Fenders Optional: Irmscher rocks out with range of new 7s
European tuner Irmscher is branching out from Opels and Cadillacs if its latest project is any indication. The German outfit is marketing a new minimalist line of Irmscher 7 roadsters that begins with potent and peaks with outrageous. The basic, Lotus 7-esque naturally-aspirated model turns out 150 hp -- a healthy number when the car only weighs 1,650 pounds. On top of that are three turbocharged models fitted with Opel's 2.0-liter four-cylinder with outputs ranging from 210 to 284 hp, with the range-topper getting you to 60 mph in about four seconds.
The Irmscher 7 comes with a waterproof top, a custom suspension and, for those wide of beam, Irmscher says the "broad, long chassis is suitable for larger drivers." But you'll need an equally wide bank account to get one: the 210 hp model retails for €55,900 ($72,337 US), the price of the 284 hp beast is "auf Anfrage," which is German for "if you have to ask..."
[Source: Irmscher (translated)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Josh Haagen 8:39AM (4/23/2009)
I love these Lotus 7 cars. But does anyone know how you can get a do it yourself kit car (at least body and chassis) here in the USA because I don't want to pay $70000 for one they have built and would love the work of doing one myself.
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izaerian 9:35AM (4/23/2009)
Look for the book "Build your own sports car for 250". It's a good indication of what you have to do to build and drive your own. People have built basic book examples for less than $5000. I am in the process of building one, but I am using the "McSorely Plans for the frame as it's a bit bigger. I would be glad to give you any tips you need past that.
Josh Haagen 9:50AM (4/23/2009)
that will definitely help. Thank you. Though I think one thing I would like to know as well is if there are any good websites or companies that sell the parts and equipment for the Lotus 7 bodies and such.
izaerian 12:51PM (4/23/2009)
Josh, check out locostusa.com as a starting point, and as far as body parts, they can be tricky, but curtis unlimited should be able to get anything you need, most of the locost body is easily bent aluminum sheeting. The nose, fenders and sometimes scuttle are 'glass. I think coveland motorsports is still open as well, they should be able to get any body parts as well as anything else really, not necessarily cheap though. I can't remember Curtis's email right off hand, but I know they don't have a website. Should be searchable though. FYI they are located in California
naggs 3:33PM (4/23/2009)
this is the heaviest 7 clone ever
2600 lbs? i have come to expect about 1200 lbs less than that from these cars at that price range
the basic frame should weigh less than 100 lbs
Ric Kaysen 8:50AM (4/23/2009)
Does it really weigh 2600 pounds? Seems like a lot.
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ksmith 8:55AM (4/23/2009)
That's what I was thinking. Another lotus 7 clone, the super stalker weighs something like 1500 lbs wet. And it uses some running gear from an S10. Not exactly a featherweight to begin with.
bhtooefr 9:05AM (4/23/2009)
This is definitely a typo on Autoblog's part. The manufacturer's website says that the 2.2 L 150 hp model weighs 720 kg, which is just under 1600 lbs.
Still heavy for a Seven clone, but not obscenely heavy.
geo.stewart 9:08AM (4/23/2009)
edmunds and autofiends reports 1600 lbs.
couple of sources report around 800 but that is probably the body work.
and for 72K, I'm getting the Superperformance or Factory 5 Cobra built to the hilt
Alan 12:32PM (4/23/2009)
2600 has to be a typo. No way this thing weighs 600 lbs more than an Elise. The Caterham 7s weigh 1100-1200 lbs.
StickShift 8:52AM (4/23/2009)
Are you sure its 2600 lbs? My 2000 Miata probably weighs as much with me and a full tank of gas in it, yet it has a top, AC, power accessories, etc. You'd expect such a minimalist car to weigh less...
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Quills R. Optional 8:59AM (4/23/2009)
1. Don't they have to pay royalties to Catheram/Lotus?
2. A Caterham 7 CSR weighs about 550 kg, or 1 212.54244 pounds (according to Google) Is the Irmscher car made of lead?
3. Why would anyone by this and not a Caterham/Westfield/Donkervoort ?
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naggs 3:38PM (4/23/2009)
any patents on design have long since expired
they all look the same because this is the best way to do it, unless you have the production capability for compound body curves, its gonna look like this (or no bodywork like the atom)
the simpler the car the fewer options you really have for design
Level 5 9:09AM (4/23/2009)
I think this is an absolutely gorgeous car. Gorgeous. I wonder how it stacks up for the price against the Atom, X-Bow, and other similar cars; and from a performance standpoint.
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Ric Kaysen 9:18AM (4/23/2009)
It was gorgeous in the mid sixties, when I first saw it.
Wojtek 9:11AM (4/23/2009)
LOL, but "Preis auf Anfrage" means nothing more than "Price on inquiry" :-)
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Dan 9:23AM (4/23/2009)
I'd have to question all the numbers in this article. Seems like 284 hp should do a little better at propelling a 1600lb car to 60mph, don't you think?
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Hunter 10:16AM (4/23/2009)
Dan's right, none of the figures in this post add up. That's what happens when you rely on online translation/conversion without double checking your sources.
Josh Haagen: you need to google Caterham USA then build yourself an R300 on an SV chassis.
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