| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1980 |
| Production Years: | 1980 - 1982 discontinued in 1982 |
The Lotus Elite (Type 83) coupe, produced between 1980 and 1982, represents an iconic British sports car from Lotus known for its lightweight construction and elegant design. This generation continued the Elite legacy with a focus on performance and driving dynamics typical of Lotus engineering. Though compact in size, the Type 83 coupe was designed to be agile and responsive, characteristics that appeal to driving enthusiasts and collectors alike. The Elite Type 83 features a distinctive two-door coupe body style, emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency and classic sports coupe aesthetics. While exact dimensions for the Type 83 model are rare, typical Lotus characteristics from this era include a relatively low height and narrow width, optimizing the vehicle’s low center of gravity and handling prowess. Weight-wise, the Elite maintained a lightweight structure using advanced materials for its time, promoting better acceleration and cornering performance. Measuring approximately in the smaller range of sports coupes of the early 1980s, the Elite's size contributes to its nimble maneuverability in urban and track settings. With its production limited to just a few years, the Elite Type 83 holds a special place in Lotus’ history, blending traditional British sports car qualities with the brand’s trademark focus on driver engagement and lightweight efficiency. This makes it a unique option when comparing classic coupe sizes and car design philosophies from the period.
Discover the standout features that make the 1980 Lotus Elite a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The Lotus Elite (Type 83) measures approximately 4065 mm (160 inches) in length, 1676 mm (66 inches) in width, and around 1168 mm (46 inches) in height. These compact dimensions contribute to its lightweight and agile nature, making it a nimble sports coupe designed primarily for performance and handling rather than interior spaciousness.
The Lotus Elite (Type 83) weighs roughly 1090 kg (2400 lbs), reflecting Lotus's trademark lightweight philosophy. This low curb weight enhances the car's acceleration, braking, and cornering capabilities, making it exceptionally responsive and fun to drive compared to heavier contemporaries. The weight also improves fuel efficiency and overall agility on twisty roads.
As a compact two-door coupe, the Lotus Elite (Type 83) offers a snug interior focused on the driver and passenger experience rather than extensive space. Passenger comfort is adequate for front occupants with sporty seating, but rear seat space is limited or non-existent depending on specific variation. Cargo capacity is sufficient for small luggage, making it suitable for weekend drives or short trips, but less practical for large cargo.
Yes, the Lotus Elite (Type 83) fits comfortably in a standard residential garage. With a length of approximately 4065 mm (160 inches), width of 1676 mm (66 inches), and height about 1168 mm (46 inches), it is smaller than many modern cars. Most standard garage dimensions (around 6 meters or 20 feet in length and 3 meters or 10 feet in width) easily accommodate the Elite, allowing some clearance for opening doors and maneuvering.
Compared to its predecessor, the Lotus Elite (Type 75), the Type 83 retained a fairly similar compact sports coupe profile but had refinements in design and slightly different dimensions. While precise measurements of the Type 75 are close to 4000 mm (157 inches) in length and a slightly narrower width, the Type 83 offers a more modern design approach. Both prioritize lightweight construction, but the Type 83 typically features a slightly larger or more optimized interior layout.
The Lotus Elite (Type 83) has a width of approximately 1676 mm (66 inches) and a height of about 1168 mm (46 inches). The relatively low height aids in presenting a low center of gravity, improving cornering stability and reducing air resistance. The moderate width helps the car maintain nimble handling characteristics, balancing stability at speed with agility in tight corners which is central to Lotus's engineering philosophy.
The Lotus Elite (Type 83) is smaller and lighter compared to many contemporary sports coupes from the early 1980s. While competitors like the Porsche 924 or BMW 3 Series coupes of the era were larger in length (around 4300 mm to 4500 mm) and heavier, the Elite's compact dimensions and low weight gave it an edge in handling. This focus on lightweight construction set it apart, emphasizing driver engagement over outright luxury or space.
The Lotus Elite (Type 83) features a wheelbase of approximately 2350 mm (92.5 inches). This relatively short wheelbase increases the vehicle's agility, allowing quicker directional changes and sporty handling attributes. However, a shorter wheelbase can also translate to a slightly firmer ride over uneven surfaces, reflecting the balance Lotus aimed for between sportiness and usability.
The front track width of the Lotus Elite (Type 83) is around 1410 mm (55.5 inches), with a rear track width close to 1410 mm (55.5 inches) as well, providing a balanced stance. These track widths contribute to stable cornering behavior by widening the car's footprint on the road, thereby increasing lateral stability during high-speed maneuvers. The balanced front/rear track ratio supports neutral handling characteristics typical of Lotus engineering.
The Lotus Elite (Type 83) is recognized for its lightweight fiberglass body and compact coupe styling. Mechanically, it typically uses a Ford-based 1.6L or 1.7L inline-4 engine tuned for sporty performance combined with rear-wheel drive. The car features Lotus's sophisticated suspension setup, optimizing handling and ride quality. Production was limited between 1980 and 1982, making it a rare and desirable classic for enthusiasts appreciating simplicity, balance, and driving engagement.
Lotus