Gripenfelter
11-03-2003, 11:41 AM
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/1072003163647.jpg
This will be coming to North America in the near future.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/1072003163632.jpg
The U.S.-spec Elise will look slightly different from the photo car here. There will be side markers on the fenders and the rear end will change slightly. The visual character of the car changes with the optional hardtop in place. To install or remove the standard soft top takes about 30 seconds.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/107200316371.jpg
Despite being powered by a 120-bhp inline-4 built by Rover, the Type 111 Elise was an admirable performer (0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds) and became an instant hit across the Continent. Lotus predicted sales of about 700 cars per year, but it sold thousands in its first few months. Demand was so great that it was forced to turn away customers and ignore the U.S. market altogether.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/1072003163639.jpg
These shots of the interior are indicative of the U.S. car. Note the audio and a/c systems, as well as the airbag-equipped steering wheel.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/1072003163545.jpg
To get the most out of this engine, rev it like there's no tomorrow. Drop the clutch at about 7000 rpm, and you'll leave the line like a dragster, smoking the rear tires. Keep your foot pressed to the floor because all the fun starts when the tachometer needle brushes past 6000, the moment VVTL-i kicks in. The engine's purr turns into an ear-blasting scream, as the acceleration curve radically spikes, pressing your torso into the custom bucket seat. A shift-up light says it's time to grab the next gear. The Elise runs to 60 mph in a claimed 4.8 seconds, with the quarter-mile mark coming at about 12.0 sec. Top speed is estimated at 141 mph.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/1072003163654.jpg
As for the car's handling, what is there left to say about the Elise that hasn't already been mentioned. It has garnered more than 30 awards from virtually every enthusiast publication and organization in Europe. In our evaluation of the world's best-handling cars, the previous 160-bhp model ranked second behind the Ferrari 360 Modena and won the objective performance category (see R/T June 2002 cover story). And Lotus guarantees that the U.S.-spec Elise will outshine its predecessor.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/107200316377.jpg
The non-boosted rack-and-pinion steering is reactive and quick, and the entire chassis seems to foresee your intentions. Turn-in response is immediate and amazingly crisp. Its balance through virtually all corners is flawless. Fling it from side to side, and the only thing that'll become unsettled is your stomach. A bit of understeer is noticeable on the tight stuff, and the rear absolutely refuses to come out unless you overcook it into a corner and lift abruptly.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/1072003163625.jpg
The key to the Elise is its structure. Its incredible weight, or lack thereof, can mainly be credited to its unique chassis. It is constructed from more than 20 different aluminum extrusions that are specially bonded and bolted together forming a single, very solid unit. Others have mimicked this revolutionary technique since but without quite the same results.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/1072003163722.jpg
So when do we get our hands on this car? The word from Lotus is spring 2004, with its official unveiling at the upcoming Los Angeles auto show in January. But don't wait until then to get your order in. Chances are you'll be placed at the end of a long line. Lotus plans to sell about 3000 cars the first year, and capacity is limited. As for the asking price, it is not final as of this writing, but expect a sticker price of $39,000. It's more than reasonable for a car that's arguably the most enjoyable car on the planet to drive, now equipped with a reliable, efficient powerplant. The Elise also embraces the heritage of one the most celebrated marques in racing history. From a sports-car enthusiast's perspective, not only does Lotus need America, one can make a case that America needs Lotus as well.
Lotus Elise Specifications
Price est $39,000
Curb weight est 1975 lb
Wheelbase 90.6 in.
Track, f/r 57.0 in./59.0 in.
Length 149.0 in.
Width 67.7 in.
Height 45.2 in.
Fuel capacity 10.5 gal.
