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Lotus Elise GT1: 1997 GT1 class race car
The Lotus Elise GT1 is a 1997 GT1 class race car based on the Elise, but with entirely different engines. In this article, we look at its origins, technology, and why only one road-going version was produced.
Lotus Elise GT1 in brief
The Lotus Elise GT1, also known as the Lotus GT1 and internally designated Type-115, is a race car built for grand tourer racing since 1997. Although the name suggests a road-going Elise, it is essentially a purpose-built race car.
Previously, Lotus used the Esprit GT1 in the BPR Global GT series. In 1997, the series became the FIA GT Championship, and manufacturer involvement increased.
Why it came to be
In 1996, Porsche kicked off a new era of race cars with the specially built 911 GT1, and soon after, Mercedes-Benz announced the CLK GTR. Lotus realised that to stay competitive in the GT1 class, it had to follow suit.
However, Lotus management understood that it didn't have the resources of Porsche or Mercedes, so it made a decision — to guarantee a loss and build just one road-going version.
The tech
Lotus ditched the aging Esprit platform and turned to the new Elise. Since the Elise's four-cylinder engine wouldn't cut it, a 3.5-litre V8 from the Esprit was initially planned, but tests showed it wasn't reliable enough.
The road-going version featured a 3.5-litre Type 918 Garrett twin-turbo V8 engine producing around 550 PS (approximately 540 bhp), while the factory race car modification with a 5.7-litre Chevrolet V8 churned out around 600 PS. Both engines propelled the car from 0 to 60 mph (around 97 km/h) in just 3.8 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 200 mph.
Produced and available to see
Seven Elise GT1 race chassis were built by G.T.I. Racing, funded and managed by Toine Hezemans and the new president Romano Artioli. Two cars went to the factory GT1 Lotus Racing team, while the others were sold to private teams.
The factory GT1 Lotus Racing and Martin Veyhle Racing teams opted for the Chevrolet V8, while others used the Lotus twin-turbo engine. The car didn't achieve major victories in racing. Surviving examples are shown at events like Goodwood, and the road-going version is a rare collector's item.
Versions
This is a race car, so there are no trims; we list the main variants.
Elise GT1 (lenktyninis)
1997Factory GT1 class race car.
- Chevrolet 5.7-litre V8, around 600 PS (factory team)
- Carbon fibre intake manifold and dry sump system
- Seven chassis produced
Elise GT1 (gatvinis)
1997The sole road-going homologation version.
- 3.5-litre Type 918 twin-turbo V8, around 550 PS
- One road-going version produced
- For homologation purposes
Track and road versions
| Lenktyninė versija | Gatvinė versija | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For the track | For collectors |
| Engine | Chevrolet 5.7 l V8 or Lotus 3.5 l V8 turbo | Lotus 3.5 l V8 twin turbo |
| Power | Around 600 PS (Chevrolet) | Around 550 PS |
| Produced | Seven chassis | One |
| Market price (relatively) | Practically unattainable | Practically unattainable |
The Elise GT1 is a rare example of how a small manufacturer tried to respond to Porsche and Mercedes projects with limited resources.
Pros
- A very rare car
- Powerful V8 with turbo or Chevrolet
- Based on the Elise chassis
- Interesting GT1 era
Cons
- Didn't achieve greater victories
- Buying one is practically impossible
- The engine was initially unreliable
Frequently asked questions
How many Lotus Elise GT1s were produced?
Seven race chassis and one road-going homologation version.
Does the Elise GT1 have anything in common with the Elise?
The name and base are taken from the Elise, but the car was specifically built for the GT1 class and has entirely different engines.
What engines were in the Elise GT1?
The road-going version had a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V8, while the production race cars had a modified 5.7-litre Chevrolet V8.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
