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Lotus Elise Series 3 Targa (2011-2022)

80% Neofiliac85% External
Keywords: dohcdouble-wishbonelotusmanual-transmissionrwdsports-carsubcompactsuperchargedtarga

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Product Overview

Lotus Elise Series 3 is a subcompact targa / convertible sports car in production from 2011 to 2022. It was available with a range of inline-4 engines that displaced 1.6 to 1.8 liters.
Compared to its predecessor, the Elise 3 is but an evolution. The car remains very light and fully focused on handling. New is the introduction of a supercharged engine with outputs well in excess of 200 hp.
Utility-minded owners will likely need to keep an alternative for hauling things around, as the tiny cargo space is almost surely insufficient.
Drivers who appreciate handling will be pleased to know that the Lotus Elise comes with double-wishbone suspensions at all four corners.

Ratings

What we found**

Neofiliac score 80% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Very light
  • Great handling
  • Much higher output than before
  • Decent performation
Cons
  • Somewhat ugly
  • Only available with small engines
  • Very little cargo space

What external reviewers found***

External score 85% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Superb handling
  • Superb infotainment system
Cons
  • Lack of refinement
  • Poor cabin quality
  • Not as fun as a regular Elise
  • Not the most fun to drive
  • Pricier than Sport 220
  • Faulty brake calipers and gear levers
Read More
See Product Comparison

Find Related Products

Specifications

EliseElise CRElise Cup 250Elise Cup 260Elise Cup RElise SElise S CRElise S CupElise SportElise Sport 220

Capacity

Cargo Capacity112 L / 4.0 cu-ft
Coolant Capacity12.0 L / 12.7 qt12.0 L / 12.7 qt4.0 L / 4.2 qt4.0 L / 4.2 qt4.0 L / 4.2 qt4.0 L / 4.2 qt4.0 L / 4.2 qt4.0 L / 4.2 qt12.0 L / 12.7 qt4.0 L / 4.2 qt
Engine Oil Capacity4.8 L / 5.1 qt4.8 L / 5.1 qt2.4 L / 2.5 qt2.4 L / 2.5 qt2.4 L / 2.5 qt2.4 L / 2.5 qt2.4 L / 2.5 qt2.4 L / 2.5 qt4.8 L / 5.1 qt2.4 L / 2.5 qt
Fuel Capacity40.0 L / 10.6 gal40.0 L / 10.6 gal40.0 L / 10.6 gal40.0 L / 10.6 gal40.0 L / 10.6 gal40.0 L / 10.6 gal40.0 L / 10.6 gal40.0 L / 10.6 gal40.0 L / 10.6 gal
Passengers2

Chassis

Brakes | FrontVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discs, 288 mmVentilated discs, 288 mm
Brakes | RearVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discsVentilated discs, 288 mmVentilated discs, 288 mm
Suspension | FrontDouble-wishbone
Suspension | RearDouble-wishbone
Tire Size175/55 ZR16, 225/45 ZR17175/55 ZR16, 225/45 ZR17195/50 R16, 225/45 R17205/45 R16, 235/40 R17175/55 ZR16, 225/45 ZR17175/55 ZR16, 225/45 ZR17175/55 ZR16, 225/45 ZR17175/55 ZR16, 225/45 ZR17Front wheel tires: 175/55 R16 Rear wheel tires: 225/45 R17Front wheel tires: 175/55 R16 Rear wheel tires: 225/45 R17

Construction

Body Style2-door Convertible

Dimensions

Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in
Size | Height1117 mm / 44.0 in
Size | Length3824 mm / 150.6 in
Size | Width1719 mm / 67.7 in
Track Width | Front1457.0 mm / 57.4 in
Track Width | Rear1507.0 mm / 59.3 in
Weight876.0 kg / 1931.2 lbs848.0 kg / 1869.5 lbs931.0 kg / 2052.5 lbs902.0 kg / 1988.6 lbs900.0 kg / 1984.2 lbs924.0 kg / 2037.1 lbs905.0 kg / 1995.2 lbs952.0 kg / 2098.8 lbs866.0 kg / 1909.2 lbs904.0 kg / 1993.0 lbs
Wheel Size16 in, 17 in16 in, 17 in6J x 16, 8J x 1716 in, 17 in16 in, 17 in16 in, 17 in16 in, 17 in16 in, 17 inFront wheel rims: 16 Rear wheel rims: 17Front wheel rims: 16 Rear wheel rims: 17
Wheelbase2300 mm / 90.6 in

