boomn29

iTrader: (47)

What's the next car to challenge the Evo line (be it the VIII, RS, MR, whatever).

I know it's all speculation, but fun to think about.

Some listed are 2 door, maybe even 2 seaters, but wanted to put down a lot of choices for proposed future vehicles.

josh930

iTrader: (1)

New Supra???? Is there one??

gofaster87

iTrader: (7)

I have heard of Toyota coming out with a revamped Supra. Also, Mazda is still thinking about wether it will bring out a new Rx7. The release is dependent on Rx8 sales. The new Rx7 will give the evo a run for its money, running low 13s high 12s stock(speculation). Lets not forget the US spec GTR.

ez76

iTrader: (5)

I'm not sure any of the cars (other than the STi) are really in the same class as the EVO to challenge it

expl0d

iTrader: (1)

elise.

200hp in a 1900lbs car? or something rediculous.

WestSideBilly

iTrader: (1)

The STi is already a legitimate challenger. Expect Subaru and Mitsu to continue upping the ante as they have for the last 5-10 years.

If/when a Supra shows up, it'll be a corvette challenger - $50-75,000; a V8 pushing 400+ HP. Not the same league. Same goes for the RX7; turbocharging the Renesis rotary will yield 350+ hp; although the cost may stay low enough for some people to cross shop. Likewise for the forthcoming R35 GTR - big power, big money.

The S4 has gone towards being more of a luxury GT (competing with MB) and less of an M3 fighter, and conversely aimed at a different market, at least in my view.

The Elise is just an all around different type of vehicle. I don't forsee anyone cross-shopping these two cars; just magazine/car forum racing.

boomn29

iTrader: (47)

Just speculation at this point, but that's how they all start (most don't get any further).

Speculation:
R&T stated last year.....expect a 3.5L Six with around 290-300HP

boomn29

iTrader: (47)

Damn, I knew I was forgetting a big one - The Skyline (GTR)!! It'll be a bit pricey though as was stated.

eclipsegs2k1

i voted other because to tell you the truth, i don't really any of these do directly... but i might have voted for the STi... oh well it is fun to think about it

Kryptonite

boomn29

iTrader: (47)

Here's all I can find:
the 2004 du pont registry estimates price at $38,500. the 2004 n.y. auto show estimates price at $40,000.
There's not too many dealerships tho, when you look for one. it's still a featherweight, i think they said under 1900 pounds, so the 190 hp toyota gts engine will move the Elise 0 - 60 in about 4.6 seconds.

The engine is a tweaked Celica GT-S engine (made by Yamaha).

jbrennen

iTrader: (1)

The Focus Cosworth...

http://www.fordeurope.net/newsroom/n...004012101.html

biohazzard

man the lotus elise will give every one a run for their moneY!!!!

i mean the thing is gonna have a celica engine and have a better suspension then the STI and its gonna be able to do 12's in the qurter stock! at 200 hp. Nuthing can hold that!!!

boomn29

iTrader: (47)

And 30+ mpg.
But the tag is $40k with a waiting list that started about 6 months ago and......whew....that ride has got to be stiff as all hell!

JNasty4G63

I remember reading somewhere, if Toyota and Mazda bring the Supra and RX7 back, they were going to be cheaper than the outgoing models we had a few years back. Much the same way the Z came back as a low $30k car with almost 300hp to play with. The Supra could have a tuned version of the V6 they use now much like the Z did with the VQ V6. The RX7 could use either a more tuned out normally aspirated version of the Renesis, or a turbo version. With it being side port, that would make lots of power with a turbo.

But, to stay on topic, I see all of those cars competing more with themselves, not with the STi and Evo. I think Z, Supra, RX7, and GTO are more rivals. And the STi and Evo are just kinda battling it out with themselves like the old Camaro vs. Mustang battle back in the day. Sure, there were cars priced similarly to them, but not the same class. And really, when you say one, you think of both.

Also, I think the GT-R, when it shows up, will probably be badged an Infiniti, and not a Nissan. Not sure, but I see it kinda like the Corvette thing with Chevy. You don't make a car thats a higher performer than your cornerstone car. Back when the LS1 Camaro SS and WS6 Birds were around, they were just as fast as a C5 (non-Z06), but their power numbers were underrated them to keep the image of the Vette being the pinnacle of the mark. Same with the Syclone and Typhoon. The Corvette team at GM wasn't real happy when a pair of trucks could beat the Vette, for less $$$. I just don't see Nissan pumping the Z up as the best, most fun to drive, and highest performing Nissan, and then bringing a better car out. But, if they badge it an Infiniti, the price can go up a little to get more technology in it, and its not direct competition to the Z.

Elise is a whole different animal. That car matches up with no other car sold in the US. Sure, the Miata can be had with 180hp now, but it weighs almost 2600lbs now. The Elise is 190hp an barely weighs 1900lbs wet. Thats an animal. I see that car dominating whatever class they put it in for SCCA auto-x. Won't be a lot of them around, but when they show up, if the driver is any good, it will dominate. Car won't compete directly with Evo and all those other cars for sales, but it will be an awesome track monster just like the Evo.

Hilg