[Jcutler]

Does anyone know if the top speed of the elise 111R is drag limited or is it that the car is gear bound?

Thanks

JC

 

[offroadr35]

i would guess drag because the exige has a higher topspeed with the same gearing

 

[vvtlikick]

The stock gear ratios, tires and revlimit would take you past 160mph. But aero drag doesn't let you get there.

 

[Lotus F1]

i would guess drag because the exige has a higher topspeed with the same gearing

Huh! I thought it was the opposite. The extra downforce of the Exige (via the rear spoiler) creates more resistance (although better handling). Less drag gives the Elise a higher top speed but less stability.

 

[grudkin]

The extra downforce of the Exige (via the rear spoiler) creates more resistance

Yup. Current EVO says the Exige sacrifices Vmax for stabilty at speed

 

[Craigy]

correct on the exige front, more drag, lower top speed. Lotus often fudge that sort of thing (I'm thinking back to esprit days when the aero parts were mandatory for years then a bargain one without came out and was still prefectly safe)

In fact, the yota elise can near as dammit do 150mph in 5th gear according to some crazy fools who have tried it on public roads in the UK, so 6th is probably quite an overdrive with the current amount of power.

Craigy