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US Elise coming w/ 180hp toyota motor a SMG tranny!

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J

JBsC5

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Elise coming to America early in 2004 as '05 model.

It will be a new Mk3 Eleise with a single piece front and rear clamshell opening as on the 95 to 2000 mk 1 car.

Toyota's 180 hp Celica motor will enable this car to hit 0 to 60mph in 4.5 seconds. Top speed 154 mph.

the Mk 3 is necessary b/c of the existing mk2 models sixteen piee front end can't meet federal crash standards

All of this is according to Automobile magazine page 27 or 28..

Should be a cool ride if its priced right..

Just shooting the breeze for american Lotus enthusiasts..
 
That rev happy Toyota motor would be a good match for the light Elise.
 
I'm sorry no prices mentioned or photos..yet!
 
Yes the Toyota motor will be sweet, as long as they change the trans gearing so that it stay's on the sweet side of the cam when shifting..( That's one of the few complaints with the Celica GTS right now.. You need to get over redline to keep on the cam for the next gear..)
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Here in the Detroit suberbs we already have a UK car specialist importing Elises into the US from Germany, I've seen 3 on the road, all from the same dealer, AutoEurope. Don't know how well they're selling as they had a 60k price tag on them. The English Managing Director of Lotus USA wasn't happy with them but Lotus have no jurisdiction over them. The Mk1 is still my favourite for looks but the Mk2 handles superbly, I managed to persuade said MD of Lotus USA to take me for a blast round our local track on an open day about 16 months ago in his Mk2... I still wake up with a smile on my face!
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Yes that would be fun.. Pick me..Pick me..
 
Sounds like it should be priced with the Honda S2000 and a little less than a Boxter .. any more and it might not be a seller.
 
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