Kia Elan
The Korean-built Lotus that traded a turbo for a high-revving heart.
- Power
- 151 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 7.4 s
- Top speed
- 137 mph
- Est. value
- $7k–$18k
About the Kia Elan
After Lotus ended production of the M100 Elan in 1995, Kia purchased the rights and tooling to produce the car as a halo model for the Korean market. Due to licensing restrictions from General Motors, Kia replaced the original Isuzu turbo engine with their own 1.8-litre T8D unit and redesigned the interior and rear lighting. The chassis was slightly raised to accommodate Korean road conditions, resulting in a unique stance compared to the British original. Despite its front-wheel-drive layout, it retained the legendary Lotus-designed handling characteristics, though it remains a rare sight outside of Asia.
Kia Elan specs
The Kia Elan produces 151 bhp (113 kW) and 186 Nm (137 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and has a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h).
| Make | Kia |
|---|---|
| Model | Elan |
| Trim | 1.8 |
| Years | 1996–1999 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | South Korea |
| Production | About 1,055 built |
| Engine | 1.8-litre T8D 'Hi-Sprint' inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,793 cc (1.8 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 151 bhp (113 kW) at 6,250 rpm |
| Torque | 186 Nm (137 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 7,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 7.4 s |
| Top speed | 137 mph (220 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,070 kg (2,359 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 141 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Kia Elan worth?
A typical Kia Elan is estimated to be worth $7,000 – $18,000 (about £5,200 – £13,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Kia Elan rarity in CarSpot
The Kia Elan is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 44 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Kia Elan fun facts
- The Kia Elan features unique circular taillights, replacing the Renault Alpine GTA units used on the original Lotus M100.
- Because the Kia T8D engine was taller than the original Isuzu unit, Kia had to raise the bonnet height by 15mm to clear the engine.
- Kia reportedly lost roughly 15 million won on every Elan sold, as the production costs far exceeded the retail price.
