special Edition. Based on the Elise S Club Racer – which it replaces – it’s had its weight reduced by 10kg to just 914kg, and comes in a range of classic Elise colour schemes – blue, green, yellow and silver. The rear diffuser, wing mirrors, roll hoop cover and rear transom are finished in matt black, while decals identifying the 20th Anniversary edition are on the dashboard, seats and above the side indicator
Power comes from the familiar 1.8-litre supercharged Toyota engine producing 217bhp, which gives it a 0-100kph time of 4.6 seconds.
Is the Elise still a car to lust after, 20 years after it was first introduced? Have your say in the comments section below.
