Is something above the Lotus Elise? Lotus 2+2 - SRT Forums

hemidakota · 08-03-2005, 11:42 AM

Contradictory info emerges about Lotus 2+2

Posted Aug 3, 2005, 11:30 AM ET by John Neff

Image by: AutoExpress.Com

We linked to an article at Auto Express yesterday that revealed the new Lotus 2+2 coupe set to slot in between the Elise and Exige will be named either the Elite or Excel and feature powerplants from Toyota. Wheels24, however, a site out of South Africa, has a more detailed article in which it claims the car will revive the Europa name and feature engines from GM’s Opel/Vauxhall brands. In addition, the coupe will supposedly be built in Malaysia by Proton, the current owner of Lotus, and will be sold as a Proton in domestic markets. The pics of the car are much clearer on this site, revealing details like a sloping glass hatch that displays the engine a la Ferrari.

En-Glaived · 08-04-2005, 11:48 AM

So what chasis is this using? The same as the Exige/Elise/Vauxhall/Opel (Dont the Vauxhall/Opel Speedsters use the same cahsis as the Elise/Exige? Maybe im talking out of my ass) If it is using that, how the hell is that gunna work? =P Or is it going to be an entirely new one?

ENDUROS · 08-04-2005, 11:56 AM

Why does Lotus keep using other manufacturer's engines? Are they not capable of producing a reliable engine? Just wondering.....

Rydiak · 08-04-2005, 01:06 PM

Lotus specializes in chassis, not engines. If they want to use engines from another manufacturer and keep making the best chassis on the planet it is fine by me.

mattgram · 08-04-2005, 01:10 PM

I have decided to get one of these used in about 3 yrs as my next ride. (for now) What a great track car this would be.

veritas · 08-04-2005, 04:37 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ENDUROS

Why does Lotus keep using other manufacturer's engines? Are they not capable of producing a reliable engine? Just wondering.....

They also specialize in optimizing other manufacturer's powerplants... Seeing how the Elise turned out, I don't think you should worry.

Santorican · 08-04-2005, 05:27 PM

This I read is going to be slotted above the Exige as a GT and not full on sports car like the Elise and Exige. I also read that they might be resurecting the name Europa from the past Lotus. And to answer another reason why Lotus doesn't build it's own engines is because it's always cheaper to outsource an engine rather than spend lots of money developing it in house.