Lotus announces new supercharged Elise

Click here for more pictures of the Lotus Elise SC

Lotus has announced details of its most potent Elise yet – the 220bhp Supercharged SC.

Under the bonnet, the Norfolk-based manufacturer has tuned the 1.8-litre Toyota-sourced engine and added an uprated supercharger – boosting power to 220bhp.

And the Lotus’ featherweight 903kg body means the track-honed sportscar rockets through the 0-60mph benchmark in an estimated 4.4 seconds – quicker than a V12-engined Aston Martin DB9 – and on to a claimed top speed of 150mph.

A specially constructed Lotus-designed supercharger sits on the mid-mounted engine reducing overall engine weight by 8kgs.

This performance sits at odds with the Elise’s claimed fuel consumption – despite the interstellar performance, Lotus reckon the Supercharged SC will return 31mpg on the combined cycle.

Keen Elise fans will note the additional boot spoiler and bespoke wheel design which distinguishes the lightweight Lotus from its many siblings.

Inside, a new instrument cluster features a high definition LCD message panel that can display vehicle systems information, and new gearshift lights which illuminate when the driver is in the right rev range.

Lotus has also updated the options packages – the Elise Sport Pack now comes with uprated Bilstein sports suspension, traction control, twin oil coolers, ProBax sports seats and lightweight alloy wheels.

Prices for the Elise Supercharged SC start at £32,550, and the Elise Sports Pack costs £1,500.

Click here for more pictures of the Lotus Elise SC

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