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2008 Lotus Elise SC

October 2007

Lotus announce this new supercharged Elise for 2008 in a press release (PDF). This is the most powerful production version of the Elise to date with 220PS. Despite the similarity with the Exige S, this is not simply an engine swap but, a new non-intercooled installation of the current Elise's 1.8-litre 2-ZZ VVTL-i engine.

The Elise range now features airbags as standard and a new instrument pack across all models. This latter update provides extra information about the vehicle systems, including servicing reminders. Using 'secret until lit' technology, drivers won't be alerted until it is necessary.

Lotus' claimed performance figures are: 0-60 mph in 4.4 secs / 0-100 km/h in 4.6 secs (estimated); 0-100 mph / 160 km/h in 10.7 secs (estimated); top speed 150 mph / 240 km/h (estimated).