The Lotus Elise admirers will be pleased to know that Lotus has unveiled the details and photographs of the latest facelifted Elise which will be sold as the 2011 model. Compared to its predecessor, you will notice that the 2011 Elise shuns the dual-teardrop front light cluster and integrates the LED daytime running lights into the main headlight. The extra fog lights are no where to be found on the 2011 edition of the roadster while the Evora-esque front fascia has been remodeled with a wider grille and an updated splitter that gives the car an all new look. On the rear, you will discover that the rear vents on the side of the outer taillights have vanished and the bumper now extends almost till the diffuser. Other than changes to the front and rear, the 2011 Lotus Elise gets better and cleaner engine options under the hood along with a new close-ratio six-speed transmission.

Lotus has built a reputation of creating beautiful cars with fine tuned engines and low weight. It seems they want to kill us with something that’s even lighter, which should consume very low amounts of fuel – EcoElise. First place to see it is going to be the British Motor Show.

This new jewel will be 32 kg lighter, and will use Toyota’s  good old 1.8-liter engine that develops 134 bhp. Along with the weight reduction, Eco Elise will have body panels, seat and carpets made out of natural fibres. Lotus wants to show us they are overgreen, so they’ve even put a green shift light which will help drivers drive in a fuel-saving way.

The Eco Elise is not for sale but it can be if there will be a high public demand. Most people don’t care if their sports cars are eco friendly, as long as they’re loud, fast, hot and gets them women

What will happen with the Eco Elise? What do you think?

Source: Lotus