Manufacturing Characteristics

These characteristics show the running changes made to the Lotus Elise during the 2005 and 2006 model years. These changes can be documented in the Registry, where the vehicle identification number and build date show when the changes were made.

My thanks to ACLSGuy for the pictures of the oil coolers, non-flush wheel cap, and the Alcapulco radio.

Sport Pack (LSS) Wheel Finish

The finish on the Sport Pack (LSS) wheels was changed from anodized to silver paint. Black Exige wheels were also included with the Sport Pack.

Anodized

Lotus Elise anodized LSS wheel

Painted

Black Exige Wheel

Radio

Three different radios were shipped with the Elise, depending on whether the Touring Pack was selected as an option or what they were supplied.

Los Angeles

Heidelberg

Lotus Elise Heidelberg radio

Acapulco

Acapulco radio in the Lotus Elise

Oil Coolers

The original Elise includes two oil coolers, one on either side. These can be viewed through the side front grilles or by removing the front wheel arch liner. Later non-Sport Pack (LSS) Elise included only a single oil cooler.

oil cooler visible in the Lotus Elise

The oil cooler fins are visble through the left side grille.

no oil cooler on Lotus Elise

Looking through the grille on the right side, no fins on the heat exchanger are visible, indicating there is no oil cooler on this side.

Locking Lug Nuts

Some cars did not include a locking lug nut on each wheel.

Locking Lug Nut

No Locking Lug Nut

Gas Filler Door Finish

The finish on the gas filler door was a horizontal brushed aluminium look. Later the finish was circular.

Horizontal Finish

Lotus Elise horicontal gas filler door finish

Circular Finish

Steering Rack

Early versions of the steering rack had a cast metal housing. Later versions used an tublar housing

Shift Lever

Early versions of the shift lever were bent at the welded bracket and were made of a smaller diameter, hex shaped, metal rod. Later revisions were a round rod and were thicker, as shown below.

You can tell by carefully feeling through the shift boot for the shape of the lever.

revised Lotus Elise shift lever

Stan from EliseTalk

Diffuser Bolts

The pattern of the diffuser bolts changed.

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Lotus Elise diffuser bolts

Radio Plug

There is a rubber cap that covers the hole for the radio antenna in the rear deck lid. Later versions filled the hole.

With Plug

Lotus Elise radio plug

Flush Wheel Caps

Early center wheel caps extended beyond the hub surface of the wheel. Later caps were flush to the hub surface.

wheel center cap on Lotus Elise
This is the original center cap on the standard wheels. Note how the cap extends above the center portion of the wheel. Unfortunately, these are easy to grasp, and with a quick twist, be removed. Note also the splined wheel lug nuts (wheel bolts).
flush wheel cap

Ron Avery photo

This wheel cap is flush with the hub.