Performance

Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h6.5 sec6.5 sec4.3 sec4.2 sec4.6 sec4.6 sec4.6 sec6.5 sec4.6 sec
Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph6.2 sec6.0 sec4.1 sec3.8 sec3.8 sec4.2 sec4.4 sec4.4 sec6.7 sec4.2 sec
CO2 Emission149 g/km149 g/km175 g/km175 g/km173 g/km173 g/km175 g/km149 g/km173 g/km
Fuel Economy6.3 L/100km / 37.3 MPG (combined) | 8.3 L/100km / 28.3 MPG (urban) | 5.0 L/100km / 47.0 MPG (highway)6.3 L/100km / 37.3 MPG (combined) | 8.3 L/100km / 28.3 MPG (urban) | 5.0 L/100km / 47.0 MPG (highway)7.5 L/100km / 31.4 MPG (combined) | 10.1 L/100km / 23.3 MPG (urban) | 6.0 L/100km / 39.2 MPG (highway)7.5 L/100km / 31.4 MPG (combined) | 10.1 L/100km / 23.3 MPG (urban) | 6.0 L/100km / 39.2 MPG (highway)7.5 L/100km / 31.4 MPG (combined) | 10.3 L/100km / 22.8 MPG (urban) | 5.9 L/100km / 39.9 MPG (highway)7.5 L/100km / 31.4 MPG (combined) | 10.3 L/100km / 22.8 MPG (urban) | 5.9 L/100km / 39.9 MPG (highway)7.5 L/100km / 31.4 MPG (combined) | 9.9 L/100km / 23.8 MPG (urban) | 6.1 L/100km / 38.6 MPG (highway)6.3 L/100km / 37.3 MPG (combined) | 8.3 L/100km / 28.3 MPG (urban) | 5.0 L/100km / 47.0 MPG (highway)7.5 L/100km / 31.4 MPG (combined) | 10.3 L/100km / 22.8 MPG (urban) | 5.9 L/100km / 39.9 MPG (highway)
Top Speed204.0 km/h / 126.8 mph204.0 km/h / 126.8 mph248.0 km/h / 154.1 mph243.0 km/h / 151.0 mph234.0 km/h / 145.4 mph234.0 km/h / 145.4 mph225.0 km/h / 139.8 mph204.0 km/h / 126.8 mph234.0 km/h / 145.4 mph

Powertrain

Drivetrain LayoutMid-engine (transverse), Rear-wheel drive
Engine1ZR-FAE1ZR-FAE2ZR-FE2ZR-FE2ZR-FE2ZR-FE2ZR-FE2ZR-FE1ZR-FAE2ZR-FE
Engine | Bore80.5 mm / 3.2 in
Engine | Compression Ratio10.0:1
Engine | Displacement1.8 L / 109.7 cu-in / 1798.0 cc1.8 L / 109.7 cu-in / 1798.0 cc1.8 L / 109.7 cu-in / 1798.0 cc1.8 L / 109.7 cu-in / 1798.0 cc1.8 L / 109.7 cu-in / 1798.0 cc1.8 L / 109.7 cu-in / 1798.0 cc1.8 L / 109.7 cu-in / 1798.0 cc1.8 L / 109.7 cu-in / 1798.0 cc1.6 L / 97.5 cu-in / 1598.0 cc1.8 L / 109.7 cu-in / 1798.0 cc
Engine | Power136.0 hp / 101.4 kW @ 6800 rpm136.0 hp / 101.4 kW @ 6800 rpm246.0 hp / 183.4 kW @ 7200 rpm253.0 hp / 188.7 kW @ 7200 rpm220.0 hp / 164.1 kW @ 6800 rpm220.0 hp / 164.1 kW @ 6800 rpm220.0 hp / 164.1 kW @ 6800 rpm220.0 hp / 164.1 kW @ 6800 rpm136.0 hp / 101.4 kW @ 6800 rpm220.0 hp / 164.1 kW @ 6800 rpm
Engine | Specific Output136.8 hp/L / 2.2 hp/cu-in136.8 hp/L / 2.2 hp/cu-in136.8 hp/L / 2.2 hp/cu-in140.7 hp/L / 2.3 hp/cu-in85.1 hp/L / 1.4 hp/cu-in122.4 hp/L / 2.0 hp/cu-in
Engine | Stroke88.3 mm / 3.5 in
Engine | Torque160 Nm / 118.0 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm160 Nm / 118.0 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm250 Nm / 184.4 lb-ft @ 3500-5000 rpm255 Nm / 188.1 lb-ft @ 4000-6500 rpm250 Nm / 184.4 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm250 Nm / 184.4 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm250 Nm / 184.4 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm250 Nm / 184.4 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm160 Nm / 118.0 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm250 Nm / 184.4 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
Engine | TypeNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged multi-port injected petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated multi-port injected petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged multi-port injected petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged multi-port injected petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged multi-port injected petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged multi-port injected petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderNaturally-aspirated petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged petrol inline-4 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder
Transmission | Gears6-speed
Transmission | Type

