Lotus to get M5 V8?
04-13-2004, 09:46 AM
#1
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Lotus to get M5 V8? From:
http://www.autocarmagazine.com/news_...p?na_id=207749
http://www.autocarmagazine.com/news_...p?na_id=207749
M5's engine could power next Esprit
The next Lotus Esprit is tipped to use one of Autocar’s favourite engines of recent years: BMW’s firecracker V8 from the recently departed M5 saloon (right).
Senior-placed sources have confirmed that Hethel is considering the 4.9-litre lump from the outgoing E39 5-series. Lotus had previously been linked with Toyota, following the deal to supply the Celica engine for the latest Elise 111R.
In BMW’s application, the V8 developed 400bhp and 369lb ft of torque. Lotus is considering a forced induction system to raise outputs further and has proven experience from turbocharging the previous Esprit.
Following the classic supercar formula, the V8 will be mounted longitudinally amidships in the Esprit’s extruded aluminium chassis, driving the rear wheels. The car’s modern, wedgy shape was first revealed in our scoop on 3 February.
The current Esprit ceased production this spring and its successor – tipped to carry a different name – will be launched in 2006. Priced at around £75,000, it will rival supercars such as the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari 360 Modena and Lamborghini Gallardo.
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The next Lotus Esprit is tipped to use one of Autocar’s favourite engines of recent years: BMW’s firecracker V8 from the recently departed M5 saloon (right).
Senior-placed sources have confirmed that Hethel is considering the 4.9-litre lump from the outgoing E39 5-series. Lotus had previously been linked with Toyota, following the deal to supply the Celica engine for the latest Elise 111R.
In BMW’s application, the V8 developed 400bhp and 369lb ft of torque. Lotus is considering a forced induction system to raise outputs further and has proven experience from turbocharging the previous Esprit.
Following the classic supercar formula, the V8 will be mounted longitudinally amidships in the Esprit’s extruded aluminium chassis, driving the rear wheels. The car’s modern, wedgy shape was first revealed in our scoop on 3 February.
The current Esprit ceased production this spring and its successor – tipped to carry a different name – will be launched in 2006. Priced at around £75,000, it will rival supercars such as the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari 360 Modena and Lamborghini Gallardo.
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04-13-2004, 02:20 PM
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Actualy I think the article is saying they're putting some sort of a blower on top of the BMW M5 motor. Personally I'm wondering why they would use this motor since it's going out of production soon...
04-13-2004, 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by JBsC5
I had read its a Toyota V8 for the next Lotus but thanks for the headsup..
-Adam
04-13-2004, 08:15 PM
#6
Originally Posted by Joe DIESO
That's odd, going from a V6 twin turbo to a V8 n/a. Like a whole new ball game. I bet they're going to redesign every little part of that Lotus, hopefully it stays as exotic.
The current Esprit is actually a V8 TT. Pretty bad *** motor, those cars are quick as hell.
04-13-2004, 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by BAD *** TA WS6
The current Esprit is actually a V8 TT. Pretty bad *** motor, those cars are quick as hell.
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04-14-2004, 09:28 PM
#9
Originally Posted by Adam Bruce
...and the V8 TT was a fairly recent addition as the car began as a Turbo 4 Cylinder.
04-14-2004, 09:48 PM
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Originally Posted by BAD *** TA WS6
Yep, I happen to be interested in Lotus as a whole. That was until they decided to use the Celica's 4 banger in the US version of the Elise
I look at the Elise as Penance.-Adam
04-15-2004, 08:59 AM
#11
The Elise has a really nice base, the car is ver very very light, handles like a dream and the power vs. pound ratio is nice (dont look @ the total power, look at the weight as well).
With more and more motor upgrades coming out the Elise should be blistering fast.
With more and more motor upgrades coming out the Elise should be blistering fast.
04-15-2004, 09:08 AM
#12
Just a little info for people who don't think too highly of the Lotus Elise platform.
190 hp @ 7,800 rpm
138 trq @ 6,800 rpm
6 speed manual
0-60 in 4.7
1/4 mile in 13.6
Total weight is UNDER 2000 pounds!
The car is made to race, that's stock trim guys, guess what happens when add another 150-200 horsepower. You have a jet.
190 hp @ 7,800 rpm
138 trq @ 6,800 rpm
6 speed manual
0-60 in 4.7
1/4 mile in 13.6
Total weight is UNDER 2000 pounds!
The car is made to race, that's stock trim guys, guess what happens when add another 150-200 horsepower. You have a jet.
04-18-2004, 11:03 AM
#14
I like the Elise. The current engine is from Toyota, and it can rev to the moon. It's a well designed car. It's weight is low, and that's good. Another car I like that you don't hear much about is the TVR Tuscan and the TVR Sagaris. It's a British car, but it has a 400 horse engine in it. Here's their link, if you don't know who they are:
http://www.tvr-eng.co.uk/tvr.htm
http://www.tvr-eng.co.uk/tvr.htm
04-18-2004, 09:18 PM
#15
The Elise has been out in europe for some time now, don't try and tell me I'm uneducated, I've gotten to know the car pretty well
It's a true performer over there, those cars are kick ***! I do not think too highly of Toyotas current 4 banger. However, Lotus had a choice of many engines, and they went with the Toyota for a reason. These cars have been available for a little while in the US, but could only be used on the track.
TVRs are amazing cars, the speed 12 is possibly one of the coolest cars in the world, IMO anyways.
It's a true performer over there, those cars are kick ***! I do not think too highly of Toyotas current 4 banger. However, Lotus had a choice of many engines, and they went with the Toyota for a reason. These cars have been available for a little while in the US, but could only be used on the track.
TVRs are amazing cars, the speed 12 is possibly one of the coolest cars in the world, IMO anyways.