Lotus Elise 111S  

After more than a few problems with the MGF I decided to call it quits and buy a Lotus Elise. Lotus have been referred to as Loads Of Trouble Usually Serious - and I reckoned that I had enough practice of unreliability with the MGF! 

Based on the same engine as the MGF VVC, but weighing in at only 1698lb (770kg), the Elise S111 boasts a 0-62mph (100km/h) time of 5.4secs (compared to 7 for the MGF).

This car was originally called the Sprint and shown in a windowless format, but later re-named the 111S when it was launched at the Geneva Motorshow in 1999. The main difference on this model is that it has the Rover K-series 1.8 Variable Valve Control (VVC) engine which gives 143bhp giving improved performance figures of 0-60 in 5.38 secs, 0-100 in 14.4 secs, and a maximum speed 133mph.

The VVC progressively changes the cam profile, unlike the Honda VTEC engine which is more of an on/off action. These means that it also comes into effect lower down the rev range, giving a wider and smoother power band.

The 111S also features wider 225 section rear tyres and some cosmetic changes such as new 6-spoke wheels, a spoiler, an egg-crate grille, and a carbon effect dash. It also has aluminium window winders and optional 111S decals.

This car was replaced by a 160bhp version of the standard engine named the Lotus Sport 160 in August 2000.

For my 160 page, see here

For the Tech Specs of the 111S and a comparison to my BMW M3, click here

Brochure details here

I knew that the F was fun to drive, but the Elise is MUCH better - the grin just keeps getting bigger :-)))

Mods

I just couldn't resist it, and tried a few minor tweeks.

After someone reversed into me in a car park I had to have a few minor repairs done, as part of that process I decided to upgrade the exhaust to a stainless steel version. Unfortunately, in Germany, the choice was limited to one version: the Moto Concept exhaust. To be honest, after the upgrade, I can't say I felt much change performance-wise - but at least it sounded a bit more serious (still not at all loud though).

Shortly after that, I replaced the standard panel filter with a K&N replacement panel filter. The car did seem to perk up a bit after that change, but again the change was not greatly noticeable.

After investigating various after-marker induction systems, I chose the Hurricane system from Yvo. At the same time, I also replaced the standard throttle body (with a plastic butterfly that is prone to sticking once it gets to about 2 years old) with the larger diameter and all ally throttle body for the MGF Trophy 160. This time the change in performance was very noticeable :o)

Throttle response is much quicker, but the engine still runs very smoothly, and is not at all jumpy.

I tried running with a cat replacement pipe too - engine noise picked up and as a result every tunnel became an excuse to blip the accelerator :o)

After these minor mods, I tried a rolling road session at Emeralds and was very pleased with the results (see here).

 
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