Lotus Elise Turned Into Wild Off-Road Rally Car by British Start-Up
A new British company called Get Lost has turned the classic Lotus Elise S1 into a bold and wild off-road rally machine. Called Project Safari, this car is nothing like the original 1990s sports car it once was.
Get Lost wanted to do something totally different. “The idea of taking an Elise off-road might sound ridiculous, and that’s exactly why we leaned into it,” said company founder George Williams.
The Project Safari has a brand-new suspension system that lifts the car up by 100mm, giving it much more space between the car and the ground. This helps it handle bumpy roads and rough trails with ease.
The car also has chunky off-road tires from Nankang, and the undertray is now stronger to protect it from rocks and other obstacles. The wheel arches are wider to fit the bigger tires, and a new air intake has been added above the cockpit. It looks similar to the front grille of the original Elise.
The headlights are now rectangular LEDs, giving the car a tough, new look. There are also four extra rally-style lights on the front, perfect for driving in dark or dusty areas.
The Project Safari no longer uses the original 1.8-litre Rover engine. While Get Lost hasn’t said exactly what engine they used, they promise it will be more powerful and more reliable. Possible engines include the popular Honda K-Series or Ford Duratec engines, both of which give much more power than the original 118bhp.
They also added a limited-slip differential and a hydraulic handbrake, making it more fun to drive off-road.
“This is not a modified Elise; it’s our interpretation of what the platform had to offer,” said Williams. “Everything has been considered, from the design to the drive, all in the pursuit of creating something that’s fun.”
The Project Safari is a wild and exciting take on a much-loved sports car, made for people who want to explore the world in style—and with a smile.
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