2017 Lotus Elise Sprint confirmed it – Less is more!

Since the first days of Lotus, its founder Colin Chapman made one thing clear – the only way to go is “simplify, then add lightness” and thankfully 65 years later that same principal is still used, and all modern-day Lotus vehicles still abide it.

What actually backs this claim up is the latest model from Lotus called the Elise Sprint which lost additional 41 kilos (90 lbs) over the standard model. This one is even lighter and even more simplified iteration of the regular Elise which has a total of 798 kilograms (1,759 pounds; dry weight). But the diet that this model has gone through is not all, it is also an expensive piece of machinery which comes at £37.300 ($46.280), but it is worth every penny, though.

As it is always with Lotus, the main focus on this car was carbon fiber. To aid the weight loss, the company additionally opted for a poly-carbonate rear window as well as forged alloy wheels. When you add a Li-Ion battery that saves 9 kg when compared to a normal one, and even more options such as two-piece brake discs and carbon sill covers you get the whole picture that shows just how fanatical Lotus is about their policy. Regardless of the weight loss, Lotus also freshened things up on the outside as well, implying that the 2017 Lotus Elise Sprint received improved aerodynamics with both fascias were redesigned in order to do so.

The Elise Sprint will allow you to choose from two engine options. The first one is for the ‘cheap ones’ out there with Toyota-sourced 1.6 L, naturally aspirated unit that can offer you 136 PS (134 hp) and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft), and a sprint time of 6.3 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph). Top speed for this vehicle is 204 km/h (127 mph). The other unit which is somewhat pricier at £44,300 ($54.965) will allow you to enjoy in the supercharged 1.8 L four-cylinder motor that offers 220 PS (217 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) and a sprint time of 4.5 seconds.

Just an FYI, since we are on the topic of Lotus, the company is planning to release a somewhat more extreme take on the iconic Elise sometime in May, and it will be the Cup 250 model which will have a retail price of £47.400 ($58.811). Unfortunately, this is as much as we managed to found about it, but some detailed info with specifications, as well as pictures, will pop up closer to the model’s release date.