The new Supercharged Elise SC

[Tom]

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.http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071023.011/mini1/lotus-launches-supercharged-elise-sc



Despite the on-paper similarity with the Exige S, this is no mere engine swap – this is an all-new, 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.

Source: lotus Press
Images: worldcarfans.com

 

[Izso]

the british mosquito just got faster!

 

[koolspyda]

the lotus boys (owners) themselves made >300hp supercharged /turbo on the elises.

lotus should do better. (catch up & satisfy the growing needs of lotus owners, esp those who are smog conscious) 220PS isnt...

lotus go to lotus owners forums & address owners needs. :)

 

[ken yeang]

they have proofed themselves with all the performance on the Elise, how abt proofing the car that is affordable to average Malaysian? Sounds like a long shot, but it'll be good if it comes true!

 

[seanljw]

they have proofed themselves with all the performance on the Elise, how abt proofing the car that is affordable to average Malaysian? Sounds like a long shot, but it'll be good if it comes true!

that will take away its novelty value :) won't happen bro

 

[si|verfish]

LoL...right...

I can imagine the boys in Hethel going; "Hmmm...what should we do next? I know, lets address the needs of the very small market in our parent company's country of origin. I hear they need more affordable Lotuses."

What are the chances you feel?

Same goes for the cry for more and more power. It simply goes against the whole ethos of the company and what it stands for; performance via lightness not POWARRR!!!

I'd rather they hurry up with the new Esprit. And also a new Elise because the current one has been around for quite sometime.

 

[koolspyda]

they have proofed themselves with all the performance on the Elise, how abt proofing the car that is affordable to average Malaysian? Sounds like a long shot, but it'll be good if it comes true!

they (Lotus malaysia) have made an appeal to sell limited supercharged exige (S2) under RM350K.

for what its worth it a damn good vs what out there (base on malaysian duty ~ new cars).

Same goes for the cry for more and more power. It simply goes against the whole ethos of the company and what it stands for; performance via lightness not POWARRR!!!

for the fact that they (lotus) are now doing FI, they know something needed to be done.

the reality of making modern super cars (the big chums) is that because the available new construction / materials ; its becoming obvious lotus is slowing lagging behind. no new elise; new esprit? they heard that aeons ago; M250? why lotus? ; europa? i have noting to add.

they just arent doing enough. small or niche as they are seen

 

[ken yeang]

Re: The new Superchargbed Elise SC

that will take away its novelty value :) won't happen bro

It car industry business, many things can happened in the name of profitability. Unlike pro**n car business, which are loosing money but still making car till now...WTF!?

 

[koolspyda]

lets hope lotus uk gets good-to-go to develope this further