Autoblog

Frankfurt 2009: Melkus RS2000 provides thrills with history for big money

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance

Melkus RS2000 -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Three years ago Melkus, the historic, East German race car builder, released renderings of a gullwing sports car they wanted to have ready in 2009. It always makes us happy to see the passionate guy make big plans and then get them achieved - on time even - and the Melkus RS2000 is the culmination of that achievement. Based on an Elise, it rides on a Melkus-designed aluminum double-wishbone suspension and wears a glass-fiber reinforced polyester body.

Power comes from the 1.8-liter, 16-valve, 4-cylinder Elise tuned up to 270 hp that shifts through a short-throw 6-speed transmission. With a curb weight of 950 kg (2,090 pounds) you can get to 60 in 4.9 seconds. Interiors can be customized as you wish, but the car comes standard with more creature comforts than you'll find in most of its competition, including the Elise. The Melkus' creation did come with a price: the original estimates were for it to cost €75,000; the actual price is €107,500. But what's a little inflation between friends.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Melkus RS2000

Frankfurt 2009: Melkus RS2000 provides thrills with history for big money originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 give us that special feeling

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Lotus

Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Another show, another pair of special editions from Lotus. This time around it's the Elise Club Racer and the Exige Cup 260, two lightweight specials based on the company's core product range.

We brought you details and photos of both a few weeks ago in the ramp-up to the show, but stopped by to have a closer look at the pair while we were there checking out the race-spec Evora. Check 'em both out in the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260

Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 give us that special feeling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Für Elise: New Lotus Club Racer model a lyrical composition of thrift with swift

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Lotus

Lotus Elise Club Racer - Click above for high-res image gallery

Guess what? Yet another special edition of the Lotus Elise is scheduled to make a grand entrance at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month. This one, called the Elise Club Racer, is based on the 134-horsepower Elise S, and we don't think it's headed to America at this time. Pity, since the unique color schemes - Elite Yellow, Carbon Grey, Sky Blue and Old English White -offered on the Club Racer look pretty good and are fitting representations of classic Lotus cars from the past like the Elite and Elan.

Inside, Club Racer buyers will be greeted with seats finished with "microfiber comfort pads" that Lotus claims are "perfectly positioned to give the right amount of support with the minimal amount of weight." Sounds, well... perfect. Whichever body color is chosen will be repeated on the transmission tunnel and the footwells and gear knob are formed in anodized aluminum. Outside, an attractive set of lightweight six-spoke aluminum wheels shod with sticky Yokohama AD07 LTS tires are done up in matching anthracite anodizing.

The Lotus Elise Club Racer goes on sale in select markets starting on September 15, but whether you are in the position to buy one or not, you can check out the high-res pics in our gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Lotus Elise Club Racer

Continue reading Für Elise: New Lotus Club Racer model a lyrical composition of thrift with swift

Für Elise: New Lotus Club Racer model a lyrical composition of thrift with swift originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus begins offering supercharger kits for all NA Elises and Exiges

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Lotus

Lotus Elise - Click above for high-res image gallery

Anyone who's picked up a Lotus Elise or Exige before the kids from Hethel began offering a factory supercharged engine, help is at hand. Drivers of normally aspirated Lotuses can now get a factory style blower kit from Lotus Cars USA. The system is completely emissions certified, warrantied and legal in all 50 states, and includes higher flow injectors, a supercharger with integrated intake manifold and new ECU calibrations. Any authorized Lotus dealer can sell and install the kit that bumps the output of the 1.8-liter Toyota engine from 189 hp/133 lb-ft to 218 hp/155 lb-ft. Although the torque gain is minimal, twist now peaks at a more usable 5,000 rpm rather than 6,800 rpm. You can get all the details in the press release below the fold, but don't look for a price -- Lotus hasn't announced the cost for the kit yet.

Gallery: Lotus Elise

Continue reading Lotus begins offering supercharger kits for all NA Elises and Exiges

Lotus begins offering supercharger kits for all NA Elises and Exiges originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hertz So Good: Lotus Elise SC joins Italian rent-a-car fleet

Noah Joseph — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Lotus

Lotus Elise SC fleet at Hertz Italiana - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever fantasize about driving an exotic sportscar around Italy? Well who hasn't. And there are plenty of companies on the peninsula that'll be glad to help you out. Count among them now car rental giant Hertz. But while you may have images in your head of wafting around the countryside in a Maserati or Lamborghini, Hertz has something entirely different on offer: the Lotus Elise.

