Elise Gets 6 Appeal
oads Of Trouble, Usually Serious? That won't be the case with the next Lotus Elise - it will be powered by a paragon of reliability. Thanks to our network of top spies, Auto Express can exclusively reveal that the Norfolk firm is trialling a fleet of Elises fitted with 2.5-litre V6 Toyota Camry engines
Cars using the experimental powerplant have been spotted near Lotus's Hethel HQ, while further development vehicles are disguised behind Vauxhall VX220 bodywork - the two models are built side-by-side on the same production line. If the V6 gets the go-ahead, it could spell the end of plans to introduce a turbocharged Elise, as the performance will satisfy driving enthusiasts.
Lotus has also hinted that the car's bodywork could be restyled by the end of next year in a bid to move the range upmarket and rival the likes of the Porsche Boxster and TVR Tamora. The V6 is set to cost from ÂŁ30,000 and could be on sale by the end of 2003.
oads Of Trouble, Usually Serious? That won't be the case with the next Lotus Elise - it will be powered by a paragon of reliability. Thanks to our network of top spies, Auto Express can exclusively reveal that the Norfolk firm is trialling a fleet of Elises fitted with 2.5-litre V6 Toyota Camry engines
Cars using the experimental powerplant have been spotted near Lotus's Hethel HQ, while further development vehicles are disguised behind Vauxhall VX220 bodywork - the two models are built side-by-side on the same production line. If the V6 gets the go-ahead, it could spell the end of plans to introduce a turbocharged Elise, as the performance will satisfy driving enthusiasts.
Lotus has also hinted that the car's bodywork could be restyled by the end of next year in a bid to move the range upmarket and rival the likes of the Porsche Boxster and TVR Tamora. The V6 is set to cost from ÂŁ30,000 and could be on sale by the end of 2003.