I read that the Elise is being sold as a kit in part of the world. If
that's true, does anyone have any connections with anyone at Lotus to see
if they will also sell a few into the US that way?
At 07:42 PM 11/21/97, Atwell (Buff) Haines wrote:
>
>Chip Pondered,
>>
>>I'm beginning to wonder, now - do the Elise and Renault (model-?) use
>>aluminum for the structural portions of the frame, or in supporting areas
>>for weight saving?
>
>I can't speak for the Renault Spyder, but the Lotus Elise uses a bonded
>hydroformed chassis tub made entirely from aluminum. The suspension
>(aluminum as well) is hung onto that. Since it is a "minimalist" sportster,
>a lot of aluminum is visible in the interior. The car only weighs about
>1500 pounds! 0 to 60 with the 130 HP Rover 4 cyl. engine (same as in the
>MG F) is in the 5 - 6 second range. A 190 HP version of that engine has
>just been announced.
>
>The chassis is very stiff for a roadster, but it has high door sills that
>add strength. [Anecdote: Chrysler USA execs were "evaluating" the Elise
>that was tested previously by Road & Track. The car was shunted off the
>road and suffered a bent frame!!!! It was subsequently sent back to
England.]
>
>>I've seen the Elise, only because there's a Lotus importer
>>near where I live, and they've got a Purple one they've been driving
>>around. It doesn't pass US Crash or Emissions tests...
>>
>Actually, rumour has it that the Elise DOES pass the crash tests with its
>fiberglass body. The Rover engine passes emmissions, but is not certified
>to comply with OBD II (US On Board Diagnostics requirements). Since Lotus
>has an 18 month waiting list for Elise customers, there has been no hurry
>to tax their production capacity with the demands of the US market.
>
>
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