Starting this summer, Hertz Italiana will be offering the Lotus Elise SC at select locations throughout the country. It's part of the company's Fun Collection and is sure to cost a hefty premium, but then nobody said realizing your dreams would come cheap. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Lotus Elise at Hertz Italiana

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Hertz So Good: Lotus Elise SC joins Italian rent-a-car fleet

Hertz So Good: Lotus Elise SC joins Italian rent-a-car fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus becomes title sponsor of Lotus Challenge Series

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus

Lotus Challenge Series - Click above for a high-res image gallery

After attending the second event of the 2008 Lotus Challenge Series last May, we were convinced the up-start had potential. Lotus Cars USA seems to agree and has become the title sponsor for the 2009 season.

In its inaugural year, the series stuck to California for six of its events, along with two races at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada. For 2009, the campaign is expanding to ten events in the western US, including stints at Laguna Seca and Infineon, with four more events planned in Texas.

The series - part track day and part time-attack - brings together Lotus enthusiasts of all stripes, divides the field according to experience level and vehicle model/modifications, and sets them loose for a weekend of down-and-dirty track action. You can get all the details, along with the 2009 schedule, in the press release after the break, and check out the Lotus Challenge website to sign up for any of the 2009 events.

Gallery: Lotus Challenge - Buttonwillow - April 2008

Continue reading Lotus becomes title sponsor of Lotus Challenge Series

Lotus becomes title sponsor of Lotus Challenge Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla Motors and Lotus announce matching recall notices

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Recalls, Safety, Lotus

Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tesla Motors has announced its first-ever recall, affecting all 345 Roadsters the Silicon Valley automaker produced in 2008. According to the official recall notice from the NHTSA, the rear hub flange bolts on some vehicles may not be torqued to proper specifications, which could lead to "degredation in vehicle handling and a rubbing noise from the rear of the vehicle." That, as you would imagine, would be bad, and if left unresolved could result in a crash.

The problem can be traced back to the Lotus factory in Hethel, England where the Roadster's main chassis is constructed before being shipped to the States to have its electric drivetrain installed. This being the case, Lotus has issued its own matching recall on the 27 Elises and Exiges that have shipped so far in 2009. As always, you are advised to contact the manufacturer as soon as possible if you've yet to be notified of the recall.

Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster

[Source: NHTSA - Tesla | Lotus]

Tesla Motors and Lotus announce matching recall notices originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: One-make Lotus Elise racing is crowded, thrilling

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Australia

Click above to see the video of Dean Evans going from 16th to 1st in one lap

It is the lap every driving simulator player dreams of putting together - except this one was real. It actually happened way back in 2005 (but has just come to our attention now and was too good to pass up), when Sydney motoring journalist Dean Evans drove in one of the Lotus Trophy Races that supported the Bathurst 1000 V8 Supercar race in Australia. We hope the other drivers were taking notes, because Evans doled out some serious learnin.'

Starting in 16th, Evans has said that the track was greasy from rain, his car wasn't even the most powerful one in the race, and his right mirror was folded back because of some tight racing off the line, but not a single panel on the car was bent. He won the race by 14 seconds. With apologies for the video quality, follow the jump to see Evans put on a clinic.

[Source: Car Domain]

Continue reading VIDEO: One-make Lotus Elise racing is crowded, thrilling

VIDEO: One-make Lotus Elise racing is crowded, thrilling originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Naked carbon-fiber Lotus Elise roaming Hong Kong

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Etc., Lotus

Click above for full gallery of pics of this carbon-fiber Lotus Elise

A couple SEMAs ago, we stumbled across a carbon-fiber Lotus Exige that had our salivary glands working overtime. With Colin Chapman's ethos of "adding lightness" to his designs, it seemed like the perfect application of the super-strong lightweight material on an already featherweight Lotus sportscar. We've been hoping to see something similar on the road and it looks like we'll have to travel across the Pacific to check it out in person. Thanks to a tipster, we know now that there is at least one other CF-cloaked Lotus and it resides in Hong Kong with custodian Jimmy Wong.

TW Auto Limited, a Hong Kong Lotus and turbocharging specialist, built the car in about six months. As you'll see in the pics, carbon fiber coats the entire exterior of this 2002 Elise, along with almost every panel inside. Even if it only shaves about 80 pounds from the curb weight, it looks thoroughly sinister. We're digging the way it highlights the car's curves, particularly around the gas filler. Although the engine remains fairly stock, it does feature an upgraded air filter and intake, plus a Stage 2 Lotus Racing Exhaust. The car was also fitted with a KW Suspension and JP Racing Wheels. For more pictures, check out the gallery cribbed from Flickr.

