DB8GSR

I wonder if it comes with a HONDA R motor.. aka B18C5 found on the Integra R.

Secret Chimp

iTrader: (2)

It will not come with a B18c5. The only Elises that came to the US with those engines were brought in by Sun Motorsports, a registered car importer....not by Lotus themselves.

SC~

LanEvo

GTO and C6...also the mach 1

celicancer

what about those new vw r32's or whatever they're called? will they match up with the evo and the sti?

iodine23

iTrader: (1)

The Elise was rumored to come with a Toyota VVTL-i (or whatever their variable valve crap is called) engine in place of the Rover that is in the UK spec car.

Those things tear it up on the track. My coworkers in the UK flog them around a lot. I saw one when I was over there and it's very bizarre looking in person. It's definitely unique and I'm sure it's insanely fun to drive.

I think there's also a 180hp spec car. Called the Motorports Elise in Gran Turismo, or the Exige over in the UK.

pjal84

The R32 is a bit to chubby to compete with Evos and STi's but it's still one of the best hatches in my mind. Mmm.

bobaab

iTrader: (5)

i dont think the pictures on the lotus site is the actual elise coming to the states, from what i can see it's still missing the bumper and that's what they need to add for it to be legal.

fishsauce

r32's are probably gonna be competition for the wrx. their power ratings are closer and probably price too.

celicancer

but i would have to say that the Evo takes them all on looks right now, sure the lotus is awesome looking, but for now, the Evo takes looks and is at the top in performance in my opinion

Yojimbo

iTrader: (1)

I didn't say I wanted an Elise. I just think it looks sweet. Evo all the way for me.

Evilution

Exactly. Although I do want an Elise I've wanted an Evo forever!!
I'd still like an Elise though. And maybe a Murcielago. Throw in an SL 55 AMG too. Porsche Carrera GT

jedinite

I called the local (well, in my state anyways) Lotus dealership and found out the following:

They ordered 150 cars. They should start arriving next year, May to July timeframe. The dealer is charging sticker, reported as $38k - $40k. $1000 deposit to get in line.

Based on my calculations the Elise has the same power-to-weight as a 350Z, slightly better than a stock evolution.

If the Elise is really $38k-$40k, the Evo or the 350Z is going to be a lot more car for the money... but the Elise is damn impressive and damn sexy

I'd love to have one if I could afford yet another car...

erikgj

iTrader: (2)

no

Yojimbo

iTrader: (1)

Yup.

Yuppers.

Damn straight.

Ditto.

jedinite

You were already answered succinctly above, but I thought I'd give you details.

The VW R32 is 3100 pounds, with 241HP, 236TQ, and costs $30,000. Not at all up there with the Evo or 350Z in terms of performance for your dollar. It's heavier with less power than an Evo... the only "advantage" would be the hatchback if you consider that an advantage.

I've got a friend who wants to buy one... but is going to test drive my Evo first. I'm betting another friend $50 that the first friend will cancel his R32 order and switch to the Evo once he gets a shot in the drivers seat...