182mph Elise!

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hedgerley

Original Poster:

620 posts

275 months

Saturday 5th April 2003
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For those of you wanting a little more power, check out the new issue of Evo. An Elise up against an Audi TT BTM (2 engines!), a Pagani Zonda, a TVR Tuscan S and Porsche RUF R Turbo all attempting to hit 200mph on the Autobahn. The Elise, christened a Lotus Esthi (with permission) by the German dealer who did the conversion, has an Audi RS4 V6 twin turbo in the back and an entire Esprit braking system. It certainly wasn't disgraced, hitting 182mph. Even the Zonda only managed 197mph....

In the same issue more confirmation of the rumour that it will be a Toyota V6 in the back of the Elise for the US launch (they are already have one out on the roads testing) although Proton are asking whats wrong with the 2.2 Turbo in the recently launched VX220. Economics (softening Elise sales in the UK and nowhere enough VX being bought either) may mean Lotus will have little choice in the matter and will have to settle for a less 'exotic' engine than the V6. The guys at Lotus won't be happy and I guess those of you Stateside won't be either.

Roadrunner

2,690 posts

274 months

Saturday 5th April 2003
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They might as well just sell the vx220 with a lotus badge and be done with it.

Davey Boy

13,140 posts

261 months

Sunday 6th April 2003
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I bought the new issue Evo yesterday and the article on the 200 mph runs in Germany was great. The Elise sounds awesome. 100 plus in an Elise feels bloody quick, 180 must be mad.

I wish Lotus built a car like that themselves (at the same price as the current model obviously!)

Having said that I have been out loads this weekend in the sun with the top off my standard S1 and can't imagine many cars being more fun or bringing a bigger smile to my face which is what it's all about at the end of the day. I did pass a red 360 Spider with a sports exhaust which would be a tempting swop though.

tonykart

148 posts

261 months

Monday 7th April 2003
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well here's hoping for the M250