Forza car review - Lotus Elise 111s

The range of Elises made by those men in sheds in Norfolk (I.e lotus) is rather confusing. Yes, there may only be 4 different models, in the form of the Elise Sport 220, Elise Sprint 220, Elise cup 250 and Elise Cup 260, but they are all quite similar in design (surprise surprise) and purpose. Also, with them all looking quite similar to the exige range as well, it’s enough to befuddle even the most sharp eyed petrolhead. However, in Forza, we don’t have this issue. Oh no. In Forza, there is a disappointing lack of modern (er) lotuses, although if they are as good as the Elise 111s, I guess we don’t need to worry…

Conceived in 2005, the 111s was a faster version of the series 2 Elise. And, although it may not be absolutely ballistic, especially by today’s standards, the Elise was (and is) still quick. According to Forza’s predictions, it will hit 60 mph in 5 seconds, and continue accelerating until it hits 134 mph. I had it hit a top speed of 127 mph on Forza’s runway in 4th gear, which certainly isn’t bad for a car with just 156 bhp from a 1.8 litre engine.

And the reason for the surprising speed? Lightness. The Elise weighs in at a meagre 805kg, or 1777 lbs. Put that another way - it weighs about as much as a piece of paper on a diet. And the lightness doesn’t just help acceleration either, as it took just 516 metres to hit 100 mph from nought, and then slow back down again, despite the brakes needing to nestle within tiny, 16 inch wheels.

And I guess Colin Chapman was right when he said:

Power makes you faster on the straights, lightness makes you faster everywhere.

Because the Elise handles like a dream. It grips like a fly stuck in superglue, so corners incredibly well. You can chuck it in, hard, to any corner you want at (almost) any speed, and you can be pretty sure that you will come out the other side facing the right direction. And if it doesn’t hold on to the road, the resulting slide comes on slowly, so you can easily neutralise it with opposite lock or less throttle, or ride it out and feel great. I never expected a car with less power than a toaster (ok, that’s a BIT of an exaggeration) to drift so well and easily but it does, especially if you brake hard into (or during) the corner. Trying to initiate via the handbrake however is quite hard and potentially spinny. Another pleasant surprise - taking the Lotus off road isn’t terrifying. In fact, it’s rather fun to fling around on trails and on the beach. But I definitely would have more respect than to do that. Definitely…

And finally, on to the most divisive part - the looks. I think that this lotus is perfectly proportioned - small but squat at the same time, and very low to the ground. Being so cab forward and short, it always looks like (cliche alert!) it’s doing 100 mph when it’s standing still. I especially love it in red, although I had to custom paint the black wheels to match the roof. The interior too is a brilliantly focussed driving environment. There’s barely any flim-flam, with simple dials, and a small steering wheel. Unfortunately you can’t have Jackie Stuart skirt spec seats (AKA tartan) in Forza, but never mind. However, the interior designers do seem to have forgotten the glovebox cover. That gearstick though… beautiful.

So overall, I love the Elise, if you couldn’t tell. The way it handles, stops, goes and looks are great, and it’s the first car for a while that I’ve really enjoyed just driving in FH3. My only annoyance - the noise is a bit monotonous after a while, especially in the eternal black hole which is fourth gear, although pops and crackles abound on any gearshift or lift of the throttle, so it’s forgiven. Well done to those men in sheds in Norfolk.

Thankyou for reading (especially if you’re still going) and please request other cars for me to review in FM6 and FH3. Thanks!!

Cobra RS