2026 Analogue VHPK
By Lorenzo Bianchi September 3, 2026
The VHPK weighs under 600kg wet and combines that figure with 250bhp for a claimed 400bhp per tonne.
A central single seat, carbon fibre bodywork and wide track suspension substantially alter the Series 1 Elise formula.
Production is limited to 35 numbered examples, priced from £350,000 plus taxes including a donor Series 1 Elise.
The 2026 Analogue Automotive VHPK starts with a Series 1 Lotus Elise, but very little escapes attention during the rebuild. Announced in September 2025, the project has now reached an important stage with completion of its first customer car, finished in bespoke PK Purple with a matching Alcantara cabin and contrasting gold exhaust tips.
Familiar Elise Shape Recreated in Carbon Fibre
The proportions remain unmistakably S1 Elise. The press images on pages one and three show its low nose, exposed open cockpit, short overhangs and compact mid engined silhouette, but the exterior panels are now made from ultralight carbon fibre.
Analogue says its panels are produced using moulds created from CNC milled patterns rather than a splash mould process. The carbon construction extends to the front and rear clamshells, doors, engine cover and bonnet. Fully exposed carbon bodywork is optional.
The completed car's deep PK Purple finish makes the original Elise curves easy to recognize without disguising its altered purpose.
Central Seat Completely Changes the Cabin
The biggest visual departure is inside. Instead of the Elise's conventional two seat arrangement, the VHPK places one carbon fibre bucket seat centrally. Analogue traces the idea to single seat Elises that competed in the Autobytel Lotus Championship around the turn of the millennium.
Carbon dash panels, door inserts and trim continue the weight saving approach. The first customer example adds purple Alcantara, visible across the seat and steering wheel in the page one and page three photography.
Electric air conditioning and HVAC remain optional, as does a carbon hardtop.
250bhp Has Less Than 600kg to Move
The numbers explain the project's focus. Wet weight is below 600kg, while the rebuilt K Series engine produces 250bhp, giving the VHPK a claimed power to weight ratio of 400bhp per tonne.
Rather than replacing the original engine or adding forced induction, Analogue increases displacement from 1.8 to 1.9 litres. Bespoke billet and forged internals are used, with drive sent through a Quaife PG1 five speed close ratio gearbox and limited slip differential.
Less Unsprung Weight, Wider Track
The chassis receives a bespoke wide track suspension setup with lightweight aluminium uprights and steering arms plus multi way passive dampers. Fully active suspension is optional.
Forged wheels, bespoke ultralight hubs and 300mm carbon ceramic brakes reduce unsprung mass. Buyers can go further with carbon wheels, cutting another 12kg.
At £350,000 plus taxes, including the donor Elise, the VHPK sits far beyond the territory of a conventional restoration. Only 35 will be made worldwide. Its positioning is unusually narrow: a ground up Series 1 rework for buyers who want less mass, a central driving position and the character of a highly developed naturally aspirated K Series rather than an engine swap.