![]() 08/16/2017 at 11:18 • Filed to: None | ![]() | ![]() |
Should Lotus buy the rights to use the new MX-5 platform to build a new Elan? Focus on getting it as light as possible, Offer it with a supercharged 2ZZ-GE and priced a bit above the 124 Abarth. Could be a mass mover for Lotus to help fund some more ambitious projects.
![]() 08/16/2017 at 11:25 |
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I can’t see them licensing a mazda platform to put a Toyota engine in it. They dont have the kind of money Fiat has to develop that, they’d likely use an existing Mazda or Fiat engine instead.
![]() 08/16/2017 at 11:27 |
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The 2ZZ isn’t going to happen, but maybe Toyota’s new 2.5 would work. Over 200hp NA.
![]() 08/16/2017 at 11:29 |
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I’d rather see the new Toyota 2.ot - 250ish hp and able to meet global emissions standards for several years in the future - with a 6-speed manual, ultra-lightweight body panels, ultra-light 16" wheels, and priced south of $50k. It’d sell a few hundred units a month.
![]() 08/16/2017 at 11:31 |
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I am not sure they would be able to meet their goals for weight, speed, and profit margins/price. After the Lotus SUV cash cow is out, I think this would be a good move, but not now. I think when the NE launches that would be good.
![]() 08/16/2017 at 11:31 |
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With 2 Miatas already a 3rd would just saturate the market.
![]() 08/16/2017 at 11:32 |
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Proper Lotuses are made of plastic light weight composite materials! No steel unibody will do. Hrmph!
![]() 08/16/2017 at 11:32 |
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actually, had a second thought, they should be licensing the FR-s/BRZ and going to town on that. They won’t even need to change the engine, just tune it up a bit cut out the weight and built it for hardcore track usage.
![]() 08/16/2017 at 11:35 |
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And the teacher becomes the student :)
(I’ll bet Fiat would kibosh that deal though...)
![]() 08/16/2017 at 11:43 |
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Main reason I went with the Miata, is because the original NA was a spiritual successor of the Elan.
![]() 08/16/2017 at 11:47 |
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I picked the 2zz mainly because it’s still being used in the Elise. Trying to go with what parts could be shared between their lineup to cut costs.
![]() 08/16/2017 at 11:49 |
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Wow, had no clue Toyota still produced that engine.
![]() 08/16/2017 at 11:55 |
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Not sure if it’s still in production or if lotus just has a bunch around still. I’m pretty sure Lotus is the only company still using it.
![]() 08/16/2017 at 12:40 |
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I’m pretty sure that 2011 was the last year for the 2ZZ in the Elise, and that was only for the US. I believe they are using the 1ZR and 2ZR engines now.
![]() 08/16/2017 at 12:52 |
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You are correct, I was just skimming Wikipedia at the time. Looks like it was discontinued in 2011