Lotus Elise S1 Service Notes page 536

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Lotus Service Notes
340R
The bonded aluminium alloy chassis structure is derived from the standard Elise chassis, but has no
door hinge mountings, and the sill top edge support flanges are replaced by channel strips to mount the cockpit
side screens. The galvanised steel rear subframe is fitted with additional weldnuts, and has been commonised
for the standard Elise. No chassis rear longerons are used, but a thick machined alloy plate is bolted to each
rear corner of the subframe to support the carbon fibre rear aerofoil. The special roll over bar comprises
individual hoops for driver and passenger, interlinked to form a crossbraced structure, fabricated from oval
section steel tubing, with back stays anchoring to the rear aerofoil mounting plates. The composite front crash
structure is revised to accommodate the new body, and is supplemented by a new aluminium front undertray
which incorporates longitudinal rivetted box sections.
Note that, as on the standard Elise, the bolted on closing panel below the fuel tank bay, is a structural
panel and contributes to the rigidity of the chassis. On no account should the car be driven with this panel
removed.
Abbreviated door hinge crossmember
Side screen channel section
Fuel tank closing panel
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