Gallery: Carbon Fiber Lotus Elise

[Source: Carbon Fiber Gear]

Naked carbon-fiber Lotus Elise roaming Hong Kong originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top 10 Cars You Should Never Drive on a First Date

Chris Shunk — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Humor

It was the Spring of '93 and I was living large in my 1988 Dodge Omni. The little hatch was white with a burgundy interior, smelled like fast food and usually carried a substantial coat of dirt and grime that held it all together. One of the black plastic bumper pieces was missing from when I backed into my dad's car and the Omni was rolling fat with four over-sized tires scored from my brother's totaled Pontiac 6000. The tires were so large that I couldn't make a tight turn without grinding the rubber against the wheel well.

For my big date, though, the Omni at least go washed. I pulled into this poor girl's driveway jamming my brand new Jackyl tape when the her dad walked up. He glared at my car and said "You guys will be going to the baseball game in my wife's Astro Van, and you're not driving."

That was my first date car, which was followed by an Escort, Ranger and GMC Sonoma. Quite an unimpressive array of vehicles with which to make a first impression, which I reckon makes me an expert on the subject. So here it is: the Top 10 Cars You Should Never Drive on a First Date.

Top 10 Cars You Should Never Drive on a First Date originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge EV takes to the streets

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Green, Dodge

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Dodge EV in the wild

While a lot of the legwork was done for them by Lotus, we still have to give Chrysler a little credit for getting an electric vehicle prototype on the road so quickly. When we first saw the Dodge EV a couple of months ago, it looked like it was ready to roll, with a Tesla-like blend of Lotus platform and electric powerpack. Soon after we heard that the car was likely to make it to production, with a delivery date that would challenge the Chevrolet Volt. While it had appeared that Chrysler was way behind its domestic rivals in developing an electric car, we know that through their GEM subsidiary, Chrysler has actually accumulated a lot of EV expertise and become the nation's leading electric car seller in the process.

The Dodge EV is essentially a Lotus Europa, but uses lithium batteries and a 268 hp electric motor in place of the standard 2.0L four cylinder engine and transmission. It promises a range of 150-200 miles and a 0-60 time of under 5 seconds. It's a full-blown, plug-in EV, just like the Tesla Roadster, and should require a 4-hour recharge from a 220V outlet or 8 hours on a 110. To help launch Chrysler's new ENVI electric car division, the Dodge EV has been traveling the show circuit, but today we spotted it at one of our favorite local cruise-ins.

It attracted quite a crowd. Not surprisingly, many folks at the show mistook it for a Lotus until they saw the Dodge badges. Even then a lot of people figured it was some type of joint venture between the two firms. Most were amazed to learn the car might be in Dodge showrooms by 2010. Try as we might we couldn't wrestle the keys from the Chrysler reps. Hopefully the car and the company make it through our current economic crisis so we can sample one when they hit the streets.

Gallery: Dodge EV in the wild

Dodge EV takes to the streets originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat considering Dino-badged Elise

Dan Roth — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Etc., Ferrari, Fiat

Say Dino, and people immediately think of something Italian. Most likely, you'll think of either a Rat-Pack crooner or a Ferrari, but there's a third Dino, and that's the one we're talking about. Fiat's thinking of resurrecting its Dino sub-brand with a version of the next generation of Lotus Elise. While the original Dino looked like an Iso Grifo and helped Ferrari homologate a V6 engine for competition, the new Dino will be all about Fiat finding a niche and filling it. Fiat's looking to snag untapped buyers, and if it can accomplish that without having to engineer an entire new car, everyone wins, especially if it looks as good as the old Dino. Aping the Dino 246 wouldn't be unwelcome, either.

[Source: CAR]

Fiat considering Dino-badged Elise originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus broadens production, market for Jim Clark Elise

Noah Joseph — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Lotus, UK, Specialty

Click for updated gallery of the Lotus Clark Type-25 Elise SC

Lotus has a dedicated following around the world, and many of them were undoubtedly disappointed that the first special edition of the new supercharged Elise was limited to just 25 examples, all of which were sold within the UK and Ireland. Although Lotus enthusiasts in the U.S. will surely remain disappointed, a handful of those in Europe will get another lucky chance at limited edition Elise ownership with Lotus' announcement that it will produce an additional run of 25 examples of the Clark Type-25 Elise SC for sale on the continent.

