2017 Lotus Elise Sport 220 and Sprint 220 Exhaust Sound, Launch, & Acceleration – Video
Offering 217 hp / 250 Nm of torque, the 1.8-litre supercharged engine of the Elise Sprint 220 has been specifically tuned to deliver a benchmark power-to-weight ratio and class leading efficiency. The car’s reduction in weight translates into quicker acceleration with 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, harder cornering and a power to weight ratio of up to 257 hp / tonne. Being so lightweight, emissions are extremely low with 173 g CO2 / km. Stopping power is provided by AP Racing twin-piston front calipers and Brembo single-piston rear-calipers – optional lightweight two-piece brake discs are also available. Like all Elise, the Elise Sprint 220 benefits from Lotus’ Dynamic Performance Management (Lotus DPM) with user selectable driving modes. Last not least, Hethel’s acoustic engineers have spent time altering the aural appeal of the Elise Sprint 220: providing the perfect soundtrack at any speed, its new exhaust makes the 1.8-litre supercharged Elise Sprint 220 the best-sounding 4-cylinder car on the market.
Ensuring that this latest Elise remains true to the company’s DNA, the return for the Sprint badge – as used on historic models including the Elan – is designed to provide a highly attractive super-lightweight option sitting above the Elise Sport 220. Featuring a host of weight-saving items as standard, the new Elise Sprint 220 offers the latest in efficient engineering to deliver a car that sets the standard at under 800 kg.
The Sprint edition of the Lotus Elise Sport 220 has removed 40 kg from the previous model, to reach a benchmark dry weight of just 798 kg. The standard lightweight components of the Elise Sprint 220 include a Lithium-Ion battery, saving 9 kg, Lotus’ beautifully detailed carbon race seats, 6 kg, new lightweight forged alloy wheels, 5 kg, while the carbon access panel, roll hoop cover and engine cover, and polycarbonate rear screen save 6 kg. Collectively they cut an impressive 26 kg, compared to the previous Elise Sport 220. Optional two-piece brake discs (available from May), saving 4 kg, a well as optional carbon sill covers enable to reduce the weight even further.
Featuring the Elise’s distinctive new styling, the Elise Sprint 220 integrates a new front and rear aesthetic. External design touches for the Sprint range include a matt black transom panel, black wheels which come with custom contrasting metal spun rims, distinctive yet subtle side stripes on the bodywork and unique side and rear badging. The Elise Sprint 220 also receives a wide range of cabin enhancements – including the lightweight open-gate gear select mechanism first introduced on the Lotus Exige Sport 350. Other highlights comprise bodywork keyed colour inserts for the sports seats, transmission console and HVAC surround, along with Sprint badge stitching. 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.