2008 Lotus Elise Range Enhanced With 217 Hp Supercharged Elise SC

Lotus is gearing up its Elise range for the 2008 Model year with the introduction of the most powerful production Elise to date, the 217 Hp / 220 PS Elise SC. Branded by a new rear spoiler and unique alloy wheel design, the Elise SC is equipped a supercharged version of the Elise’s 1.8-litre 2-ZZ VVTL-i Toyota derived engine. The Lotus-designed, Magnuson-produced supercharger uses an Eaton rotor pack (an M45 unit), and it’s married to the intake manifold plenum as part of a single-piece casting.

According to the Brits, the 903 kg (1987 lbs) Elise goes from standstill to 60 mph in 4.4 secs / 0-100 km/h in 4.6 secs, to 100 mph / 160 km/h in 10.7 secs and off to a top speed of 150 mph / 240 km/h. Not that it matters but the Elise SC features an estimated combined fuel consumption figure of 9.1 lt/ 100 km (31.0 mpg UK or 25.8 mpg US). -Continued after the jump

Along with the introduction of the Elise SC, Lotus also carried on a few minor enchantments to the whole Elise range. These include the standardization of driver and passenger airbags on all models, the newly designed instrument pack that features a high-definition LCD message panel displaying a scrolling text message with vehicle systems information and a completely new alarm/immobiliser system.

Furthermore,because airbags are now standard across the Elise range, the number of trim option packages has been cut from four down to two. Sales of the Elise SC and the 2008 Elise models will start in Europe towards the end of October.

8 comments

Azure // October 23, 2007

The specs sound pretty good for the weight/Horsepower ratio but....

I honestly don't like the look of it.

A lot of it are out of place. Makes me sad to look at it.
John // October 23, 2007

I agree; the design is too "cluttered". However, from what I've read and from what people that have driven it told me, you won't care much about its looks once you're in the cockpit.
mcqueen // October 24, 2007

I like the body of this car. It's small built can surely amount to a good and fast on road performance
Alias // December 05, 2007

I love the look of this car...so much I just bought one in pearl white ...can't wait!!!!
Anonymous // April 18, 2008

I just drove the Lotus Elise SC at a dealership and must say that it is stunning. It looks like a 3/4-size car, but the small size, light weight, aerodynamics and super-charged engine contribute to it's phenomenal power-to-weight ratio and gets you from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds. The interior is pretty bare-bones, but after all, it's DNA is that of a race car.
Max // July 06, 2008

i know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder but enough of these dorks who have no clue. I have driven and just ordered an Ardent Red SC with touring pack.hard top and traction control. I can't wait !
Anonymous // July 10, 2008

Bought a 2008 Lotus Elise SC, Chrome Orange/Black. Amazing car.
Anonymous // August 07, 2008

If you don't like the look of this car what do you like? Some boxy BMW a family sedan Volvo? Jeez the thing looks fast just sitting still. Maybe a Mazda Miata is the ticket for styling for some but this thing turns heads...and not 'cause its ugly! And the thing is wicked fast...sure there are faster cars...not many, sure there are more comfortable cars....lots, and yes there are more practicle cars....but for sheer driving exhileration and pure driving fun the list is pretty short and this car is high on that list maybe at the top. It is on mine. Love mine!