Truths and Misconceptions about the M100 Elan

[AV8NDOC]

Enough posting in threads made by users whose sole purpose is to torment others and add nothing to the thread.

This thread is for information about the M100 Elan and nothing else.

Mods, please remove any post without appropriate questions, information, or retort to the TOPIC!

[AV8NDOC]

recall this car was first made in 1989, just prior to the launch of the Mazda MX5; car-making was a bit different back then than it is these days.

interesting things about the M100:

- greater than 100BHP/litre
- highest torsional rigidity ever in a convertible
- first production car to use 45 profile tires
- the most comprehensive/thorough design and testing/proving of the car by Lotus ever
- bits from more brands and car-makers thrown into it than I can count on one hand
- very low drag coefficient
- very steep rake of windscreen
- patented front suspension to address handling and torque steer
- styled by Peter Stephens, who styled the McLaren F1

these are some off the top of my head--maybe I'll ammend some more when I have more time to think about it.

[goelise]

Why use 'rafts' on the front suspension? Looks interesting. So the front suspension arms are actually bolted to this?

[Enright13]

So that the whole raft could be mounted to the main chassis via specially designed pliable bushes. These negated the torque steer problem while still maintaining "compliance". This improved the softness and suppleness of the ride, allowing the suspension to do it's job rather than simply transferring every vibration through to the main chassis and in turn, the driver.

Yes that's right, they are.

[Clown feet]

A few of the Elan engines have exceeded 300,000 miles without any major work having to be undertaken.
Pic of engine -



Rolling chassis -

[babak]

A couple questions, how is the torque steer between the NA and turbo cars? From what I understand it is essentially infinitely repairable due to the Isuzu parts but trim pieces are an issue right?

[wallabyguy]

Originally Posted by babak

A couple questions, how is the torque steer between the NA and turbo cars? From what I understand it is essentially infinitely repairable due to the Isuzu parts but trim pieces are an issue right?

Tourqe steer was virtually eliminated. It really is a great drive. ALmost too easy to drive actually.

the isuzu parts are still easily obtainable since they were used in everything from the Impulse to the Stylus to the GEO Storm. That said, trim and body parts are becoming harder to get.

[AV8NDOC]

agree with above.

local isuzu dealer or online for parts

Lotus does not support the car at all but we have been systematically tracking down subcontractors and part sources. This is also the time when it is good to have parts shared by other cars, as it gives more sources for the parts.

We also have some gifted Elan owners who have produced parts from trim pieces in CF, to rollbars, to a full CF Hardtop!

Lotus does factory re-trims at Hethel which look beautiful and they will do them to your specifications . . .

[JLSELISE]

Originally Posted by Clown feet

A few of the Elan engines have exceeded 300,000 miles without any major work having to be undertaken.
Pic of engine -



Rolling chassis -

Fantastic pic of the chassis--the first time I've seen one "revealed"--thanks for posting!
Another point that I don't think has been mentioned is that it was pretty well assumed at the time that the follow-on car to the M100 was going to be an AWD version with upwards of 300 BHP--a sure WRX/STI beater . As the bare chassis shows, the FWD platform is a ideal starting point for such a car. But, alas, the up and down fortunes of Lotus and the disappointing sales of the M100 in the U.S. made that car (another) still-born concept.

[LotusElanM100]

Originally Posted by JLSELISE

Fantastic pic of the chassis--the first time I've seen one "revealed"--thanks for posting!
Another point that I don't think has been mentioned is that it was pretty well assumed at the time that the follow-on car to the M100 was going to be an AWD version with upwards of 300 BHP--a sure WRX/STI beater . As the bare chassis shows, the FWD platform is a ideal starting point for such a car. But, alas, the up and down fortunes of Lotus and the disappointing sales of the M100 in the U.S. made that car (another) still-born concept.

Yes, and the Isuzu Impulse (same power train) did use the AWD set-up and I am sure it would have been in the works for the Elan (or at least a thought)

[Clown feet]

Alledgedly the rear suspension setup was designed with this in mind.

[babak]

Originally Posted by AV8NDOC

Lotus does factory re-trims at Hethel which look beautiful and they will do them to your specifications . . .

By re-trim you mean you send them your piece and they redo the finish/trim? Kind of like sending in an engine core?

[mopho]

Originally Posted by Clown feet

Alledgedly the rear suspension setup was designed with this in mind.

pretty amazing in how much it resembles the rear suspension on my 40yo Elan

[AV8NDOC]

Originally Posted by babak

By re-trim you mean you send them your piece and they redo the finish/trim? Kind of like sending in an engine core?

Like this, for example

you drop off the car and they do it--or you could send in your seats or door cards and they send them back done

[mopho]

How did they build in a side impact crash structure onto the backbone chassis?

[JLSELISE]

Originally Posted by mopho

pretty amazing in how much it resembles the rear suspension on my 40yo Elan

As they say, why re-invent the (light weight) wheel ?

As for side impact protection: see Kiyoshi's post below.

[khamai]

Originally Posted by mopho

How did they build in a side impact crash structure onto the backbone chassis?

Hi Morgan,

There was quite a bit of side impact protection. There's a sill beam and uprights on the front and rear of the door opening. These were tied to the main backbone with crossbeams behind and fore (through the dash and windscreen) the passenger compartment. Then there was a door beam that tied the door-surround uprights.

Check out the chassis diagrams on the GGLC website -
http://gglotus.org/ggtech/m100-lcu-manual/m100lcu.htm

Cheers,
Kiyoshi

[Geordie]

So this is where you're hiding! It's good to see you've found a quiet place to continue the informed discussions, long may it be that way.

Merry Christmas and here's wishing you all a prosperous New Year.

Geoff

[lotustt]

Originally Posted by AV8NDOC

Like this, for example

you drop off the car and they do it--or you could send in your seats or door cards and they send them back done

Looks fantastic!

[AV8NDOC]

I'm sure it's true for any Lotus, if you want the factory will do retrims. Any colour, any stitching, any piping, embroidery, etc. There are more fantastic jobs on Elans too. I'd expect Elise seats would be much easier for any upholstry place to do since they are more elementary.