Elise Goes Off-Road

Project Safari Turns Heads Off-Road

Lotus has a reputation for crafting nimble sports cars that thrive on racetracks and twisty roads, but it seems even the adventurous spirit of the Lotus Elise S1 isn’t immune to a bit of reinvention. Enter “Get Lost,” a London-based company taking the classic roadster into uncharted territory. They’ve dubbed the venture Project Safari, and they’ve loaded this two-seater with serious upgrades, both under the hood and inside the cabin. It’s easy to think of the Elise S1 as a playful sports car, but now it looks ready to tackle more than just the open road.

Off-Road Ready

Scoffing at convention, Project Safari transforms the Lotus Elise S1 into an off-road beast. Helmed by George Williams, an automotive photographer with a penchant for adventure, this modded Elise tips its hat to rally cars with its aggressive suspension and rugged enhancements. A four-inch lift in ground clearance and all-terrain tires ensure it’s ready for whatever the trail throws its way, and a reinforced underplate guards precious parts from scrapes and knocks.

The visual tweaks don’t stop there. Four spotlight-like lights dominate the vehicle’s nose while a roll bar serves both form and function. Out back, a custom rear engine cover houses a full-size spare. Peep the exhaust tips—they echo the white of the bold wheels, giving the whole setup a cohesive look that suggests it’s as comfortable launching off a dirt ramp as it is turning heads in downtown traffic.

Williams explains that the project’s essence lies in its audacious goal of taking the Elise off-road: “We wanted something that wasn’t just about looks; it had to have the guts to back it up,” he says. Although Get Lost is keeping tight-lipped about specifics like engine upgrades or price tags, the Elise’s original 1.8-liter, 118-horsepower setup already promised thrills. Even if performance metrics remain under wraps, anyone can bet the Project Safari packs more punch than a factory model.

The Elise’s U.S. Journey

Stateside enthusiasts never officially got a taste of the first-gen Lotus Elise S1 when it debuted in 1996. It wasn’t until 25 years later that imports became feasible due to relaxed regulations concerning older cars. In its heyday, this featherweight at just 1,598 pounds could blitz from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Enhanced models later even reached up to 190 horsepower, proving its pedigree as a genuine sportscar.

In Closing

Transforming a beloved sports car like the Lotus Elise S1 into an all-terrain titan is a head-turner for sure. While details like pricing and build options for Project Safari remain mysteries for now, it embodies a blend of courage and creativity. Even a trenchant newcomer to the intricacies of car designs would see how Get Lost is rewriting what it means to get off-road. So for now, the eagerly expected price tag and availability details will keep enthusiasts guessing.