Lotus has re-introduced a new entry level model to its Elise range with the launch of the new Elise S, which was unveiled at the Sydney International Motor Show.

The new Elise S is priced from $69,990 (excluding dealer delivery and government charges) and is powered by a high tech 1.8-litre 100 kW VVTi Toyota engine, which complements the phenomenal handling characteristics of the car.

The new entry level Elise fills the gap in the Lotus range as a result of the loss of the Rover K series engine.

The new Lotus Elise S can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 205 km/h.

Lotus Cars Australia sales and marketing manager, Jonathan Stretton, says the arrival of the new Elise S is good news for lovers of pure sports cars.

“The value for money proposition is second to none and takes the Lotus Elise range back into the heart of the mainstream sports car market,” said Mr Stretton.

“We now have a Lotus Elise to tempt drivers away from the altogether more cosmetic offerings from opposition makers, giving them the opportunity to get back into a car that is the very essence of what is a real sports car should be all about,” he added.

While it is the new entry-level car in the Lotus range the Elise S still boasts class leading acceleration, performance and handling. It may not be the fastest or quickest Elise in the range, but its performance belies the cost and real substance engineered into the new vehicle.

The new Lotus S twin-cam, multi-valve engine boasts maximum power of 100 kW at 6,200 rpm and maximum torque of 172 Nm at 4,200 rpm.

A bright red LED “change-up light” tells the driver when to change gear in the short throw, close ratio five-speed, the point of illumination from the “red-line” is variable and dependent on the gear selected.

Weighing in at just 860 kg, the Lotus Elise S is not just one of the lightest fully homologated sports cars in the world, but also one of the lightest cars in the world.

Light weight has benefits for acceleration, the environment, handling, ride comfort and braking. Braking comes from AP Racing calipers at the front and Brembo calipers at the rear linked to 282 mm vented and cross-drilled cast iron discs – you can never call an Elise under braked!

The advanced ABS system incorporates an anti-lock system, which is very unobtrusive and most drivers will not even notice that it is there.

The ABS system is linked to a lightweight pedal box with steel pedal arms and extruded aluminium pads. This unit also has an electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle for quick, smooth and more linear engine response.

A new higher standard specification including driver and passenger airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, central locking, electric windows and ProBax seats makes the new Elise S a strong proposition for those seeking a real sports car from a world leading brand.

The Lotus Elise S is built around the revolutionary and award winning extruded and bonded aluminium chassis, with a lightweight steel rear subframe. The chassis itself weighs just 68 kg and has a stiffness of 9,500 Nm per degree.

For an additional $8,000 the Elise S can be specified with the Touring Plus option pack, which provides increased levels of comfort and practicality.

The Touring Plus pack, features leather or suede-effect trimmed seats, an expertly trimmed full carpet set finished with ‘Elise’ embroidered carpet mats, a leather gear-knob and a leather handbrake-lever gaiter.

Touring capabilities of the Elise are supported with front driving lamps, noise insulation panelling and the soft-top reducing sound intrusion into the car.

An interior stowage net, retractable aluminium cup holder and trinket tray divider provide more functionality and a high specification Alpine CD/MP3 audio system allows for a higher spectrum of music media. All this makes for an invigorating and yet more relaxing journey.

With the launch of the Elise S, the Elise 111R will become known as the Elise R. In addition to this nomenclature change, the Elise R will also feature the current Touring pack as standard equipment.