"Lotus Alice" car: specifications, description and reviews

Lotus Alice is an English double roadster. This car appeared on sale as far back as 1996 and is being manufactured to the present. In this article, we consider the real legend from the world of sports cars.

History of the model

The company "Lotus Kars" planned the release of this model since 1994. However, the first copies of the car appeared only at the end of 1996. Delays with the release were related to problems in financing the project, since the company at that time was not the best sales situation.

Auto received an unusual for its time design and interesting name. Eliza - that's the name of the granddaughter of the chairman of the concern. It was in her honor that it was decided to name the new roadster. In 1995 there was a presentation of the car in the framework of the Frankfurt Motor Show. The first generation was kept on the conveyor from 1996 to 2000 inclusive.

First generation

The first generation of "Lotus Alice" was rather weak, even by the standards of that time. Mediocre engine, poor stability. However, these shortcomings were compensated by the low weight of the car, which allowed him to show himself well on the track. During the first generation, the company introduced several modifications.

In 1998, a limited series was issued, timed to the 50th anniversary of the company. All 50 copies were painted in a dark green color, and the discs were ocher colored. It is hardly possible at present to find at least one copy of this jubilee car in Russia. Virtually all cars are stored by collectors.

A year later a new version of the roadster - 190 Sport - entered the series. Externally, the car did not change, but the creators pulled up its characteristics. Power rose to 190 horsepower, increased stability, the roadster received new brakes and suspension, designed specifically for the racing track.

In the same year came the second limited edition - type 49. These cars were created in memory of the representative of Formula-1 from Lotus.

Sport 135 - another remake of the serial roadster. Slightly changed the parameters of the engine and updated the interior. In the rest the car remained absolutely former. The next release was called 111S, it got more global changes than its predecessor. Due to the change in the gas distribution, it was possible to increase the engine power to 143 horsepower. In addition, the creators have replaced the standard gearbox with a "short" gearbox. The feedback of the owners of this series is extremely positive. Perhaps this is the best variation of the first generation in the entire 4-year history of the model.

The final version of 2000 was "Lotus Alice" 160 Sport. This car received a motor with a power of 160 horsepower and increased torque. The buyer could choose any body color according to his taste to order. In the standard, the roadster was sold either in green or in black metallic.

Appearance

During the release of the first generation of the car almost did not change in terms of appearance. The front part looks like a good frog. Wheel arches strongly protrude upward, two oval headlights flaunt them. The whole body consists of smooth lines. In the second generation, the creators decided not to deviate from the original and only slightly changed the appearance of the front and back optics. Next, you will learn all about the second generation Lotus Elise - characteristics, description, prices and much more.

Second generation S2

Body S2 appeared in 2000 at the next automobile exhibition. Designers have managed to create such a body, which remains relevant to the present. By the way, it is in the S2 generation that the car is produced now.

The biggest changes have touched the technical part of the car. The car got a little more. The engine was decided not to change, but to refine. Thus, the same "old man" drove the roadster to 100 km / h in just 5.6 seconds, which at the time of 2000 was almost the best indicator in the world.

The model has grown slightly in size. The wheelbase remained unchanged, and the model became longer by almost 60 mm and higher by 50 mm. The creators went for everything to increase the speed and acceleration of the new generation, so Alice reduced the ground clearance from 160 millimeters to 138 millimeters.

Since the launch of the first car from the second generation, Lotus Cars has developed and released several limited series, which currently cost a lot of money. But we'll talk about the serial version of the car.

Lotus Elise specifications

Restyling version of the second generation at the moment is equipped with only one motor - this is a 1.8-liter unit with a capacity of 220 horsepower and acceleration to the cherished hundreds of not more than 5 seconds. The consumption of a new car for every 100 kilometers is approximately 7-8 liters of gasoline. All instances are equipped with a mechanical gearbox and rear-wheel drive, which turns the roadster into a real entertainment for fans of extreme driving and drifting.

The package "Lotus Alice" is only one - basic. This is due to the fact that the main audience of this roadster does not need technological twists and comfort when driving. People buy this car for the pleasure of driving and recoil, which in this car is enough in full.

The basic equipment includes light alloy front and rear wheels, fabric upholstery. For additional money you can install climate control. On this list of amenities in the car ends. And who needs a lot of equipment when you buy an ultra-fast and manageable roadster at the price of an ordinary business sedan from Korea?

By the way, "Lotus Alice", whose price in translation into rubles is about 3 million, is not officially supplied to Russia in the restyling form of the second generation.

Owner feedback

Lotus Elise is a machine that does not tolerate compromises. To manage it, you will need practice and many years of experience driving sports cars. This machine is very light and powerful, so it quickly overclocked and behaves aggressively in corners.

Judged by the reviews, "Lotus Alice", whose technical characteristics are still surprising, is not created for "sissies." While driving, you will be shaken, toss from side to side. But if you are a true lover of driving, these little things will not affect the overall impression of the management of this model.