Central-Seat Lotus Elise Weighs Half of a Toyota GR 86 | Carscoops

      Analogue Automotive's VHPK, weighing in at a mere 1,323 lbs, features a centrally-mounted driver’s seat reminiscent of early Elise race cars.

      The UK-based company has introduced its VHPK Lotus Elise restomod, a modified version of the S1 Elise that incorporates a carbon body to further reduce its already minimal curb weight. The design includes a single, centrally-mounted seat inspired by the configurations of early Elise racers.

      While the original Lotus Elise's curb weight of under 2000 lbs (907 kg) felt remarkably light at its release 30 years ago, it appears almost magical today, especially when contrasted with many family SUVs that weigh three times more. Now, a UK firm has presented its interpretation of the S1 Elise, making the standard sports car seem as if it requires a fitness regime.

      Referred to as the VHPK, Analogue Automotive claims it has a stunning weight of only 1,323 lbs (approximately 600 kg in metric). For some perspective, the lightest new Mazda MX-5 tips the scales at 2,366 lbs (1,073 kg), while the Toyota GR86 weighs 2,813 lbs (1,276 kg). Lotus indicated that a stock Elise weighed 1,665 lbs (755 kg) back in 1996.

      The weight savings can be attributed to the extensive use of carbon fiber in the bodywork as well as in the interior, wheels, and brakes. Interestingly, early Elises employed advanced Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) brake discs, which were eventually replaced by cheaper but heavier conventional rotors.

      A significant modification that influences the driving experience is the adoption of a single, centrally-mounted seat configuration. This design choice not only reduces overall weight but also optimizes weight distribution, echoing the history of the Elise and the setup used in earlier fixed-roof Elise racers that competed in the now-defunct Autobytel Lotus Championship. A video showcasing these historic racers can be found at the end of the article.

      Staying true to the S1’s origins, Analogue Automotive has chosen to utilize the original Rover K-series engine instead of the Toyota ZZ four used in later S2 models or the Honda K-series engines that many Elise enthusiasts have swapped into their S1s over the years.

      The base 1.8-liter K-series Elises originally produced just 118 hp (120 PS), but the high-performance VHPD (Very High Performance Derivative) engine found in the Sport 190, 340R, and Exige delivered 187 hp (190 PS). Analogue Automotive’s version generates 250 hp (254 PS), resulting in an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 400 hp (406 PS) per tonne, and features custom billet and forged internals for added reliability.

      Analogue will produce only 35 units of the VHPK, available for order starting next year. While pricing details remain undisclosed, it is anticipated that the VHPK will command a price tag befitting its status as a supercar, unlike the original Elise, which was more of a budget-friendly option.