For the first time! Lotus to federalize and sell Elise here Replacing Espirit !

[JBsC5]

LOTUS ELISE TO U.S.
After a long delay since its late-1990s introduction in Europe, Lotus Cars
USA says it will federalize and import the teeny Elise two-seat roadster
to the U.S. in 2003, according to reports from AutoWeek magazine. Lotus
Cars USA CEO Arnie Johnson told the weekly that the Elise will sport a
120-hp engine and will cost $38,500 when it goes on sale in the States.
The Elise will replace the Esprit, which ends a decades-long run in the
same year.

 

[Basil]

I could see trading the Miata! That Elise looks like it would be a blast! I remember in High School I lusted after the Eurpoa. The Elise inspires a similar reaction

BAsil

 

[William]

I just read something about that on another car related forum, and figured it was another rumor. So this is true? Not that I would consider trading, as I am certainly in no position to buy a second car.
-Wm.

 

[aeronca65t]

Here's the "Autoweek" link to the story (I also listed it on the "antique lotus?" thread a couple of days ago)

https://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carnews&loc_code=&content_code=07436823

 

[JBsC5]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Basil:
I could see trading the Miata! That Elise looks like it would be a blast! I remember in High School I lusted after the Eurpoa. The Elise inspires a similar reaction

BAsil<hr></blockquote>
Cy, this is really nuts..You and I both have red C5's..I've had a miata..and when I was a lot younger..back in 68 or 1969...I lusted for the europa...LMAO

I think the elise will be an absolute blast..

I wonder if the motor wont be a GM sourced unit from the Vauxall vx 220?

I also would wonder if the GM version of the elise will be federalized for sale here..

Theres been rumors of the GM version coming to market here but the price of the GM version would be somewhat high..

In europe they are about to bring the Vauxall version with a turbo charged motor on line..

In reading the autoweek about the new lotus coming to the US..they mention slightly softer springs..

Could they have come from the Vauxall version?

Lots of excitment in the Lotus arena..I really think the true sports car fanatic will just have to add this to their collection..

The elise is an amazing concept that is truly along the lines of what the Great Colin Chapman always believed in..

I really look foward to this!