Supercar manufacturer Lotus is back this spring to harvest their new Lotus Elise — the Lotus Elise Sprint. The new Sprint model is an upgrade from Lotus’s Elise-line-up, with a host of weight-saving upgrades that serve as a testament to Lotus’s efficient engineering. The Lotus brand is renowned for its feather-light vehicles and with this newest addition, the trademark is cemented in history.

The Sprint

The Sprint edition of Lotus Elise has seen an astonishing weight cut of 41kilograms from its previous model — no easy feat — to reach a dry weight of just 798kg. This is done through the employment of sleek engineering principles, as well as a distinctive new styling.

Featuring a Lithium-Ion battery that shaves off nine kilograms from its previous weight, the Sprint is made even sleeker with carbon race seats, forged alloy wheels, and carbon elements that save another 17 kilograms. This cuts up to 26 kilograms, a feat in today’s industry where the mantra seems to be ‘the more the better’. The lighter vehicle translates into a faster acceleration speed of 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds, harder cornering and a power to weight ratio of up to 168hp/ton for the Elise Sprint. The Sprint is available in both the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated and 1.8-litre supercharged versions and being so lightweight, emissions are extremely low with 149 and 173 grams per kilogram CO₂ for the 1.6 engine and 1.8 engines respectively.

The Exterior

Design for the Sprint has also evolved, with a sexy matte black transom panels and black wheels alongside custom contrasting metal spun rims. The vehicle is detailed with distinct side stripes, as well as side and rear badging. They haven’t skimped on the interior either as the Sprint’s detailing continues inside with an array of optional Alcantara® trim panels on the doors, sills, seats and vents surrounds, all with contrasting stitching.

Speaking of the new car Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc. said, “Once again, the Elise continues to redefine what is possible in terms of adding lightness to a sports car. Whilst other manufacturers try to keep pace with Lotus’ weight reduction achievements, we’ve raised the bar beyond their reach. An agile, lightweight sports car does not weigh just over a tonne. It should weigh substantially less and, it is a fantastic achievement from Lotus in ensuring that the fully type approved new Elise now dips below the 800 kg barrier.”

Jean-Marc Gales continued, “Enhanced by less weight, the Elise now provides even more driving purity, greater agility and higher all-round performance. As we say at Hethel: less weight equals more Lotus.”

What’s more, every new Lotus Elise customer can personalise their vehicle through the bespoke Lotus Exclusive programme. Developed by the Lotus Design team, it marries traditional British craftsmanship with the best of modern design. Customers will be allowed to tailor vehicles to their personal taste, the process offering a twist to the usual off-the-shelf sports car. The new Lotus Elise Sprint is available for orders today with deliveries starting from April 2017.

To find out more about Lotus Elise range visit Lotus Cars.