Lotus premiered last night at the 2011 IAA opening in Frankfurt the latest generation 2012 Elise S. The new 2012 Lotus Elise comes with several upgrades both in terms of performance and looks. It also comes with a new SPS option - Serial Precision Shift. The 2012 Elise's SPS is in fact a new transmission for the 1.6-liter model, which uses new lightweight robotised automated manual gearbox technology for switching between automatic and manual driving modes. The switch is made via the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
The 2012 Lotus Elise S replaces the previous SC version of the model, and comes with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder DOHC engine, equipped with a Variable Valve Timing & Lift-intelligent (VVTL-i) system.
Lotus says that the output of the new 2012 Elise S is 220 PS / 162 kW / 217 hp at 6800 rpm and 250 Nm / 184 lbft of torque at 4600 rpm. Unfortunately, so far, Lotus has not yet tested the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of the 2012 Elise S, nor its top speed. the same goes for the CO2 emissions and the fuel consumption. However, Lotus does mention that the 2012 Elise S is more efficient and environment friendly as its predecessor.
Lotus equips the 2012 Elise S with a fully independent suspension system, their Dynamic Performance Management (DPM)
and an ABS braking system with AP-Racing twin-piston fixed aluminum alloy front brake calipers and Brembo single-piston sliding rear calipers.
In terms of styling, the 2012 Elise S features new LED daytime running lights integrated into its headlights, new instrument dials with blue illumination, and a new two-tone white and black interior. Lotus did not announced the price list of the 2012 Elise S yet, nor its availability date.
The full options and specifications of the 2012 Lotus Elise S can be found here.
