Lotus Elise gives inspiration for new British lightweight performance car

A British firm has reimagined the famous Lotus Elise with a new lightweight model.

Thirty years since the original Lotus Elise was launched, the VHPK has been created by West Sussex outfit Analogue Automotive as ‘an uncompromising limited-edition production driver’s machine inspired by the spirit of the original’.

With a single central driver position, the VHPK weighs just 600kg thanks to a full carbon fibre body structure, which is joined by carbon wheels and carbon ceramic brakes.

It’s all powered by a K-series engine – a hallmark of the Lotus Elise – which has been given a larger displacement with forged internals, equating to just over 250bhp. All in, Analogue Automotive says that the car produces 400bhp per tonne as a result.

The exterior of the car is close to that of the Elise in terms of design, with circular headlights and a low-slung roof. However, there are many areas which have been left unpainted to leave the carbon fibre visible, such as the surrounds for the headlights.

The firm already creates a Lotus Elise-inspired model – the Supersport – which utilises a reworked chassis and uprated suspension. The VHPK, however, is expected to take the performance of this car one stage further while shedding even more weight. A bespoke Analogue Special Operations service allows customers to completely design their own vehicle with a variety of bespoke touches, too.

Analogue Automotive says that just 35 examples will be made, with each one individually numbered. They’ll be available to order through the car maker next year.