Lotus Elise S1 (1996 - 2001)

Elise arrives on the market, with a 118bhp 16v fuel-injected Rover K-Series engine. Alloy wheels, immobiliser and cloth upholstery are all standard, with leather and metallic paint optional.

First official high-performance model arrives, the 190 VHPD, with 187bhp VVC version of the K-Series. It’s a track-focused car, with race seats and harnesses, roll cage and adjustable suspension. Also, during 1999, the 340R - perhaps the most raw and focused driver’s car ever to come out of Lotus - is launched. Think of it as an Elise without doors. It was a slow seller, with just 340 examples built.

Elise Sprint launched, but few are built before it's repackaged as the 111S, a regular production car with a 143bhp version of the VVC K-Series engine. Six-spoke alloys, bolt-on rear spoiler and wider rear tyres. Sport 135 appears
at same time, a 50-off special edition with uprated brakes and suspension.

The Sport 160 joins range, with 160bhp from 16v Rover K-Series engine, a higher rear wing and metallic grey five-spoke alloys.