A HISTORY OF HPE

We are renowned for our expertise with the Lotus Elise and Exige platforms. Having owned, converted, driven and raced numerous upgraded Elise models and derivatives, HPE Managing Director, Dan Webster, wanted something that delivered even more:

“I set out on this project to create the most involving and engaging driving experience – to build a car with 21st century performance and features, while maintaining the DNA of the Lotus Elise that made it so special all those years ago.”

The HPE SV team came together through a shared passion for sports cars, the Lotus Elise and engineering. With decades of experience owning, driving and racing both Elise and Exige models – and a strong background in automotive manufacturing – setting up a Special Vehicles division to create new cars was the next natural step in our journey.

We believe we have created the ultimate driver’s S1 Elise ever made, through years of refinement, enhancements, testing and research. The result is a lightweight, performance-focused, more refined and modern car that is far more capable on the track and road than the original. With the first three S1 models now defined, we’re here to help you spec and build your dream Elise.

HPE Automotive was established in 2013 and has built an excellent reputation for maintaining and upgrading the Lotus Elise and Exige platforms. In the intervening years, the team has developed every single aspect of the Elise into the uncompromising track-focused yet still road-legal car you see here now. This is the ultimate incarnation of the breed. HPE Special Vehicles (SV) was established to series-produce more of these incredible cars to enable all our customers to share the same thrill.