The Elise: Stripped to its Essence

The unifying concept behind all four models unveiled is "LESS MASS MEANS MORE LOTUS." This phrase encapsulates Colin Chapman's founding principle of enhancing performance through weight reduction. It is the core philosophy embodied in these vehicles.

This philosophy is most evident in the Elise. Through the meticulous removal of components such as the air conditioning, audio system, and even floor mats, a radical weight reduction has been achieved. The result is a mere 841kg, a saving of 15kg. It evokes the spirit of the original Elise, becoming "the most Elise-like Elise."

This focus on value is reflected in the pricing. "After extensive negotiations with our headquarters, we have strived to reduce the price, and are pleased to offer it at ¥4,968,000, under the 5 million yen mark," commented Kazuho Takahashi, President and CEO of LCI.

Lotus Elise

The engine is a 1ZR-FAE DOHC 4-cylinder with Dual VVT-i. Displacing 1,600cc, it produces a maximum output of 136ps and a peak torque of 160Nm. Top speed is rated at 204km/h, with 0-100km/h acceleration in 6.5 seconds.

According to Emi Tanida from LCI Public Relations, "Across all Elise series, including this model, the adoption of a lighter front clamshell and a redesigned rear transom panel have refreshed the design, resulting in a more aggressive form."

This particular vehicle is a Japan-only specification model.

The Return of the Legendary Sprint

Within the Elise range, the name "Sprint," once used for the iconic Elan, makes its return. This is the Elise Sprint 220. Equipped with standard carbon fiber bucket seats, new lightweight forged alloy wheels, and a polycarbonate rear window, it achieves a weight of 878kg, approximately 26kg lighter than the Phase 1 "Elise Sport" and "Elise Sport 220" series.

While the Elise Sprint shares the same engine as the Elise, the Elise Sprint 220 features a supercharger added to the 2ZR-FE DOHC 4-cylinder VVT-i. Its displacement is 1,800cc, with maximum output increased to 220ps and peak torque to 250Nm. Top speed is 233km/h, and 0-100km/h acceleration improves to 4.5 seconds.

Lotus Elise Sprint 220

The prices are ¥6,264,000 for the Elise Sprint and ¥7,452,000 for the Elise Sprint 220.

The Elise range also includes the Elise Sport II and Elise Sport 220 II, models that bridge the gap between the Sprint and the standard Elise.

The Fastest and Most Aggressive: Exige Sport 380

"While the Exige has had many models designed as 'racing cars for the road,' the Exige Sport 380 is the fastest and most aggressive among them," stated Ms. Tanida.

The engine, a 3.5-liter V6 supercharged unit, now produces 380ps, an increase of 30ps. Torque is rated at 410Nm.

Lotus Exige Sport 380

Weight reduction has naturally been a focus. The use of carbon composite panels in various areas, a polycarbonate rear window, dedicated wheels, and a lithium-ion battery contribute to a total weight saving of 30.2kg.

Performance figures show acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 286km/h.

In 2018, the Lotus Cup Japan will introduce a 380 class, with plans to incorporate this model. Additionally, the "Exige Cup 380," a limited edition of 60 units worldwide, is also available. This is positioned as an evolution of the Exige Sport 380.

Lotus Exige Sport 380

The price for the Exige Sport 380 (Coupe/Roadster) is ¥11,232,000.

There are rumors of a 400ps Exige in the future, but Ms. Tanida revealed, "Currently, 400ps is considered challenging for an Exige of this size, but it's likely we'll see it not too far from now."

Evora Sport 410: Blending GT Performance

The Evora's positioning is that of a mid-engined, four-seater grand tourer, balancing the lightweight sports focus of the Elise and the supercar performance of the Exige with the practicality of a four-seater. It echoes the spirit of past models like the "Excel," "Elan +2," and "Esprit."

The Evora Sport 410, introduced here, builds upon the "Evora 400" with weight reduction, enhanced power, and improved aerodynamics. Further tuning of the Evora's aerodynamics achieves a high level of handling performance and high-speed stability.

Lotus Evora Sport 440

According to Ms. Tanida, "We have achieved a significant weight reduction of 70kg. In terms of downforce, it's 32kg more than the 400, effectively doubling the downforce."

Equipped with a 3.5-liter 2GR-FE DOHC V6 supercharged engine, it produces a maximum output of 416ps and a peak torque of 420Nm. With a 6-speed manual transmission, it achieves a top speed of 305km/h and 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds. The price is ¥13,446,000.

New Models, New Dealerships, and Enhanced Activities

Furthermore, regarding future models, Ryan Watson, Head of Sales Asia & Middle East for Lotus Cars, introduced the following two vehicles. First, concerning the "Evora GT 430," he stated, "This is the highest output Evora we have ever produced. Mass production will begin around the end of October, with planned introduction to the Japanese market in early next year." He then described its sibling model, the "Evora GT 430 Sport," as "the fastest Lotus model ever created, reaching a top speed of 315km/h, with production scheduled to begin early next year as a limited edition."

Additionally, it was announced that the current 19 dealerships in Japan will expand to 25 by the end of fiscal year 2018, with two new stores scheduled to open within the year.

Lotus Evora Sport 440

Regarding motorsport activities, the "Japan Lotus Day" has been held annually since 2009, with the 2018 event scheduled for September 2nd at Fuji Speedway.

Moreover, the "Lotus Cup Japan," a one-make race for road-legal cars, has been held since 2007. This year, four races have already concluded. The fifth and sixth rounds will be held concurrently with WTCC in October, marking the final race of the season. While there were 15 entries this year, the plan for 2018 is to introduce the Exige Sport 380 and establish a 380 class, aiming for a total of 25 entries across six races annually, including Japan Lotus Day.