Do you love sports cars like the spritely Lotus Elise, but hate people asking you for a lift? Analogue Automotive has the car for you.
The British outfit known for “restoring and reimagining” the Series 1 Lotus Elise has revealed the first production example of its latest creation, the VHPK.
Although the changes made to the lightweight sports car are plentiful, the headline act is this car’s central driving position.
It’s a configuration rarely seen in road cars, limited to the likes of the McLaren F1, but it means this single-seater, “singularly focused” Elise is unequivocally clear on its driver-centric focus.
So, if you hate people asking you to go for a ride in your rapid sports car, maybe this self-indulgent reimagined Lotus is the answer.
The central driving position is far from all that’s changed on the VHPK, however. Wrapped in full F1-grade carbon fibre bodywork, it weighs in at under 600kg including fluids.
Team that with a reworked 1.9-litre version of its original Rover K-series engine developing 250hp (186kW) paired to a close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox and it transforms the diminutive Elise into an absolute riot.
The lightweight measures taken by Analogue Automotive are truly extensive, including custom AA carbon ceramic 300mm brakes with four-pot front calipers and Pagid ceramic pads; lightweight T45 rose jointed wide track suspension with AA lightweight aluminium CNC uprights and steering arms; and a lightweight aluminium 48-litre fuel tank.
Even in the uncompromising central-seat cockpit, the lone bucket is made from carbon fibre, as are the dashboard panels, door inserts, and other trim finishes.
“The VHPK brings together all of our experience and expertise – gained from racing, restoring and servicing the Series 1 Elise for over 20 years – as well as our vision of the ‘ultimate S1’ into one breath-taking package,” explains Steffen Dobke of Analogue Automotive.
“This isn’t simply a restored Elise. It’s a complete reimagining of what’s possible with the original S1 recipe – the legendary combination of the Type 111 chassis with that high-revving, lightweight K-Series engine.”
Only 35 individually-numbered examples are set to be offered worldwide, priced at £350,000 (A$657,000) plus relevant taxes, with that figure including the supply of a Series 1 Elise donor vehicle.