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine dohc 16V inline-4
Bore x stroke 82.0 x 85.1 mm
Displacement 1796 cc
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Horsepower (DIN) 190 bhp @ 7800 rpm
Torque 133 lb-ft @ 6800 rpm
Fuel delivery elect. sequential port
Transmission 6-speed manual
Chassis & Body
Layout mid engine/rear drive
Brake system, f & r 11.1-in. drilled & vented discs, ABS
Wheels 16 x 5 1/2J f, 17 x 7 1/2J r
Tires Yokohama; 175/55R-16 f, 225/45R-17 r
Steering type rack & pinion
Suspension, f/r upper & lower A-arms, tube shocks, coil springs, anti-roll bar/upper & lower A-arms, tube shocks, coil springs
This will be coming to North America in the near future.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/1072003163632.jpg
The U.S.-spec Elise will look slightly different from the photo car here. There will be side markers on the fenders and the rear end will change slightly. The visual character of the car changes with the optional hardtop in place. To install or remove the standard soft top takes about 30 seconds.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/107200316371.jpg
Despite being powered by a 120-bhp inline-4 built by Rover, the Type 111 Elise was an admirable performer (0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds) and became an instant hit across the Continent. Lotus predicted sales of about 700 cars per year, but it sold thousands in its first few months. Demand was so great that it was forced to turn away customers and ignore the U.S. market altogether.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/1072003163639.jpg
These shots of the interior are indicative of the U.S. car. Note the audio and a/c systems, as well as the airbag-equipped steering wheel.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/1072003163545.jpg
To get the most out of this engine, rev it like there's no tomorrow. Drop the clutch at about 7000 rpm, and you'll leave the line like a dragster, smoking the rear tires. Keep your foot pressed to the floor because all the fun starts when the tachometer needle brushes past 6000, the moment VVTL-i kicks in. The engine's purr turns into an ear-blasting scream, as the acceleration curve radically spikes, pressing your torso into the custom bucket seat. A shift-up light says it's time to grab the next gear. The Elise runs to 60 mph in a claimed 4.8 seconds, with the quarter-mile mark coming at about 12.0 sec. Top speed is estimated at 141 mph.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/1072003163654.jpg
As for the car's handling, what is there left to say about the Elise that hasn't already been mentioned. It has garnered more than 30 awards from virtually every enthusiast publication and organization in Europe. In our evaluation of the world's best-handling cars, the previous 160-bhp model ranked second behind the Ferrari 360 Modena and won the objective performance category (see R/T June 2002 cover story). And Lotus guarantees that the U.S.-spec Elise will outshine its predecessor.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/107200316377.jpg
The non-boosted rack-and-pinion steering is reactive and quick, and the entire chassis seems to foresee your intentions. Turn-in response is immediate and amazingly crisp. Its balance through virtually all corners is flawless. Fling it from side to side, and the only thing that'll become unsettled is your stomach. A bit of understeer is noticeable on the tight stuff, and the rear absolutely refuses to come out unless you overcook it into a corner and lift abruptly.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/1072003163625.jpg
The key to the Elise is its structure. Its incredible weight, or lack thereof, can mainly be credited to its unique chassis. It is constructed from more than 20 different aluminum extrusions that are specially bonded and bolted together forming a single, very solid unit. Others have mimicked this revolutionary technique since but without quite the same results.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/1072003163722.jpg
So when do we get our hands on this car? The word from Lotus is spring 2004, with its official unveiling at the upcoming Los Angeles auto show in January. But don't wait until then to get your order in. Chances are you'll be placed at the end of a long line. Lotus plans to sell about 3000 cars the first year, and capacity is limited. As for the asking price, it is not final as of this writing, but expect a sticker price of $39,000. It's more than reasonable for a car that's arguably the most enjoyable car on the planet to drive, now equipped with a reliable, efficient powerplant. The Elise also embraces the heritage of one the most celebrated marques in racing history. From a sports-car enthusiast's perspective, not only does Lotus need America, one can make a case that America needs Lotus as well.
Lotus Elise Specifications
Price est $39,000
Curb weight est 1975 lb
Wheelbase 90.6 in.
Track, f/r 57.0 in./59.0 in.
Length 149.0 in.
Width 67.7 in.
Height 45.2 in.
Fuel capacity 10.5 gal.
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine dohc 16V inline-4
Bore x stroke 82.0 x 85.1 mm
Displacement 1796 cc
Compression ratio 11.5:1
Horsepower (DIN) 190 bhp @ 7800 rpm
Torque 133 lb-ft @ 6800 rpm
Fuel delivery elect. sequential port
Transmission 6-speed manual
Chassis & Body
Layout mid engine/rear drive
Brake system, f & r 11.1-in. drilled & vented discs, ABS
Wheels 16 x 5 1/2J f, 17 x 7 1/2J r
Tires Yokohama; 175/55R-16 f, 225/45R-17 r
Steering type rack & pinion
Suspension, f/r upper & lower A-arms, tube shocks, coil springs, anti-roll bar/upper & lower A-arms, tube shocks, coil springs