Lotus Unveils Elise "Circuit Car"

[BMWDave]

Lotus Unveils Elise "Circuit Car"
Date Posted 06-16-2005
Link

DULUTH, Ga. ? Lotus Cars has introduced a lightweight, open-top variant of its Elise, designed specifically for track-day and club-racing events.

The company describes the so-called Circuit Car as an extension of founder Colin Chapman's philosophy of "performance through light weight." The aluminum chassis and composite body panels contribute to the car's sub-1,200 pounds.

The standard engine is a 190-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder that delivers 0-to-60-mph acceleration in less than 4 seconds. Lotus also will offer a supercharged option, said to be good for 0-to-100-mph acceleration in 9 seconds.

The company plans to build about 100 units a year at its headquarters in Hethel, England, beginning in December. Price has not been announced. The standard Elise carries a sticker of $43,860.

What this means to you: As if the standard Elise wasn't already the perfect weekend racer, now you have a choice to go for an even more serious Lotus track car.

[giant_mtb]

:o  :o   What do you think?  55K? 60K? No more then 70K...

[BMWDave]

:o  :o   What do you think?  55K? 60K? No more then 70K...

This thing is the ultimate lightweight car...its insane...it weighs about 700 pounds less than a regular, already light, Elise.  I think it would costs about 65-70K.

[TBR]

:o  :o   What do you think?  55K? 60K? No more then 70K...

This thing is the ultimate lightweight car...its insane...it weighs about 700 pounds less than a regular, already light, Elise.  I think it would costs about 65-70K.

And it would be worth every penny.  

[BMWDave]

:o? :o?  What do you think?? 55K? 60K? No more then 70K...

This thing is the ultimate lightweight car...its insane...it weighs about 700 pounds less than a regular, already light, Elise.  I think it would costs about 65-70K.

And it would be worth every penny.

For sure.

[Raza]

At 1200 pounds, if they sell this thing for 80K it would be the ultimate racer.