After seven years, Lotus has decided to give the Elise a makeover. Pictures and details of the facelifted 2011 Lotus Elise have been released today. It will be shown in the Geneva Auto Show next month. The 2011 Lotus Elise comes equipped with Valvematic and Dual VVT-I technology and an array of new improvisations starting with a six-speed transmission. Donato Coco, Director of Design at Lotus said, “The Elise is an iconic sports car and it was important that we did not complicate its design, so we made the car more pure in its look, improved the aerodynamics, and gave it a more contemporary look with high quality detailing.”

The entry level model is powered by a 1.6-liter engine with improved fuel efficiency at 155 gm/km CO2 emissions level. It releases 134 hp at 6800 rpm and 118 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm. The company claims the pick-up speed is a decent 60 mph in 6.7 secs and clocks the highest at 124 mph.

The interiors have an aluminium and lightweight steel chassis with totally independent suspension system which features mono Eibach coilovers, Bilstein dampers and a front anti roll bar besides wedgier lamps, LED day-running lights, more enhanced grille and fresh rear bumper and engine deck. Other new options include cruise control and brand new designs of alloy rims. The Elise is to hit showrooms sometime in April this year.

Andreas Prillmann, Chief Commercial Officer for Lotus Cars says, “The 2011 Elise is greener, purer and more desirable, making it even more relevant in today’s marketplace. The new Elise underlines Lotus’ reputation as one of the most innovative sports car manufacturers in the world.”