- New body design, lights, wheels, and improved coefficient of drag
- Inside trunk release replaces key operation
For 2011, the Lotus Elise and Elise SC undergo new styling changes. For the North American market, the 1.8-litre engines carry forward, but both models now feature an evolutionary body design with new front clamshell, rear bumper and engine cover; all-in-one integrated headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and turn signals; improved aerodynamics with a four per cent reduction in coefficient of drag; and new standard cast wheels and available forged wheels. The rear trunk also can be opened from the cockpit, rather than a separate key operation.
The Elise, Lotus’ soft-top model, comes as the Elise, with 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, and as the Elise SC, with 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder engine. Both use a six-speed manual transmission.
Standard features on the Elise include 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, removable soft top with storage bag, high-intensity projection beam headlights, LED taillights, daytime running lights and turn signals, aluminum alloy fuel filler door, cross-drilled brake discs with front AP Racing calipers and rear Brembo calipers, pre-tensioning seatbelts, cloth seats, CD stereo, leather-trimmed Momo steering wheel, power windows, power locks, floor mats, anti-theft alarm system and tire pressure monitoring system.
The Elise SC adds unique 16- and 17-inch forged aluminum wheels.
Available options include leather seats, premium stereo with iPod connector, cargo stowage net, additional sound insulation, and additional sound and thermal soft top insulation. A special Sport Pack adds forged aluminum lightweight wheels, Lotus Sport-tuned suspension, Probax sport seats, traction control and twin oil coolers, while the Performance Package adds high-performance tires and five-point harness bar.

