Lotus Elise 2-Eleven Video and Photos
Filed under: 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Auto Show Videos, Lotus, Sports/GT
Tags: 2-Eleven, Elise
The 255hp Lotus Elise 2-Eleven made an appearance at the recent 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2-Eleven is a performance sport coupe that hits 60mph in 3.8 seconds and 100mph in 8.5 seconds.
To see the three-way Lotus Sport color scheme, watch our video from LAIAS.
You can also watch the Lotus Elise 2-Eleven Video on YouTube.
The Lotus 2 Eleven Video is also available on Roadfly.
2008/09 Lotus Esprit spied on the road
Filed under: Lotus, Sports/GT, Spy Photos
In 2004, Lotus’ famed Esprit ceased production after 27 legendary years. Many car enthusiasts first caught a glimpse of it in two James Bond films, while others fell in love with it in Pretty Woman and Basic Instinct.
Lotus is working as fast as they can on the next-generation Esprit, scheduled to debut in late 2008 as a 2009 model. These spy shots of a heavily disguised prototype are the first of a model that is beyond the test mule stage.
Lotus is referring to the new Esprit internally as the MSC (mid-engined supercar), and has created an all-new lightweight aluminum structure for it. Lotus’ prowess at their philosophy of “add lightness” has most recently been exemplified in the sub-2000 lb. Elise. The new chassis will offer Lotus the flexibility to introduce the Esprit both as a traditional hard top and in a first-ever roadster model. In addition, there are rumors of a 2+2 GT and possibly a lesser-powered 6-cylinder sportscar.
While Lotus’ drivetrain choice has been finalized, the specifics have not yet been officially released to the public. Sources, however, are telling us that Lotus has picked a 4.4 or 4.8 liter BMW V8, with engine management tweaked by Lotus’ engine programming wizards. Lotus, aiming to extract the maximum possible performance and handling characteristics from the new model, will be mounting the engine and transmission longitudinally. If you look closely at the spy shot of the rear of the prototype, you can see the transmission case at the bottom rear end, behind the mid-mounted powerplant.
Lotus is aiming at a price point of around $130,000. This is a good step up from the previous model Esprit which maxed out around $95,000, but well under what Lotus sees as the direct competition: the Ferrari F430. With such lofty and proven competition, Lotus has its work cut out for it, but their engineers have a reputation of being among the best in the business. We can’t wait to report the details of this new model to you as it comes closer to being released.
LotusSport Elise and LotusSport Exige US Introduction
Filed under: Lotus, New York International Auto Show, Sports/GT
Lotus chose the 2006 New York Auto Show to debut the LotusSport line to the US market. LotusSport will focus on three main business models; building short runs of limited-edition street-legal cars, track-only cars, and providing aftermarket parts. The idea is to replicate in an official offering what a lot of Lotus customers have been doing with their cars already. Two LotusSport models were on display, a street-legal LotusSport Elise, and race-only LotusSport Exige. On the Elise, the LotusSport treatment starts with the addition of two regular option packages. The adjustable suspension from the Track Pack gives an extra measure of tenability, while a limited-slip differential lends extra traction. The Yokohama a048 tires of the Sport Pack-hefty meats with solid tread blocks-add even more grip over the stock Elise. Ohlins-brand shocks, with remote reservoirs, round out the suspension goodies. Stainless steel brake lines are also fitted, along with a heavy-duty clutch. LotusSport also fits special seats with fittings for four- or six-point harnesses. Instead of the usual leather, these chairs are covered in a grippy suede-like microfiber. The LotusSport Elise will sell for $54,995-they’ve allocated approximately one per US dealer. For the track only, LotusSport offers a supercharged Exige, with 243 horsepower. This model features aero tricks like a front-end splitter, huge spoiler, and functional roof scoop-all good for 100 pounds of downforce at 100 m.p.h. The lightweight alloy rims on the LotusSport Exige are even wider than the Elise’s, while niceties such as a/c, stereo, and even headlights are left out. The LotusSport Exige retails for $78,990; the initial production run of 15 has already been spoken for, but the suits promise to build more if demand warrants it.
