Lotus Sprint Elise is lean and keen

Lotus has put its new Sprint Elise model on a strict diet — and it has shed 41kg compared to the old model.

The iconic sports car has received a minor facelift for 2017, with the British manufacturer adding an even-more-lightweight model to the range, dubbed “Sprint”.

In this trim, carbon fibre is used for the bucket seats, access panel, roll hoop cover and engine cover to save more than 10kg combined. Lightweight alloy wheels and a new lithium-ion battery help drop the weight further.