Lotus Elise VHPK: the Ultimate Tribute to the British Icon

With just 600 kg, a central driving seat, and 250 hp, Analogue Automotive pushes Colin Chapman’s philosophy to the extreme on the Elise’s 30th anniversary.

Thirty years after its debut at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Lotus Elise S1 returns to the spotlight thanks to a project as radical as it is faithful to its DNA. Called VHPK, it has been created by British company Analogue Automotive, which has reimagined the legendary roadster while staying true to Colin Chapman’s golden rule: “simplify, then add lightness.”

An Elise taken to the extreme

The VHPK is instantly recognizable as an Elise, but its obsession with weight reduction sets it apart. A bare carbon-fiber body and a meticulous diet cut the total weight to just 600 kg, significantly less than the 765 kg of the original model. The cabin also breaks tradition: there’s only one centrally positioned seat, turning it into a true single-seater for the road.

Hypercar power-to-weight in a featherweight package

Under the hood, it keeps the Rover engine from the first generation, but with increased displacement and power boosted to 250 hp. The result is an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 400 hp/ton, a figure usually reserved for hypercars. Its philosophy is closer to that of a Formula 1 single-seater than a conventional sports car, highlighting its uncompromising approach to performance.

Exclusivity guaranteed

Analogue Automotive has confirmed that only 35 units of the Elise VHPK will be built. Production is scheduled to start in 2026, ensuring it will be a collector’s item even before hitting the road. Pricing remains undisclosed, though it’s clear this creation won’t come cheap.

A tribute to lightness

Three decades after that groundbreaking 68 kg chassis shocked the automotive world, the Elise returns to reclaim its place in history with a reinterpretation that takes Chapman’s philosophy to its ultimate extreme. The VHPK is more than just a car: it’s a statement of intent, proof that lightness is still the key to true driving pleasure.