Lotus Alice is an English double roadster. This car appeared on sale back in 1996 and is being produced to the present. This article discusses a true legend from the world of sports cars.
Model history
The company "Lotus Kars" has planned the release of this model since 1994. However, the first copies of the car appeared only at the end of 1996. Delays in the release were associated with problems in financing the project, because the company at that time was not in the best situation for sales.
Auto received an unusual design for its time and an interesting name. Eliza - that's the name of the granddaughter of the chairman of the concern. It was in her honor that the decision was made to name a new roadster. In 1995, the car was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The first generation lasted on the assembly line from 1996 to 2000 inclusive.
First generation
The first generation “Lotus Alice” was rather weak, even by the standards of the time. Mediocre engine, poor stability. However, these shortcomings were compensated by the low weight of the car, which allowed him to perform well on the track. During the first generation, the company introduced several modifications.
In 1998, a limited edition was launched, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the company. All 50 copies were painted dark green, and the discs received an ocher color. It is unlikely that at present you can find at least one instance of this anniversary car in Russia. Almost all cars are stored by collectors.
A year later, the series received a new version of the roadster - 190 Sport. Externally, the car has not changed, but the creators pulled up its characteristics. Power increased to 190 horsepower, increased stability, the roadster received new brakes and suspension, designed specifically for the racetrack.
In the same year, the second limited series was released - type 49. These cars were created in memory of the representative of Formula 1 from Lotus.
Sport 135 - another rework of the serial roadster. Slightly changed the engine parameters and updated the interior. Otherwise, the car remained completely the same. The next release was called 111S, it received more global changes than its predecessor. Thanks to the change in 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” one. The feedback from 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 the Lotus Alice 160 Sport. This car received an engine with a capacity of 160 horsepower and increased torque. The buyer could choose any body color 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, the car practically did not change in terms of appearance. The front end looks like a good frog. Wheel arches protrude strongly upwards, two oval headlights flaunt on 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 rear optics. Next, you will learn all about the second generation of Lotus Elise - features, descriptions, pricing, and more.
Second generation S2
The S2 body appeared in 2000 at the next automobile exhibition. Designers managed to create a body that remains relevant to the present. By the way, it is in the S2 generation that the car is produced now.
The biggest changes have affected the technical part of the car. The wheels of the car got a little more. The engine was decided not to change, but to refine. Thus, the same "old man" accelerated 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 has remained unchanged, and the model has become almost 60 mm longer and 50 mm higher. The creators did everything to increase the speed and acceleration performance of a new generation, so Alice reduced ground clearance from 160 millimeters to 138 millimeters.
Since the release of the first car from a number of the second generation, Lotus Kars has developed and produced several limited series, which currently cost a lot of money. But we'll talk about the production version of the car.
Specifications Lotus Elise
The restyled version of the second generation is currently equipped with only one engine - this is a 1.8-liter unit with a capacity of 220 horsepower and acceleration to the cherished hundreds of no more than 5 seconds. The consumption of a new car for every 100 kilometers is approximately 7-8 liters of gasoline. All copies are equipped with a mechanical gearbox and rear-wheel drive, which makes the roadster a real entertainment for lovers of extreme driving and drifting.
The complete set of "Lotus Alice" is only one - the basic one. This is because the main audience of this roadster does not need technological bells and whistles at all. People buy this car for driving pleasure and return, which is enough for this car.
The basic equipment includes alloy front and rear wheels, fabric upholstery. For extra money, you can set climate control. On this list of amenities in the car ends. And who needs numerous configurations when you buy an ultrafast and controlled roadster at the price of a regular business sedan from Korea?
By the way, Lotus Alice, whose price in rubles is about 3 million, is not officially supplied to Russia in a restyled form of the second generation.
Owner reviews
Lotus Elise is a machine that does not compromise. To manage it, you will need practice and many years of experience driving sports cars. This car is very light and powerful, so it quickly accelerates and behaves aggressively in corners.
Judging by the reviews, "Lotus Alice", the technical characteristics of which are still surprising, is not designed for "sissies." While driving, you will be shaken, thrown from side to side. But if you are a true driving enthusiast, then these little things will not affect the overall impression of managing this model.