The special edition is named for legendary Scottish racing driver Jim Clark and features an array of special retro touches, including a British racing green paint job with a broad yellow stripe and white circle on the door. It's based on the 218 hp blown Elise SC, which remains mechanically unchanged. An additional 25 examples of the special Lotus are available now in Europe for €44,100 before local taxes, which translates to about €54k in Germany, France and Italy.

Follow the jump for the full press release, and click on the thumbnails to view our updated gallery of images of the special edition Elise.

Gallery: Lotus Clark Type-25 Elise SC Special Edition

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus broadens production, market for Jim Clark Elise

Lotus broadens production, market for Jim Clark Elise originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus wants to be on the cutting edge of green

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Lotus

Lotus may already have one of the greenest line of vehicles, with both the Elise and Exige easily reaching into the 30-mpg range when driven with restraint, but Mike Kimberley wants Lotus to be pioneers of green engineering.

Lotus' CEO made comments alluding to the automaker's goal of providing environmentally friendly automotive technology after signing a deal to produce a research and testing facility in Saudi Arabia that would focus on green motoring. The center is part of Lotus' strategy to branch out both technologically and production-wise, with a manufacturing center based in the Middle East. Much of this shift will come with the advancement of hybrid development, although Kimberley didn't go into detail about how the hybrid drivetrains would be implemented in this new venture.

The CEO also went on to report that development of Project Eagle is well underway, saying that the Eagle team is doing a great job and that after driving a prototype late last year he was "very impressed".

[Source: BIZOnline]

Lotus wants to be on the cutting edge of green originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Lotus blossoms from Elise/Exige to Eagle to Esprit

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Lotus

Large high-res gallery of all of the Lotus models available by clicking above

This week in LA, veteran Lotus development engineer Roger Becker told the assembled press about the changes we'll see in the Elise and Exige for 2008. He also talked a bit about some of the changes happening at the factory and even gave us some info about new models in the company's future.

The biggest recent news for Lotus was that the Elise SC and Exige S were given an optional power boost via a Magnuson-developed supercharger that raises horsepower from 190 to 218 or 240 depending on the application. Other changes were made to all 2008 model year cars in the lineup.

Aside from upgraded brakes and a few other tweaks, the biggest changes came inside, where a new security system has been installed that for the first time ever allows a single key for Lotus owners. As a nod to American driving habits, TPMS and a new information display were also added, because as Becker put it, we aren't too aware of when a tire is going down and need to have it pointed out. That line was delivered without missing a beat and expertly showed a typically dry British sense of humor. Funny guy. Follow the jump for individual model news and to hear more about the upcoming Eagle and Esprit replacement too!

[Source: Lotus]

Gallery: 2008 Lotus Elise and Exige

Continue reading LA 2007: Lotus blossoms from Elise/Exige to Eagle to Esprit

LA 2007: Lotus blossoms from Elise/Exige to Eagle to Esprit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus "Eagle" coming in 2008

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:43:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Lotus

Lotus has plans: the Elise is going to get a detuned Exige engine (220 BHP without an intercooler), a new Exige SR model will feature launch and traction control systems, California series Elise and Exige models are in the pipeline for the boulevard cruising crowd, and Lotus is also going to inject some luxury into the Europa.

But the big news -- which isn't the Esprit -- is the Lotus Eagle, which will be "a mid-engined four-seater" made of aluminum for the luxury lifestyle set. Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley said there will be seven (count 'em, seven) versions of the car, and in a crow-eating first for Lotus, the car will have paddle shifters. Lotus had previously sworn never to include them on a car, citing purity of the driving experience. But what does the market care for driving purity? (Insert maniacal laugh here.) The Eagle arrives at the end of 2008.

The much anticipated, exceedingly long-awaited Lotus Esprit was sent back for reworking by Kimberley, who said it didn't have enough Lotus heritage in it. In Lotus fashion, the car isn't trying to break any records by being a sub-200 MPH conveyance, but it will be powered by "a very high brand-image engine" and performance will be "exceptional" and "very usable." Lotus: stop dallying -- let's have it.

[Source: Channel 4]

Lotus "Eagle" coming in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus powers up Elise, Exige for 2008

Alex Nunez — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Lotus

Click image for photo gallery

For 2008, Lotus has turned up the heat on its Elise and Exige sports cars. The Lotus Elise SC is a 220-horsepower variant powered by a new, compact, non-intercooled supercharger mated to the standard 1.8L engine. Identifiable by its model-exclusive wheels and a new rear spoiler, the SC boasts a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds, 10.7 seconds to 100 mph, and a 150 mph top end.

