Elise full convertible - LotusTalk

ChrisH · 12-23-2004, 10:44 PM

Would you prefer this body style? I like a full convertible.

raggedy1 · 12-23-2004, 10:49 PM

nah, i like the "sails" myself...

not bad though...

Lotus F1 · 12-23-2004, 11:37 PM

That looks scarily close to a MR2

gotapex · 12-24-2004, 12:30 AM

Thought I wouldn't like it, but that chop looks far better than I had anticipated. I do like the normal look better, but that's not too shabby.

ChrisH · 12-24-2004, 12:42 AM

Here is the pre-chop picture.

gotapex · 12-24-2004, 01:01 AM

I think part of the reason it looks acceptable is because that upper line on the Elise looks so good. It has the same sort of hourglass curves as the 360 Spider.

James A · 12-24-2004, 06:09 AM

I like it, add a roll bar back in and I think you have something. The nice thing about the Elise chassis is you can do anything you want with the body and it doesn't effect the chassis.

peck555 · 12-25-2004, 10:59 AM

looks nice I've always prefered a full convertible too.

Allan Gibbs · 12-25-2004, 11:56 AM

If Lotus offered an Exige and full convertible, that would be interesting. But, some things to consider with a full convertible:

1. We probably loose roll over protection if it will be like the image.

2. Would a full convertible have less structural rigidity due to missing the roll bar section and roof?

3. Would it be heavier because Lotus would have to increase the A-pillars strength to compensate for no roof?

ChrisB · 12-25-2004, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Allan Gibbs
If Lotus offered an Exige and full convertible, that would be interesting. But, some things to consider with a full convertible:

1. We probably loose roll over protection if it will be like the image.

2. Would a full convertible have less structural rigidity due to missing the roll bar section and roof?

3. Would it be heavier because Lotus would have to increase the A-pillars strength to compensate for no roof?

I'm only guessing, but since the windshield frame and the roof provide no structural strength. losing the roll bar might well affect the torsional rigidity and longitudinal bending rigidity (due to the loss of the roll bar supports, as well).

Adding the roll bar back in to the full convertible isn't far off from the original S1 which didn't have the roll bar cover, had a removable back window and only the lower portion of the sail panels.

Keith · 12-25-2004, 02:52 PM

I would have to agree with A Gibbs on all 3 points. The only good thing I see is improved visibility with the top down in daily traffic - no more nasty blind spots.

ChrisH · 12-25-2004, 05:01 PM

I simply didn't put in a roll bar because I couldn't make one realistic enough in photoshop in the time I had that night. Of course, you would need one for at least safety reasons, and possibly for chassis rigidity reasons. But, it could be something inconspicuous where it is visible, like the small rollbar humps behind each seat's headrest that many other cars have.

The bigger problem is how to make the soft top that can either come on/off or up/down easily and still be water tight. There isn't much space between the seats and the engine. Making a rear clamshell without the upper portion shouldn't be hard. The gas fill tube would have to be relocated a bit - maybe just a vertical tube with the gas cap horizontally mounted (is that legal?). However, I think these are all solvable problems. After all, it has been done on so many other small cars. I have been thinking about some concepts, particularly for the top. I should start by looking more closely at other convertible small cars. I wouldn't bother with a powered top - just removable or manual up/down.

Ryno · 12-26-2004, 03:02 PM

I like our version as I'm sure Adamant did before you cut his top off.

Allan Gibbs · 12-26-2004, 03:36 PM

I think a soft top is possible. The 360 Modena is able to fit a top back their even though the engine is very close. My guess is it would probably go were in the areas where the storage net currently is. As for roll bars, they may decide to go without it a la Miata.

rob · 12-26-2004, 04:38 PM

I've owned a convertible before. To me, the Elise is close enough to being a full convertible that I do not think I would miss not having a full convertible. As I recall, it was better than my Mustang for airflow up through 100mph - my Mustang was only good for about 65 or so and then you get beaten to death by the wind.

Anyone else feel the same way?

Sownman · 12-26-2004, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ChrisH
Would you prefer this body style? I like a full convertible.

I think adamant is gonna be really pissed when he comes out and sees what you've done to his car.

Steve

Keith · 12-26-2004, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rob
As I recall, it was better than my Mustang for airflow up through 100mph - my Mustang was only good for about 65 or so and then you get beaten to death by the wind.

Anyone else feel the same way?

Yeah I think the Elise's rear window acts similar to a windblocker.
I have owned both the M1 and M2 MX-5 cars and you do get buffed around a lot with the top down. I got the wind blocker on the M2 Miata and it helps a little. I will compare the two after the Elise arrives.

adamant · 12-27-2004, 08:13 AM

Hey... What the.. LOL

It would certainly add some rearward visibility, but I'll keep mine just the way it is....

GMorel1916 · 12-30-2004, 04:27 PM

I just bought an Elise convertible at the mall today.

