EXTERNAL OPERATIONS
Fuel Requirement USE UNLEADED PREMIUM GR ADE GASOLINE.
Use only unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM specifications.
Use of fuels not meeting ASTM specifications could cause poor performance and increase emissions.
For optimum car performance and fuel economy, the use
of super or premium unleaded gasoline, with a minimum
octane rating of 91 (RON+MON)/2 is recommended. Where
super or premium fuel is not available, the Elise will operate
satisfactorily on unleaded gasoline having a minimum rating
of 87 (RON+MON)/2, but car performance and economy will be reduced. Using fuel with a lower octane rating may cause knocking
(pinking) which, if severe, can cause serious engine damage.
Light knocking may occasionally be heard for short periods when accelerating or driving up hills, and this should cause no concern,
although using a lower gear would be advised. If, however, you hear persistent heavy knocking when using the specified fuel,
consult your dealer without delay.
The use of good quality fuels containing proper detergent ad
-
ditives is advised for good performance and emission control.
NOTICE: Do NOT use leaded fuel: damage caused by the use of leaded or other improper fuel is not covered by the New Car
or Emission Control System Warranty. The effectiveness of
the catalytic converter decreases after as little as one tankful
of leaded fuel. Also, the car is fitted with a fuel injection system
which includes an oxygen sensor. Leaded fuel will damage the sensor, and cause emission control to deteriorate.
Gasolines Containing Alcohol - Some gasolines sold at service stations contain alcohol although they may not be so identified.
Use of fuels containing alcohol is not recommended, unless the nature of the blend can be determined as being satisfactory.
Gasohol - A mixture of 10% ethanol (grain alcohol) and 90% unleaded gasoline may be used in the Lotus Elise. If driveabil
-
ity problems are experienced as a result of using gasohol, it is recommended that the car is operated on gasoline.
External Operations
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Methanol - Do not use gasolines containing methanol (wood
alcohol). Use of this type of alcohol can result in car performance deterioration and damage to critical parts in the fuel system. Fuel
system damage and car performance problems, resulting from
the use of gasolines containing methanol, may not be covered by your car warranty.
Fuels Containing MMT - Some North American fuels contain methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT), which
is an octane enhancing additive. Such fuels may damage the
emission control system and are NOT recommended.
Diesel
- The Lotus Elise will not operate on diesel fuel.
Fuel Filling
WARNING:
• Gasoline and its attendant fumes are highly explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured when handling
fuel. Before stopping at a filling station, switch off mobile phones and other electronic equipment, ensure that all
cigarettes are extinguished and that no naked flames or
other potential ignition sources are present. Switch off
the engine before refuelling.
• Remove the filler cap slowly to allow any pressure to bleed off gradually. Hasty removal may result in a small amount
of fuel spray with a possible health or fire hazard. External Operations
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Spark plugs NGK IFR6A11
DensoSK20R11
Spark plug gap 1.1 mm
Max. continuous engine speed 8000 rpm (8500 transient)
Fuel requirement Unleaded
Minimum octane 91 (RON+MON)/2
Fuel system Multi-point fully sequential
fuel injection with Lotus T4
controller.
Peak power (SAE DIN 70020) 190 bhp (141.7 kW) @
7,800 rpm
Peak torque (SAE DIN 70020) 138 lbf.ft (187 Nm) @
6,800 rpm
Transmission
Type 6 speed manual transaxle.
Bevel gear differential.
Gear Ratio Final Drive mph/1000 rpm First 3.17:1 ) 5.1
Second 2.05:1 ) 7.7
Third 1.48:1 ) 4.53:1 10.7
Fourth 1.17:1 ) 13.6
Fifth 0.92:1 ) 17.3
Sixth 0.81:1 ) 19.4
Reverse 3.25:1 )
Brakes
Type Front and rear discs with
curved vane ventilation
and cross drilling.
AP Racing aluminium op
posed piston front calipers.
Single piston sliding rear
calipers.
Disc Size - front and rear 288mm
Operation Tandem master cylinder
with vacuum servo and
ABS
Parking Brake Cable operation of rear
calipers, self adjusting for
pad wear.
Technical Data
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