Production

Availability2011 ~ 20172011 ~ 20172016 ~ 20172017 ~ 20182012 ~ 20152012 ~ 20172012 ~ 20172012 ~ 20162017 ~ 20182017
See Product Comparison

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Launch Comparison
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3rd-Party Review Videos

External Review Video 1wG998TgJ4A for Lotus Elise Series 3 Targa (2011-2022)
External Review Video 5YY36svK7Fs for Lotus Elise Series 3 Targa (2011-2022)
External Review Video PcRpNW6lxGA for Lotus Elise Series 3 Targa (2011-2022)
External Review Video vQ7eys2rGA0 for Lotus Elise Series 3 Targa (2011-2022)
External Review Video YFC5eZXS6eo for Lotus Elise Series 3 Targa (2011-2022)

External Reviews

autocar[1]

Reviewer score 90%
Reviewers from autocar have found the following***:
The Lotus Elise was born in 1996, the year Charles and Diana got divorced, Take That split up and Dolly the sheep – the world’s first cloned mammal – was born. There are no fewer than five such ‘Final Edition’ models, three pertaining to the various Exiges that remain on sale. We’re focusing on this one because it uses as its base the now defunct ‘standard’ Sport 220 Elise and comes with a 23bhp power upgrade to reach the 240bhp mentioned in its title.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Gorgeous styling
  • Excellent handling
  • Fantastic handling
Cons
  • Pricier than Sport 220
  • Limited number of engines

autoexpress[2]

Reviewer score 81%
Reviewers from autoexpress have found the following***:
The Elise is one of the few cars on the road with no power steering, which results in a fantastic accuracy and amount of feel through the wheel. Ride quality is pretty good for such a focused car and even the race-orientated Cup model delivers a surprising level of comfort. The Elise is an absolutely tiny car so practicality is very poor, in fact the only load area is just 112 litres. Build quality could do with being slightly better, though.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Impressive handling
  • Superb infotainment system
Cons
  • No power steering
  • Poor cabin quality

autoexpress[3]

Reviewer score 67%
Reviewers from autoexpress have found the following***:
No Elise is luxurious inside – not that you would necessarily expect that from a pure-blooded sports car. There have been seven Elise recalls so far, kicking off with one in February 2001 for cars built up to January 2001. All Elise S2s and S3s need to be serviced every 9,000 miles or 12 months.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful VX220 engine
  • Comfortable to drive
  • Decent handling
Cons
  • Lack of refinement
  • Faulty brake calipers and gear levers

carmagazine[4]

Reviewer score 98%
Reviewers from carmagazine have found the following***:
With some heat in the tyres and a perfect launch, this Elise takes off like a prodded grasshopper. Its six-speed manual 'box is perhaps a little agricultural, but shift with conviction and you'll find a selection of ratios that are well matched to the engine. It's a shame that the Elise's supercharged engine still doesn't sound particularly fruity.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Superb handling
  • Powerful engine
  • Impressive handling
Cons
  • Not the most fun to drive

carmagazine[5]

Reviewer score 92%
Reviewers from carmagazine have found the following***:
The Cup is a full three seconds a lap faster around Lotus's Hethel test track than an ordinary Elise S. And that time all comes from the aero – in the engine bay it's the same Toyota-sourced 1.8-litre supercharged four-pot with 217bhp. The negligible drag increase means top speed only falls to 140mph from the standard car's 145mph.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Gorgeous styling
  • Fantastic infotainment system
  • Lots of fun to drive
Cons
  • Not as fun as a regular Elise

User Reviews

Comments

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References

  1. ^ Lotus Elise Sport 240 Final Edition 2021 UK review. [autocar]. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/lotus/elise-sport-240/first-drives/lotus-elise-sport-240-final-edition-2021-uk-review. 2021-02-08. Retrieved 2022-09-03.
  2. ^ Lotus Elise review. [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/lotus/elise. 2020-03-25. Retrieved 2022-09-03.
  3. ^ Used Lotus Elise review. [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/lotus/elise/352739/used-lotus-elise-review. 2020-07-14. Retrieved 2022-09-03.
  4. ^ Lotus Elise Cup 250 (2016) review. [carmagazine]. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/lotus/lotus-elise-cup-250-2016-review/. 2016-05-08. Retrieved 2022-09-03.
  5. ^ Lotus Elise S Cup (2015) review. [carmagazine]. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/lotus/lotus-elise-s-cup-2015-review/. 2015-01-12. Retrieved 2022-09-03.

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Scores are not directly comparable across industries.

These key takeaways ("pros" and "cons") and summaries are identified from third-party reviews. They may differ from the original texts.

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