[Tripledigits]

Has there been any word on how the 300 LSS options will be distributed this year? I haven't seen any threads on how it will be done.

Clyde - thanks for keeping us up to date on things.

Jeff Brauch

 

[Sownman]

What's an LSS option ? Why 300 ?

Steve

 

[Randy Chase]

LSS = Lotus Sports Suspension. There are a lot of threads discussing what it is. Mainly, 1" wider front rims, differet tyres, different springs and struts, adjustable front bar, adjustable ride height, and a different alignment.

Basically, it is the stuff for competition use. Lotus has purchasing agreements to buy enough bits for 300 cars for the next year's build. We do not know if they can (and will) get more if 400 orders for the LSS option are placed.

 

[adamant]

Yes, but *NO-ONE* wants LSS as it is SO STIFF it is really for track use only. It will be terrible on the streets. Very few cars will be ordered with it, so 300 will be plenty.

 

[rtking]

I had read elsewhere that Lotus had significantly softened the US Elise's suspension to accomodate our "uneven roads." So I might imagine that the hard-core enthusiast might want the LSS to tighten-up the suspension for track duty.

As for me, I have had my share of "kidney-busting" rides. (My Mustang SVO is set-up for track duty.) I would like the wider front wheel, but I can purchase that separately. I most likely won't buy the LSS because I want a car that I can run through the canyons, but also take my girlfriend on a pleasant cruise up Pacific Coast Highway with.

I suspect that the Elises without the LSS will be almost as capable as the cars with the LSS. The demo I drove (with the Euro suspension) wasn't overly stiff, but a lot of road harshness did come through the chassis. In the 10 minutes I drove the car, it was fun, but I can easily foresee being tired of such vibrations after an hour drive.

Bob K.

 

[tonykomo]

Unless you're gonna be using the car on the track more than just once or twice, don't bother with LSS. You'd be better off adjusting some of the more finer items like bushes, ARB and tyres. The LSS consists of OZ rims (heavy and large), Yoko 048 tyres, Lotus motorsport suspension and some other gubbins.

 

[atyclb]

The LSS consists of OZ rims (heavy and large), Yoko 048 tyres, Lotus motorsport suspension and some other gubbins.

they might be larger, but I would be shocked if they're heavier

 

[tonykomo]

They are heavier because they are built to withstand more shock. The 111s wheels which the US version comes with are the lightest wheels for the S2 from Lotus.

 

[atyclb]

They are heavier because they are built to withstand more shock. The 111s wheels which the US version comes with are the lightest wheels for the S2 from Lotus.

good info!

 

[shinoo]

I asked the Seloc folks for their opinion on the LSS. Most suggested that it is worth it.

Tony's comment about the weight of the LSS wheels is suprising - but reasonable. Guess we'll need to talk with Fikse, HRE or one of our other local wheel specialists for lighter clogs....

 

[tonykomo]

It's interesting in the UK because trackdays are almost a national sport now. Also, most people on seloc are trackday enthusiasts. I think it was Arno that said normal Elise owners never change anything on the car. Also, take delivery of the car first and learn to use it "as is". It's always nice to then upgrade and feel the difference. You might decide it's not worth doing. The LLS in the UK is damn expensive so it's best to be sure.

 

[Tripledigits]

I find it hard to believe a track oriented wheel would be heavier than a stock wheel. Very light wheels can be made very strong, they're just more expensive. I don't buy into the theory of a heavier wheel being designed to "take more shock". It's a lame excuse for being cheap.

Jeff

 

[tonykomo]

As in Lotus being cheap? Maybe, they are OZ wheels. The best wheels out there at the moment for the S2 are from KMS in Japan. Very very light and very very expensive. Also, the LSS wheels will limit what tyres you can use. Which was the whole point because of the deal between Yoko, OZ and Lotus.

 

[Tripledigits]

As in Lotus being cheap? Maybe, they are OZ wheels. The best wheels out there at the moment for the S2 are from KMS in Japan. Very very light and very very expensive. Also, the LSS wheels will limit what tyres you can use. Which was the whole point because of the deal between Yoko, OZ and Lotus.

Tonyyoshi - Yes, referring to Lotus being cheap if they spec a heavy wheel with a performance package. Are the KMS wheels a 3 piece? It sounds like you've done alot to your car. Do you track it? If you have the time, you ought to let us all know what modifications you think are worthwhile and what doesn't need to be touched.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[strawtarget]

From what I understand, the LSS wheels are OZ Superturismos. They are cast, not forged, and are not really that lightweight. I don't think they're as heavy as many other wheels, but they're not as light as something like SSR comps.

 

[Tripledigits]

From what I understand, the LSS wheels are OZ Superturismos. They are cast, not forged, and are not really that lightweight. I don't think they're as heavy as many other wheels, but they're not as light as something like SSR comps.

If this is true, I'll reconsider getting the LSS option. It's alot of money for heavy wheels, regardless of the other components. I would think something along the lines of the SSR Comp. would be a given for a performance option.

Jeff

 

[Prolene]

If this is true (heavier than stock LSS wheels), I'll reconsider getting the LSS option. Jeff

Same here.

 

[tonykomo]

Re: the Wheels, the KMS weigh 10.2 pounds each for the fronts, and 12 pounds each for the rears. They cost approx $2900 for the 17" rears and 16" fronts. That obviously excludes shipping but these are amazing wheels. Forged. http://www.lotuscars.co.jp/elise_parts/vol4/index.htm

As far as modifications go, depends what kind of car you get. I have the VVC engine which is quite powerful but all the breathing stuff and cooling makes quite an impact on the bhp and torque. I'm about to have a hotter cam fitted too which will be about it with the standard ECU.

As I don't know much about thwat you'll be getting in the US, I can only comment that with an extra 180 pounds of weight, handling will be everything. I think the engine is plenty strong enough. Also a weight reduction program will really help. So, I would change the bushes, suspension and tyres which is basically what the LSS is all about. BUT, if you've got the money, then do the job properly and find state of the art bits and pieces. Don't get the LSS. Wait for a tuning company in the US or Japan to come out with some products for the US version. Just MHO.

Cheers

Tony

 

[LarryB]

The spec that I came across:

111S Wheel
Front:
111s front--------15.17 lbs (6.88kg)
Rear:
111s rear---------20.94 lbs (9.50kg)


OZ Wheel
Front:
OZ front----------14.11 lbs (6.4kg)

Rear:
OZ rear-----------21.6 lbs (9.6kg)


KMS wheel Japan
Front:
KMS fromt----------10.14 lbs (4.6kg)

Rear:
KMS rear-----------11.9 lbs (5.4kg)

Considering the OZ are wider in front then the std wheels, it's not bad.

 

[tonykomo]

It looks ok on paper, but 4kg difference on each driven wheel is a significant improvement. The KMS wheels are also 7" at the front, made from better material and not mass produced. The dealers will definitely push you into getting the LSS but I really would wait for US version upgrades to become available.