Easily defined by its new rear spoiler and unique alloy wheels, this is the first time the roadster has been fitted with an all-new supercharger installation producing 162 kW and 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.

This is no mere engine swap from the supercharged Exige. Applied to the current Elise’s 1.8-litre 2-ZZ VVTL-i engine, the Lotus-designed, Magnuson-produced supercharger uses a smaller Eaton rotor pack (an M45 unit) than that of the Exige S and is matched to the bespoke intake manifold plenum as part of a single-piece casting.

Combined with the absence of an intercooler and its associated pipe-work, this integrated supercharger/intake assembly contributes to an 8 kg reduction in engine weight compared with the Exige S.

A further benefit of dispensing with the intercooler for the Elise SC application is the supercharger packaging viability for Elise and improved rear visibility.

The Elise SC has been designed to possess different driving characteristics to the Exige S. In keeping with its role as a supremely fast road car rather than extreme track machine, throttle response is very progressive resulting in a measured, more refined driving experience.

The variable camshaft shifting, for example, does not operate at a single point; the switchover can vary between 4,000 rpm - 6,200 rpm depending on how it’s being driven.

As expected in a car with 162 kW and weighing just 870 kg, the performance of the Elise SC is stunning: 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, 0-160 km/h in 10.7 seconds and a top speed of 241 km/h. Like the 141 kW Elise R, the Elise SC runs a six-speed gearbox.

A new bespoke alloy wheel design is introduced to the Elise SC with the rears increasing in width half an inch to 8-inches which offers increased grip from the standard Lotus specific Yokohama AD07 LTS 225/45 R17 tyres.

In addition to this extreme performance, the fuel economy of the Elise SC is equally impressive with an estimated combined figure of 8.5litres/100km.

The Elise SC also sees several other enhancements evident across the Elise and Exige range that make it more sophisticated and better value than ever.

An advanced new MY08 instrument cluster provides extra information about vehicle systems. This includes servicing reminders in a ‘secret until lit’ technology, so drivers won’t be alerted to such details until deemed necessary.

A new MY08 alarm/immobiliser system has allowed the introduction of a new Lotus designed key with integrated fob, the famous Lotus roundel operating as one of its three functional buttons.

The number of option packs for the Elise has been simplified from four to two, but with increased specification for each. Should customers wish to further personalise their Lotus, there is a myriad of accessories available.

The Lotus Elise SC 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 with a stiffness of 9,500 Nm per degree.

Paint ranges have been revised for 2008 including the addition of vibrant pearlescent colours. The new Premium Colour Range has been designed to offer further customising and due to the more sophisticated manufacturing process, have been individually priced.

Driving any Lotus is an experience like no other – and the Elise SC is no different. Few cars can match the delicacy and accuracy of the steering, throttle and brakes. Only a Lotus has the relatively soft springs and firm damping to give superb body control and a truly exhilarating ride. And only a Lotus can turn in such performance with such minimal environmental impact in terms of emissions and fuel consumption.

IN MORE DETAIL:

It’s all down to lightweight

Weighing a lithe 870kg, the Elise SC is just 10 kg more than the Elise S – or a 1 percent weight increase; more than compensated with a 62 percent more power. With 212 Nm at 5,000 rpm, the Elise SC also has 15 percent more power and 17 percent more torque than the Elise R.

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

An advanced ABS system incorporates an anti-lock system which is so unobtrusive, most drivers will not realise it’s working – unless it’s needed, and even then the system keeps a subtly low profile. 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.

Finally, the Elise SC employs a spoiler mounted onto the rear wing to which provides an aerodynamic and aesthetic difference to other Elise variants. Add to this unique Lotus 6-spoke Y-type lightweight cast alloy wheels and the Elise SC becomes instantly recognisable as the premier model in the Lotus Elise range.

New dials and more

The new instrument panel in Elise features new stylish black back-lit dials and a new high-definition LCD message panel that can display a scrolling message with vehicle system information.

The new instruments constantly display fuel, engine temperature and odometer; however, it can also display the time, trip distance or a digital speed readout in mph.

Warning symbols are ‘secret until lit’, keeping the instrumentation free from visual clutter and distraction until necessary.

New gear change ‘shift’ lights also remain hidden until required. Three cumulative up-shift lights simultaneously flash just before the rev-limiter at a speed dependent on which gear is selected.

The key issue

Elise and Exige both have a new one-piece alarm/immobiliser and key. This has enabled a new design that incorporates three buttons. The first button is the famous Lotus roundel which locks the doors and sets the immobiliser. The second button unlocks and deactivates it, while the third is a panic function.

Easier options

Partly due to customer demand and partly due to airbags now being standard, across the Elise range, the number of trim option packages has been reduced from four to two, a Touring and a Sport pack.

The revised Elise Touring pack now includes:
Full leather or Microfibre suede-effect interior
ProBax Seats
Leather trimmed centre console and handbrake gaiter
Sound system iPod connection
Full carpets (Black), with embroidered ‘Elise’ logo
Auxiliary driving lights
Sound insulation paneling
Retractable aluminium cup holder

The Elise Sport pack includes:
Bilstein sports dampers
Lotus switchable traction control
Twin oil coolers
ProBax Sport seats with harness eyelets
7 twin spoke ultra lightweight forged wheels (Hi-power Silver) with standard AD07 tyres

Touring and Sport packs can be combined.

Prices:

Elise Touring Pack RRP: $8,000
Elise Sport Pack RRP: $7,000

The Lotus Elise SC is priced at $104,990, excluding dealer delivery and government charges.

Stand alone options include Lotus traction control, limited-slip differential and removable hardtop. Further accessories such as adjustable dampers and forged wheels are still available to order through Lotus Aftersales.