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Im not sure I like the Mr2 connotation. People are already telling saying, lol, so you're paying $40,000 for an Mr2? I know that I know better, but it still bothers me somewhat.
I'm with you. Seems unnecessary to lead the article by calling the Elise the ultimate Toyota MR2. It might have made sense if the engine came from the MR2, but it's from a Celica. I suppose we should be grateful that he didn't call the Elise the ultimate Toyota Celica!: mad:OneFastMiata said:Im not sure I like the Mr2 connotation. People are already telling saying, lol, so you're paying $40,000 for an Mr2? I know that I know better, but it still bothers me somewhat.
Just read it at Borders during lunch, and it's basically the same article as EC, but shuffled a bit and with a couple new photos.L8BRAKR said:That arcticle was written by Alistair Weaver so it should be the same as the European Car article.
John Stimson said:Well, that's really what it is, isn't it? At least, from the perspective of a group who knows all about MR2s and nothing about Lotuses.
It's a lightweight mid-engined car with a targa top, and uses a variant of the engine that's used in the current generation of MR2. Sounds kind of like what a hardcore MR2 fan would put together if Toyota gave them a blank check to build whatever they wanted. Doesn't it?
In the same sense, if Lotus were to build a new RWD Elan and use a tweaked-out version of the Miata's 1.8L engine (not likely, it's a heavy engine) or perhaps the aluminum 2.3L used in the Protege (and expected to be used in the next-gen Miata), then SCC would rightly declare it to be "the ultimate Miata". And it would be just desserts for all the years that British roadster fans have had to put up with the Miata being called "the ultimate British roadster"...
Great then, it would appear that my last statement applies to you. If you really see the Liz as nothing more than "THE ULTIMATE MR2" then I guess you'll be dropping off the list? Please post what dealer you have your deposit at so a nonbeliever can jump on, and others can move upLarryB said:It's the title of a article written in a mag geared towards the Japanese import crowd. As John has pointed out in that context there is a loose connection. Wouldn't take it too literally. I'm a long time owner of a upgraded MkII MR2 Turbo, the Elise will be my ultimate MR2and the '2 will become my new luxury car.
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Not really. This is something that keeps being stated by some present Spyder owners (and some Miata owners). They can dump $15k into the $25k Spyder and have the same thing.If this is you, I point out that a new MR2 can be had for less than half the price of a Liz. I’m sure that the money you would save would be ample to cover the cost of the upgrades needed to get similar performance out of the MR2.
Look, you’re only convincing yourself of the "I don't care what brand it is" argument.LarryB said:Geez, didn't realize Elise ownership was a cult. Interested in a high performance sports car, really don't care if it's a Lotus or Toyota. Hardly think I need to fit someone's image of a "true believer" in how I spend my money.
Your point? Pagani Zonda uses a Mercedes Engine and Drive-train... Is it a Mercedes? Same kind of condition for an AC Cobra... Was it a Mustang? Lots of cars share parts, but a Lotus can only be considered an "Ultimate" Lotus not a Vauxhall, not a GM, not a Toyota "anything". If a Lotus is to be considered an “Ultimate” of a brand the only brand that can logically qualify is Lotus… and that's it.Randy Chase said:Like it or not, it uses a Toyota drivetrain. Add in that it is a lightweight midengined roadster, I can see the comparison.
P.S. The 200hp turbo MR2 was around $40k in 1995. Not that it matters.
Not really. This is something that keeps being stated by present Spyder owners (and some Miata owners). They can dump $15k into the $25k Spyder and have the same thing.
That misses a lot of detail.