the lotus elise comes to the states
01-24-2002 | 09:42 PM
#21
Administrator
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 17,004
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From: Santa Cruz, CA, US
Originally posted by Prelude
Not to mention a Honda B18C engine fits perfectly into it
giving it a good 200hp in a car that weights less than 700kg
Not to mention a Honda B18C engine fits perfectly into it
giving it a good 200hp in a car that weights less than 700kg
Pay 38k for a car and another 5k+ on an engine swap?!
01-24-2002 | 10:26 PM
#25
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Warrington
Rumour in the UK Car Magazines is that it wont be shipped to the US with the standard Rover K series enigine but the engine from the Vauxhall VX220 (GM Speedster) which is 2.2L N/A and about 147HP, the reason stated as being something to do with emission laws.
I have met quite a few Elise's on a track and even in the basic form they are very quick, the S2000 has too much power for them on the longer straights but in the twisties they have the edge. I personally couldnt own one, too bare and reliability isnt great, however the people who do own them seem to love them even with their faults.
I have met quite a few Elise's on a track and even in the basic form they are very quick, the S2000 has too much power for them on the longer straights but in the twisties they have the edge. I personally couldnt own one, too bare and reliability isnt great, however the people who do own them seem to love them even with their faults.
01-25-2002 | 06:37 AM
#28
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Chicago
The Elise will not come here with the Rover 1.8. The engine doesn't meet emissions.
I agree that the 120hp version won't "pin you in your seat" but it will be fun to drive. Miatas aren't fast, but they are a hoot to drive cuz you can throw them around so easily (and at "normal" speeds).
Also, the Exige is more than just a Elise with a hardtop. Many things are different about the car. The main two items being real downforce (total of 100kgs) and a wider track. The car is approx 2 seconds faster around a 2-mile track when equipped similarly. And yes, the Exige can be uprated to 193hp with minor mods, same as the Elise 190S. The Elise 190S weighs in at about 1500lbs while the Exige is about 1700lbs.
I agree that the 120hp version won't "pin you in your seat" but it will be fun to drive. Miatas aren't fast, but they are a hoot to drive cuz you can throw them around so easily (and at "normal" speeds).
Also, the Exige is more than just a Elise with a hardtop. Many things are different about the car. The main two items being real downforce (total of 100kgs) and a wider track. The car is approx 2 seconds faster around a 2-mile track when equipped similarly. And yes, the Exige can be uprated to 193hp with minor mods, same as the Elise 190S. The Elise 190S weighs in at about 1500lbs while the Exige is about 1700lbs.
