The Lotus 918 is a 1,796 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2004 and 2011. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and variable valve timing (VVT) on the intake camshaft. In standard form it delivered 120 kW (160 PS) at 6,800 rpm with 172 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm, providing responsive high-revving performance suited to lightweight sports applications.
Fitted to the Lotus Elise S2 and Exige S2 models, the 918 was engineered for agility, throttle response, and driver engagement rather than outright torque or economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic throttle control, sequential fuel injection, and a three-way catalytic converter, allowing Euro 4 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the intake camshaft VVT actuator, which can cause rough idle and timing-related fault codes. This issue, highlighted in Lotus Service Bulletin LTB-07-05, is attributed to oil contamination or viscosity breakdown affecting the hydraulic phaser mechanism. From 2008, revised actuator seals and updated oil specifications were introduced to mitigate the issue.
All production years 2004–2011 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Lotus 918 is a 1,796 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for lightweight sports cars (2004–2011). It combines DOHC architecture with variable intake cam timing to deliver high-rev responsiveness and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances performance purity with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
| Power output | 120 kW (160 PS) @ 6,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 172 Nm @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point injection (Bosch ME7.3) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VVT (intake only) | |
| Oil type | Lotus-approved SAE 5W‑40 (ACEA A3/B4) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The high-revving nature of the 918 demands consistent oil quality and timely changes to protect the VVT phaser and chain system. Use of non-approved oil or extended drain intervals can lead to cam phaser sticking and rough idle, as noted in Lotus SIB LTB-07-05. The Bosch ME7.3 ECU requires genuine ignition components to maintain timing precision. Due to the lightweight aluminium block and head, overheating must be avoided—coolant condition and radiator integrity are critical. Post-2008 engines feature improved VVT seals; earlier units should consider the updated actuator during servicing.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B4 5W-40 oil meeting Lotus specification (Lotus SIB LTB-07-05). Not compatible with Longlife or low-SAPS oils.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2004–2011 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 5 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (Lotus TIS Doc. L918-ENG-03).
Lotus Technical Information System (TIS): Docs L918-ENG-01, L918-FUE-05, SIB LTB-07-05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Lotus 918 was used across Lotus's Series 2 platforms with mid-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-lightweight intake manifolds in the Exige and revised cooling in the Elise SC-and from 2006 the supercharged 918S variant introduced a Roots-type blower, creating mechanical and ECU interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Lotus TIS L918-ID-01). The VIN 4th–6th digits indicate model (e.g., 'X11' = Exige S2). Non-supercharged 918 engines have a black plastic intake manifold and no intercooler; supercharged variants (918S) feature a prominent blower and red valve cover. Critical differentiation from Toyota 2ZZ: Lotus 918 uses a chain-driven VVT system and lacks lift bolts—Toyota units use a different ECU and bellhousing pattern. Service parts require production date verification—VVT actuators before 06/2008 use different seals (Lotus SIB LTB-07-05).
The 918's primary reliability risk is VVT actuator failure on pre-2008 builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Lotus internal service data from 2009 indicated a notable share of early engines requiring actuator replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show few emissions-related failures due to robust catalyst design. Extended oil intervals and incorrect viscosity increase phaser wear, making oil specification and change discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Lotus technical bulletins (2006–2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LOTUS LOTUS-918.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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LOTUS Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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