Lotus to make 4cyl engine

  • Thread starter Thread starter Moot
  • 10 comments
  • 1,272 views
Messages
825
The word is Lotus are planning to split their V8 562bhp engine into a 4cyl for other cars in their range, possibly the new 2014 Elise. A 2.4 seems way to big for an Elise, but apparently the engine is compact and light, makes it's top power at 9000rpm, could be good for upto 280bhp.
I don't see the need for an Elise that powerful myself. But I suppose they will be charging more money for their cars soon.
 
Give it the Ariel Atom's engine and we are good to go.
 
You mean a Honda 2 liter?
Whatever happened to the Cobalt's supercharged 2 liter? I guess they stopped using them when they ended production. Sucks, because that engine was pretty serious.
 
More power to go along with more weight?

I'm going to assume (given the condition of the rest of Lotus) that the new Elise will be considerably heavier and a 180 hp motor wouldn't cut it for a heavier track car.
 
You mean a Honda 2 liter?

Nah, the 500hp one that only weighs in at 90kg. Thing is, how well would it preform on 950kg of car instead of 560kg of F1 go-kart.
 
I'm confused, are they gonna make a V4 out of a V8 or will they just go with a inline 4 as usual?
 
Whatever happened to the Cobalt's supercharged 2 liter? I guess they stopped using them when they ended production. Sucks, because that engine was pretty serious.

The Elise/Exige has only ever had the Rover K-series or Toyota ZZ engine. The Vauxhall VX220/Opel Speedster built for them by Lotus used The GM lump (in turbocharged not supercharged form) is that what you're thinking of?

Or maybe you're thinking of the short-lived Europa which also used that engine? It wasn't well liked as a power plant in any of those cars, and probably isn't upto modern emissions standards these days anyhow. Having said that, i'd doubt that their V8 (or half of it) would be either, which is why this news surprises me a little.
 
Back