Top up:

GMorel1916 · 12-30-2004, 04:29 PM

Top down:

12-23-2004, 10:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
ChrisH Mountain Road Nut Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ramona,CA Posts: 2,320	Elise full convertible Would you prefer this body style? I like a full convertible. Attached Images

12-24-2004, 12:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
gotapex Perpetual Wait Lister Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 528	Thought I wouldn't like it, but that chop looks far better than I had anticipated. I do like the normal look better, but that's not too shabby. __________________ http://www.nobleforums.com Black/Black, sports, touring, hard top. Ordered, but delivery took 1.5 years too long.

12-24-2004, 12:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
ChrisH Mountain Road Nut Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ramona,CA Posts: 2,320	Here is the pre-chop picture. Attached Images

12-24-2004, 01:01 AM	#6 (permalink)
gotapex Perpetual Wait Lister Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 528	I think part of the reason it looks acceptable is because that upper line on the Elise looks so good. It has the same sort of hourglass curves as the 360 Spider. __________________ http://www.nobleforums.com Black/Black, sports, touring, hard top. Ordered, but delivery took 1.5 years too long.

12-24-2004, 06:09 AM	#7 (permalink)
James A Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 1,492 Images: 1	I like it, add a roll bar back in and I think you have something. The nice thing about the Elise chassis is you can do anything you want with the body and it doesn't effect the chassis. Last edited by James A : 12-25-2004 at 11:09 AM.

12-23-2004, 10:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
raggedy1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: belmont Posts: 3,824	nah, i like the "sails" myself... not bad though...

12-23-2004, 11:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
Lotus F1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Fantasy Island New York Posts: 3,850	That looks scarily close to a MR2

12-25-2004, 10:59 AM	#8 (permalink)
peck555 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: White Plains N.Y. Posts: 2,438	looks nice I've always prefered a full convertible too. __________________ Laser blue,biscuit, micro mirror, "Blue knob" ,HID lights,modded rear lights,rear badge,blue starter button, replaced speakers,perma grin, Club111 The Sith lord of the LB's loyal henchman

12-25-2004, 11:56 AM	#9 (permalink)
Allan Gibbs Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Glendale, CA (formerly Gilbert, AZ) Posts: 5,436	If Lotus offered an Exige and full convertible, that would be interesting. But, some things to consider with a full convertible: 1. We probably loose roll over protection if it will be like the image. 2. Would a full convertible have less structural rigidity due to missing the roll bar section and roof? 3. Would it be heavier because Lotus would have to increase the A-pillars strength to compensate for no roof?

12-25-2004, 02:52 PM	#11 (permalink)
Keith Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 379	I would have to agree with A Gibbs on all 3 points. The only good thing I see is improved visibility with the top down in daily traffic - no more nasty blind spots. __________________ * Feb 03, 2005 - Nightfall Blue, Starshield, Clear Shield, Multivex, CG Lock, RTD Brace, microMirror, Pagid RS-14 pads, air horn *

12-25-2004, 05:01 PM	#12 (permalink)
ChrisH Mountain Road Nut Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ramona,CA Posts: 2,320	I simply didn't put in a roll bar because I couldn't make one realistic enough in photoshop in the time I had that night. Of course, you would need one for at least safety reasons, and possibly for chassis rigidity reasons. But, it could be something inconspicuous where it is visible, like the small rollbar humps behind each seat's headrest that many other cars have. The bigger problem is how to make the soft top that can either come on/off or up/down easily and still be water tight. There isn't much space between the seats and the engine. Making a rear clamshell without the upper portion shouldn't be hard. The gas fill tube would have to be relocated a bit - maybe just a vertical tube with the gas cap horizontally mounted (is that legal?). However, I think these are all solvable problems. After all, it has been done on so many other small cars. I have been thinking about some concepts, particularly for the top. I should start by looking more closely at other convertible small cars. I wouldn't bother with a powered top - just removable or manual up/down.

12-26-2004, 03:02 PM	#13 (permalink)
Ryno Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 141	I like our version as I'm sure Adamant did before you cut his top off.

12-26-2004, 03:36 PM	#14 (permalink)
Allan Gibbs Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Glendale, CA (formerly Gilbert, AZ) Posts: 5,436	I think a soft top is possible. The 360 Modena is able to fit a top back their even though the engine is very close. My guess is it would probably go were in the areas where the storage net currently is. As for roll bars, they may decide to go without it a la Miata.

12-26-2004, 04:38 PM	#15 (permalink)
rob Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Reston, VA Posts: 409	I've owned a convertible before. To me, the Elise is close enough to being a full convertible that I do not think I would miss not having a full convertible. As I recall, it was better than my Mustang for airflow up through 100mph - my Mustang was only good for about 65 or so and then you get beaten to death by the wind. Anyone else feel the same way?

12-27-2004, 08:13 AM	#18 (permalink)
adamant Time to DRIVE Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 1,313 Images: 2	Hey... What the.. LOL It would certainly add some rearward visibility, but I'll keep mine just the way it is.... __________________ 2006 Exige Chrome Orange

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12-30-2004, 04:27 PM	#19 (permalink)
GMorel1916 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Saint Albans, WV Posts: 218	I just bought an Elise convertible at the mall today. Top up: Attached Images __________________ Exige comin!!!

12-30-2004, 04:29 PM	#20 (permalink)
GMorel1916 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Saint Albans, WV Posts: 218	Top down: Attached Images __________________ Exige comin!!!