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Lotus Prepares New V6 Elise! Lotus is secretly developing a high-performance V6-powered Elise to replace the current four-cylinder line-up in 2001.
Tightening emission regulations mean time is running out for the existing 1.8-litre K-Series unit. Lotus must find a suitable successor if it is to continue building its best-seller. Insiders say the 148bhp 2.0-litre
Rover V6 currently looks favourite, as it is both compact and light.
The car, which is expected to debut at the British Motor Show, sports a heavily revised look that sees the distinctive bonnet vents smoothed
off and the rear lengthened. In addition, the track has been widened, with Lotus 'borrowing back' suspension parts from the bigger Opel/Vauxhall VX220 with which the Elise shares a chassis. Performance would be
considerably improved. Even in standard form, the V6 Elise would hit 60mph in 5.3 seconds - just as fast as the tuned 111S. Modifying the engine could take power well over 200bhp, lifting the top speed to more than
150mph and offering sub-0-60mph sprints of less than 5.0 seconds. |
