Lotus Elise Club Racer released for U.K.

Lotus will release a stripped-down version of the Elise, called the 1.6 Lotus Elise Club Racer. However, it will be available only in the United Kingdom.

The already scant two-seater loses another 54 pounds with measures such as the use of a lightweight battery, the deletion of sound-deadening material and the removal of the radio speakers. The spec sheet from Lotus puts the curb weight at 1,872 pounds.

For those who desire a Club Racer without any of the weight benefits, an optional comfort pack is available.

Powered by the same engine that is in the Elise, the Club Racer has a dealer-fitted Club Racer Power Pack, which boosts the power to 140 hp at 6,800 rpm and 122 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.

The Club Racer will be the first Elise outfitted with a sport setting for the dynamic-performance management. This raises the traction-control threshold and removes the stability control. For those brave enough, the system can be completely shut off.

The track-oriented Lotus is available in five colors: Saffron Yellow, Aspen White, Matte Black, Carbon Grey and Sky Blue. The price for the Club Racer is

By David Arnouts