2011 Lotus Elise Certified for 149g of CO2/km

British manufacturer Lotus announced yesterday it has received certification for its 2011 Lotus Elise model, as the car was found to release only 149 g of CO2 for every km traveled. The new figure represents a 16 percent improvement in CO2 levels compared to the Elise S.

Fuel consumption wise, the Elise is rated at 56.1 mpg (5.04 liters per 100 km), allowing it to travel, on a full tank of fuel, for some 500 miles (800 km). This is achieved also thanks to improved aerodynamics and the development of an engine which is 200 cc smaller than the one on the S.

"These world leading emissions and economy figures are a direct result of Lotus’ commitment to its core values of performance through light weight and efficiency. The Elise weighs just 876 kg and to put this weight into perspective, a nameless convertible sportscar from Stuttgart (Germany) weighs in at 1335 kg," Lotus says in a release.

The new 2011 Elise range will enter the US and Canadian markets in the late summer of 2010. The body of the new 2011 Elise is an evolution of the Elise design. The design incorporates new front clamshell, rear bumper and engine cover.

Under the hood, the Elise packs a choice of two engines, a 1.8 liter, 4-cylinder engine with 189 hp and a 1.8 liter supercharged 4-cylinder engine with 218 hp.

"We are always looking at ways of keeping the Elise ahead of its peers and for the 2011 model year we have improved efficiency without losing the innate fun that has made the Elise legendary," Paul Newsome, Director of Lotus Product Engineering said.