Lotus Elise Lightweight - 240hp, 0 to 60 in 3.5 secs.

[Kirby]

Lotus has announced bold plans for a ‘circuit car’ based on the Elise, and set to challenge the plethora of super-lightweight track such as the Caterham CSR, Radical and Ariel Atom 2.

The car will weigh just 600kg, and will be powered by the same Toyota 1.8-litre variable valve timed engine as the Elise 111R. In 189bhp tune, Lotus estimates a 4.0sec 0-60mph sprint and 100mph in 11.0sec. A supercharged version is likely to pack 240bhp, like the forthcoming Exige 240R, but with 300kg less to carry, it should rocket to 60mph in 3.5sec and pass the ton in 9.0sec.

 

[tool fan]

Things look like go carts.............I bet it would be a blast to drive, but I sure would not want to be in an accident in one.

 

[epj3]

I would still rather have a supercharged arial atom...hehe

 

[Militant-Grunt]

I would still rather have a supercharged arial atom...hehe

oh hell yes.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

It's a pity that the Toyota engine isn't as fizzy as the old Rover K-Series VHPD engine. It appears that even Lotus has to grow up!

 

[Big Daddy]

I'd like to take one for a spin, maybe two spins...

 

[///M SPEED]

I'd like to take one for a spin, maybe two spins...

You and me both my friend, you and me both..... [driving2]

 

[Average Jae]

Things look like go carts.............I bet it would be a blast to drive, but I sure would not want to be in an accident in one.

i wouldn't want to go out on a windy day!

 

[epj3]

Things look like go carts.............I bet it would be a blast to drive, but I sure would not want to be in an accident in one.

The way I see it - not any more unsafe than a motorcycle.

 

[gpoints]

That thing would be fun to take on a track! Is it street legal? Also, how much do those things run ($$$)?
If my math is correct, that thing is @ 1322 lbs (thank you google). FWIW, The new z06 weighs @ 3100 lbs and hits 60 @ 3.7.

They should've tossed the toyota idea and dropped in a push-rod v8. [joke]

 

[epj3]

That thing would be fun to take on a track! Is it street legal? Also, how much do those things run ($$$)?
If my math is correct, that thing is @ 1322 lbs (thank you google). FWIW, The new z06 weighs @ 3100 lbs and hits 60 @ 3.7.

They should've tossed the toyota idea and dropped in a push-rod v8. [joke]

I think they were going for more of the "finely tuned" approach of a DOHC asian motor!

 

[KevRC4130]

Things look like go carts.............I bet it would be a blast to drive, but I sure would not want to be in an accident in one.

Elises still have to meet all of the US safety regulations, which are alot stricter than most countries, so I don't think you really have to worry. Granted, I think we both know who would win if you crashed an Elise into a soccer mom driven Hummer, but you'd still probably be fine if you were wearing your seatbelt.

 

[Kirby]

That thing would be fun to take on a track! Is it street legal? Also, how much do those things run ($$$)?
If my math is correct, that thing is @ 1322 lbs (thank you google). FWIW, The new z06 weighs @ 3100 lbs and hits 60 @ 3.7.

The Elise mentioned in this article is a special variation being developed strictly for the track. It won't be street legal. The regular Elise, at 1950 lbs, is street legal in the USA.

 

[epj3]

The Elise mentioned in this article is a special variation being developed strictly for the track. It won't be street legal. The regular Elise, at 1950 lbs, is street legal in the USA.

In that case, I would most definitely buy an ariel atom!!!!