Lotus have announced another variant of the Elise - the Lotus Sport Elise 135R. The revised car is the result of a project to produce a car firmly targeted at track day enthusiasts.
The suspension has been given a thorough going over with track use in mind. The Elise's Bilstein dampers have been re-calibrated to give stiffer bump and rebound settings. The dampers are also fitted with adjustable upper spring platforms allowing owners to adjust ride height. A stiffer 'Motorsport' adjustable anti-roll bar has also been fitted.
As denoted by the name, the 135R gets a 135bhp version of the K Series. Work has been done on the head to improve gas flow and the standard intake manifold has been replaced by a cast alloy version as used on the 111 range. A reprogrammed ECU completes the changes which improve the overall breathing and flexibility through the rev range.
No special edition of the Elise would be complete without some fancy wheels - the Lotus Sport Elise 135R is treated to some O.Z. Racing one piece lightweight cast 16-spoke alloys. While the rear wheel size remains unchanged the front wheel size has increased from 5.5 inches to 6.5 inches to give a more positive turn-in on track. The O.Z. wheels are fitted with Yokohama AO48 tyres which have been developed with occasional track use in mind.
At the rear of the car, the 135R gets a three piece diffuser and new exhaust. Only two colours will be available: Silver Mica and Blue Mica.
Launched at dealerships around the country on 1st May 2003, the Lotus Sport Elise 135R will be built as a 'special edition' (denoted by the Lotus Sport chassis plate fixed into the passenger footwell) and as such will only be available in limited numbers. Price will be £27,995.