The Exige is not ignored either, as the Exige S can now be fitted with a Performance Pack boosting output to 240 horses. Also includded are upgraded brakes, an upgraded clutch, traction control, driver-adjustable launch control, and a new roof scoop. The traction/launch control combo is the same one found in the Lotus 2-Eleven track car. Performance, as you'd expect, is impressive: 4 seconds to sixty, 9.7 seconds to 100 mph, and a 153 mph ceiling.

Additionally, all 2008 Elise and Exige models get new instrumentation, standard driver and passenger airbags, a new keyfob design with an immobilizer system, a simplified option pack range, and new paint colors. You can read the Lotus press release in full below (it was only available as a PDF, so it's been gallerized). For all the updates, the two most important traits of the Elise and Exige remain the same: they're still light, and they're still fast.

[Source: Lotus]

Gallery: 2008 Lotus Elise Supercharged

Gallery: 2008 Lotus Exige S

Gallery: Lotus 2008 Model Year Updates - PR

Lotus powers up Elise, Exige for 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Night Watch: Europe's Time Attack in full effect

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 23:09:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos

Time Attack is about the purest a form of motorsport you can get. Take a car, strip it of everything unnecessary, spot weld anything you lay eyes on, throw in the required safety equipment and data systems, then couple the biggest, baddest engine to a close ratio gearbox (sequential preferred), forget the term "quality ride," and then get the meanest driver you can find. One lap, one time, one winner. Exponentially awesome.

So when Clash Productions threw a video collage of the second round of the European Time Attack series, held at Silverstone, we thought it was worthy of a few minutes of our time - and yours. The audio is acting a little wonky (static and such), but all is forgiven when you get to bask in the aural glory of an 800 HP Evo, a 380 HP Elise and the raucous soundtrack of a 650 HP Subie. The video is after the jump, and Clash's body of work is open for your perusal at StreetFire.

Continue reading Autoblog Night Watch: Europe's Time Attack in full effect

Autoblog Night Watch: Europe's Time Attack in full effect originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jun 2007 23:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Robo-exotica: NC State snags Lotus Elise for '07 DARPA Challenge

Alex Nunez — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Technology, Lotus

Now this is what we call an upgrade: NC State University's Insight Racing team has scored a new set of wheels for the upcoming 2007 DARPA Grand Challenge. The team's Chevrolet Suburban, dubbed "Desert Rat" for the last DARPA challenge, which sent vehicles across the Mojave in the final event, will sit this one out. Instead, Insight will field "Lone Wolf," the new Lotus Elise which was presented to them by the automaker last week. In addition to the car, Insight will be receiving support from Lotus Engineering, who will help transform the sports car into the autonomous machine it needs to be to make it through the preliminary rounds and into the final Urban Challenge event. That task is made even more difficult when you consider that an Elise offers a fraction of the on-board space that was available in the Suburban. Expect to see plenty of innovation as they cram all the required technology into the Lotus' compact package.

The cruelest irony of all is that the Insight Racing team has to rig the Elise -- a driver's car if there ever was one -- to be completely driverless. We have a feeling that, given the chance, this is one instance where the engineering students would gladly forego the high-technology and get behind the wheel themselves. The 2007 DARPA Grand Challenge finale is scheduled for November 2007.

[Sources: NC State Technician Online & PhysOrg.com]

Robo-exotica: NC State snags Lotus Elise for '07 DARPA Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Nov 2006 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus Elise, Exige prices all jacked up

Erin Mays — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 08:54:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Crossover, Supercars, Lotus

Lotus has jacked up the prices on the Elise and the Exige, according to The Car Connection. The smaller Elise, which has adaptive headlights and an unfavorable exchange rate for 2007, will go for $43,990, up from $42,990 for the 2006 model. The Exige, which is essentially an Elise with a hard top and turbocharged four-banger putting out 220 hp, will go for $56,990 -- quite a steal when you consider its supercar-worthy 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds and top speed of 148 mph.

It's rumored that the two vehicles here aren't the only ones that will be offered in the U.S. market in the coming years. The Esprit, which should become available in the United States in late 2008, has been spotted tooling around Europe as a tester, and other models are expected to be on their way.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Lotus Elise, Exige prices all jacked up originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Oct 2006 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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