Silverstone Performance SP-T 240bhp/240lb-ft option

Silverstone-based tuner Silverstone Performance is unveiling its hottest Lotus variant yet: the S2 Elise S-based SP-T. The engine’s output is boosted to 240bhp and 240lb-ft.

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The 1.8 litre Toyota 1ZZ engine has been upgraded with a Toyota Motorsport (TTE) turbocharger, an SP intercooler, SP ECU and extensive SP fuel, induction and ignition modifications to transform the Lotus’ performance.

Silverstone Performance has perfected this conversion on the 1ZZ engine in Toyota MR2 roadsters, the application for which Toyota originally engineered the basic kit. The standard Toyota kit boosts power to approximately 190bhp, the remaining 50bhp a result of SP’s developments.

The light weight and basic specification of the Elise S, including its 5-speed gearbox, further enhance the power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios. Maximum power is up by over 100bhp and torque is increased by a similar number over the standard Elise S.

The engine pulls strongly, all the way to the limiter but the SP-T is all about the torque – it has considerably more than any standard Lotus (50% more than an Exige S).

The SP-T conversion is evolved from a turbocharger ‘kit’ originally developed by Toyota Motorsport for the MR2 Roadster. The kit was fully developed to meet the exacting “Toyota Standard” but only released as a limited production run (not sold in the UK). That the turbocharger was developed by Toyota Motorsport, specifically for Toyota’s own engine, ensures perfect compatibility – and reliability.

SP’s location of an intercooler beneath the car (as Toyota did for the MR2) and fed through an enlarged duct in the undertray means that rear visibility is unaffected by the forced induction apparatus. When the engine cover is lifted, the engine’s appearance is that of a production car with an injection moulded panel over the engine bay. Billet aluminium Silverstone Performance serial number plaques are a finishing touch.

The SP-T with its formidable torque is sure to be very rapid – its 5-speed gearbox playing to the broad spread of midrange torque.

SP’s Matt Lee: “Short of resorting to rebuilding or swapping engines, this is as fast a Lotus as you can get. We know this engine and conversion well, having supplied plenty to Toyota owners in the last two years. It’s an interesting proposition for buyers of new Lotus cars – the price of a brand new Elise S with the SP-T conversion is about the same as a new Elise R, yet the performance is beyond the ultimate Exige variants.”

The cost of the conversion is £7,999.00, fitted and inclusive of VAT. (£8,299.00 with motorsport clutch)

The Lotus SP-T displayed at the Pistonheads Show is fitted with Silverstone Performance’s signature SP12 lightweight motorsport wheels. The 7x17 (F) and 8x18 (R) wheels are shod with 205/40 and 235/40 tyres, respectively.

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