Lotus has revealed today the new 2011 Lotus Elise facelift, a refreshed version of their popular sportscar that that features several changes at the front and the back and more fuel efficient and green engines. The new model will be premiered at the Geneva Motor Show in the first days of March.
The 2011 Lotus Elise Facelift received a redesigned front end with a new bumper, front clam and access panel that makes the car wider than its predecessor. The rear end features a more aggressive diffuser that is wrapped in an elegant new bumper which includes now the rear license plate.
Lotus installed new headlamps with distinctively sculptured LED lighting guides that make the car look more modern than the previous version. At the back lighting remained unchanged but the rear vents on the side of the outer tail lights have been eliminated.
This was implemented in order to provide sufficient cooling for an updated powertrain. With the optional performance pack installed, power in the Exige S is raised to 240hp (179kW) at 8,000rpm courtesy of a Magnuson/Eaton M62 supercharger, new faster flowing injectors, a higher torque clutch system and an upsized roof scoop to feed more air to the intercooler system. Torque is also up to 170lb-ft (230Nm) at 5,500rpm.
This bump in power sees the Exige S go from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 145mph. Despite these high levels of performance the fuel economy has been slightly improved and now measures in at 25mpg (9.1L/100km) for the mixed cycle.
Lotus has an available instrument package for the car, which includes a hi-def LCD screen that displays systems information for the driver. Shift lights are still present, as are dual front airbags. U.S. purchasers also get a tire pressure monitoring system as standard. A touring package, with full leather interior, iPod connection, and auxiliary lights is available. So to is the sport package, with Bilstein dampers, traction control, and adjustable rollbar. The performance pack brings better brakes, a big roof scoop, and better performance. This last package brings the car up to nearly 240 hp.