What Lotus has a 2ZZ engine?
The Lotus Elise and Exige models from the early 2000s were the main Lotus offerings that used Toyota’s 2ZZ-GE engine with VVTL-i. These high-revving 1.8-liter four-cylinders helped define Lotus performance in that era.
About the 2ZZ-GE engine
The 2ZZ-GE is a 1.8-liter inline-four produced by Toyota, part of the ZZ family and featuring VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing and Lift with intelligence). In its natural state it delivered roughly 190 horsepower in typical North American applications, with higher output attainable in models that added supercharging. The engine is renowned for its high-revving character and responsive performance, particularly when paired with a lightweight, agile chassis—as Lotus did in Elise and Exige.
Which Lotus models used the 2ZZ-GE?
The following Lotus cars employed the 2ZZ-GE engine during the 2000s, in various tuned forms and with or without forced induction.
- Lotus Elise (Series 2, 2001–2011) — including variants such as Elise S and Elise 111R, all powered by the 1.8L 2ZZ-GE with VVTL-i.
- Lotus Exige (2006–2011) — including Exige S and the higher-performance Exige S240 variants, using the 2ZZ-GE with performance enhancements.
In this period, these two models were the core Lotus lineups that showcased the 2ZZ-GE engine. Other Lotus cars, such as Esprit, Evora, and modern Elise/Exige iterations, moved to different engine families (notably V6 and turbocharged configurations) in later years.
How to identify a 2ZZ-equipped Lotus
Look for the 2ZZ-GE engine code and VVTL-i branding on the engine cover, and note that these cars typically feature a lightweight, mid-engine layout with a manual or closely matched transmission tuned for sporty handling. If you own or are inspecting a used Lotus from the 2000s era, the 2ZZ-GE is a hallmark of the Elise and Exige models from that period.
Why this matters for enthusiasts
The 2ZZ-GE represents a key moment in Lotus history when Toyota powerplants helped deliver high-revving performance in featherweight packages. It contributed to the characteristic driver feel of the Elise and Exige—precise steering, quick responses, and a soundtrack that appealed to track-day enthusiasts.
Summary
The short answer: Lotus Elise (Series 2) and Lotus Exige from the mid-2000s are the primary Lotus models that used Toyota’s 2ZZ-GE engine. These cars leveraged the 1.8-liter VVTL-i powerplant to deliver a nimble, high-revving driving experience that defined a generation of Lotus sportscars. Today, Lotus has largely moved to other engines for newer models, but the 2ZZ remains a defining chapter in the company’s performance legacy.
