Developed by Lotus Sport and Performance
in conjunction with the Lotus Ride and Handling team, the Lotus Sport
Elise 135R has been designed to provide ultimate performance both on and
off the track. Engine, suspension, wheel and tyre upgrades all
contribute to what can only be described as the ultimate road and track
Elise. Offering a more direct feel, the 135R affords the enthusiast
driver with more immediate and sharper responses, developed to deliver
exceptional driver involvement.
The power output of the engine is 135bhp. This has been achieved by
modifying the ports of the cylinder head to improve gas flow, mixture
and cylinder filling. The standard intake manifold has been replaced by
a cast alloy version as used on the 111 range. Alongside a reprogrammed
ECU these modifications further improve the Elise’s ‘engine breathing’
allowing the driver to explore maximum engine revs in all gears
increasing driver enjoyment, especially during track use.
Lotus’ world famous Ride and Handling team has developed an optimum
set-up for both road and track use. The Elise’s Bilstein dampers have
been re-calibrated to give stiffer bump and rebound settings. The
dampers are also fitted with adjustable upper spring platforms threaded
onto the damper itself, offering a wide range of settings for any use. A
stiffer ‘Motorsport’ adjustable anti-roll bar has also been fitted to
provide optimum steering response.
The Lotus Sport Elise 135R is fitted with O.Z. Racing one piece
lightweight cast alloy 16-spoke wheels. While the rear wheel size
remains unchanged the front wheel size has increased from 5.5 inches to
6.5 inches to give a more positive turn-in during track conditions. The
O.Z. wheels are fitted with Yokohama AO48 tyres which have been
developed in conjunction with Lotus to suit the requirements of the
performance driver, with special emphasis on track use.
Externally the 135R will be recognisable by its striking colour and
decals. Available in two new colours only, Silver Mica and Blue Mica,
the 135R is fitted with two Lotus Sport 135R decals above each side
repeater lamp and a larger decal at the rear. The F1 style diffuser has
been utilised to accentuate aerodynamic performance.
Fitting its special edition status, the 135R has a bespoke interior
limited to this model only. The instrument binnacle and column cowlings
are trimmed in blue Alcantara, as are the seats with additional carbon
leather trim and unique embroidery. Blue footwell carpets, embroidered
with the 135R logo, are removable for track days.
