Lotus Cars USA / Factory Supercharger

[fan_f1]

I have some news that I thought it best to pass on:

I just got off the telephone with Lotus Cars USA inquiring about Elise Warranty Issues. During said conversation, we spoke about the Victory By Design program on Speed, etc. I then went for it:


Fan_F1:

Are you to offer a twin screw blower anytime soon?

LCUSA:

I wish we could, however at this time, I am going to have to say NO to the Elise and POSSIBLY for an upcoming Federal version of the Exige.

Fan_F1:

Please elaborate.

LCUSA:

Unfortunetly, the Elise just does not have enough room shy of taking off the engine cover for the extra plumbing. Thus, the Exige is an option if warranted.

Fan_F1:

OK, thank you.

LCUSA:

Cherrio...

[Stormy320]

Heard the same thing from them too.

Sorry guys...

[MyElise]

Originally Posted by fan_f1

Unfortunetly, the Elise just does not have enough room shy of taking off the engine cover for the extra plumbing.

Translation by Babel Fish:

Unfortunately, we cannot, at this time, risk the success of the introduction of the "not for bling" Exige scheduled for late 2006. Therefore, we will leave all of you Elise owners to find more power for yourselves in the aftermarket even though it will virtually assure the development of systems more sophisticated than what we will offer, at significantly lower prices. Happy Holidays from everyone at Lotus.

[keith86a]

It was obvious that the 240R supercharger wouldnt fit in the elise. Why did you guys think they would design a new system for the elise? I think it was pretty obvious that they wouldnt

[Andrikos]

And that makes Hass and Brett that much happier...

[JWA]

Originally Posted by keith86a

It was obvious that the 240R supercharger wouldnt fit in the elise. Why did you guys think they would design a new system for the elise? I think it was pretty obvious that they wouldnt

Everyone thought that too until they released the "Circuit Car", which offeres the supercharger sitting underneath the flat bodywork where our trunk pan is. No fit problems, a developed product, and their largest potential customer base. That seems pretty obvious to me .

[Dave]

Originally Posted by MyElise

Translation by Babel Fish:

Unfortunately, we cannot, at this time, risk the success of the introduction of the "not for bling" Exige scheduled for late 2006. Therefore, we will leave all of you Elise owners to find more power for yourselves in the aftermarket even though it will virtually assure the development of systems more sophisticated than what we will offer, at significantly lower prices. Happy Holidays from everyone at Lotus.

You hit that nail square on the head.

[wallabyguy]

It's true, sort of. The Elise cannot accept the 240R supercharger because of the configuration of the intercooler. The Exige, of course, can. So could the new Europa (hint, hint) if it had the toyota powerplant. The Elise could have a supercharger but would either have to utilize different intercooler configuration or would have to make due without one. Any endevour would require 12-124 months for federal approval.

[sleepless]

Sounds like the intercooler fitment is *not* the issue. FF, Hass and Lotus have clearly shown that an intercooler can be made to fit in the Elise.

[scottyb]

I think the true issue is that Lotus isn't willing to have the Elise outperform an Exige. MyElise is spot on.

[thegit]

Originally Posted by Andrikos

And that makes Hass and Brett that much happier...

What might make 'em a titch happier yet is that UK exige 240R buyers expecting delivery have discovered that some glitches with the DBW system have delayed deliveries.

That may mean that any other DBW equipped car as yet undelivered may also be delayed (Pure speculation on my part)
m

[_JD_]

Originally Posted by wallabyguy

It's true, sort of. The Elise cannot accept the 240R supercharger because of the configuration of the intercooler. The Exige, of course, can. So could the new Europa (hint, hint) if it had the toyota powerplant. The Elise could have a supercharger but would either have to utilize different intercooler configuration or would have to make due without one. Any endevour would require 12-124 months for federal approval.

I don't understand. Why would Lotus develop the Europa with the Vauxhaul motor if they are planning to offer the supercharged Toyota lump?

[evomind]

awww, what happened to the people who posted that the supercharger was "right around the corner" and their dealer was getting them "in a couple of weeks?"
haha.
someone better let the 300 some odd ppl who are on a lotus factory supercharger list know the bad news.

[JWA]

Originally Posted by _JD_

I don't understand. Why would Lotus develop the Europa with the Vauxhaul motor if they are planning to offer the supercharged Toyota lump?

Go read some of the Europa threads for more explaination, but the gist of it is that that car was developed ot be a Proton but Protin backed out so Lotus decided to release it.

[ivan1]

Originally Posted by evomind

awww, what happened to the people who posted that the supercharger was "right around the corner" and their dealer was getting them "in a couple of weeks?"
haha.
someone better let the 300 some odd ppl who are on a lotus factory supercharger list know the bad news.

I wouldnt give up on the possibility based on what Lotus says - we know their statements have not always been accurate in the past

[RacyTracy]

Originally Posted by evomind

someone better let the 300 some odd ppl who are on a lotus factory supercharger list know the bad news.

We're not THAT odd......

[Eyelise]

I agree that the main issue is maintaining a performance edge for the Exige. It is the same reason Porsche has been reluctant to explore the limits of the Boxster/Cayman platform. They can't have it compete with the 911. I bet the Exige will get it in a year or so. It has to to warrant the price tag and compete with the C6, 911, Viper, etc...

[perryeyges]

Lotus designed the 240R S/C engine for the Exige. It was easier to mount the I/C on top of the engine for installation times and to keep the engine out of the Elise in its current configuration. The tuners will MAKE it happen in a more custom manner and all will be happy. Lotus understands that tuners generate interest in their cars. It makes for healthy relationships.
Lotus will offer the S/C motor in the US but in a VERY limited run and for race purposes only(as in non street legal). If you want one you better call Mark Starr @ HRM ASAP! Tell him Perry sent you...

[evomind]

ok perryeyges,
the question is WHEN and HOW MUCH.
racytracy.......ur all odd.