Central to the Elise’s elegantly simple design is the adoption of extruded aluminium technology. While all Lotus products for three decades have relied on a fabricated steel backbone chassis, the Elise is supported by a unique extruded and bonded aluminium perimeter structure. As well as helping Lotus meet the 700kg weight target, this improves torsional stiffness and crash worthiness. Only the engine subframe, suspension mountings, wishbones, anti-roll bar and rollover hoop are steel.
Julian Thomson’s styling makes the most of the car’s squat proportions with a harmonious mix of flowing, muscular curves and functional cooling and ventilation ducts.
