The engine is a standard Rover K-series, a light weight 4 cylinder 1796 cubic centimeter unit. As the Elise is a mid-engined sportscar, the engine is located just before the rear wheels. Peak power is 88 kW (119bhp) @ 5500rpm, with a torque delivery of 165 Nm (122lbf.ft) @ 3000rpm. The fuel system is a multi-point grouped fuel injection with MEMS 1.9 engine management unit. The car uses 95 RON fuel.

The basic Lotus Elise is equipped with a 5 speed manual transaxle transmission. The spaceframe chassis of the car is build up from aluminium extrusions which are bonded by a special epoxy glue. Using this special chassis, Lotus achieved to create one of the stiffest open cars in history.

The composite body panels divide the car in three pieces: a front and a rear clamshell and a mid-section. Front and rear clamshell are relatively easy to remove and replace, mid-section is bonded to the chassis.

Suspension of the Lotus Elise has been formed by double independent wishbones with a co-axial spring / telescopic damper configuration. Standard riding heigth is 140mm both front and rear. When the Elise was introduced, it was equipped with Pirelli P Zero tyres: 185/55 R15 81V at the front and 205/50 ZR 16 87W at the rear. The wheels of the Elise have changed over time, the Elise started on AWI alloys and was continued on Rimstock wheels. The brakes of the Elise have undergone serious changes over time.
Up till VIN 3714 (approx.) the Elise was equipped with so called Aluminium Metal Matrix brakes. As the vendor of this system wasn't able to cope with the high turnover volume of the Elise, in june 1998, Lotus was forced to introduce Cast Iron Brake Discs with corresponding pads. Both front and read discs are ventilated. Two piston fixed front calipers and single piston sliding rear calipers.
 

The Lotus Elise is a small car: the overall length is 3726mm, has a overal width (excuding the mirrors) of 1701mm and an overall height of 1148mm. The wheelbase is 2300mm. Weigth of the car has varied over time from 725kg to 755kg.

Top speed is 202km/h (126 mph), accelleration from 0-100 km/h (0-60mph) can be done within 5.8 seconds.
Fuel tank capacity is 36.4 litre (8.0 imp.gall) which should be able to bring you at least 364km further down the road.

 Overview:

• Total made: 12.000 (1996-2001)
• Bhp / pk:  118bhp / 120pk
• Torque / Nm: 122lb/ft / 168 NM
• Weight: 725kg
• Power to Weight: 6.04 kg/pk
• 0-60mph / 0-100 km/h:  5,5 sec
• 0-100mph / 0-160 km/h: 18 sec
• Max speed: 125 mph - 201 km/h
• Fuel consumption: 32 Mpg
• Co2:
• Price: