[Derek]

It's quiet around here... Too quiet! So here we are in the middle of the press launch / dealer preview and education and no news....

I know we all still have questions. Here are a few of mine:

How many types of sports exhaust will be offered? How much power will they add? How loud will they be?

What about the track vs. street suspensions? Both versions are at the preview... So what’s the word? Is it as rough as has been suggested or not?

How do the optional carbon fiber sill covers look?

Can we get a microwave motion sensor for the alarm?

What does the finished interior look like?

Will HIDs be offered?

Of course we also need pictures to go with the answers to the above questions.

So what’s the word... Where are our insiders

 

[jml1952]

If the main event is today, it's still early in Georgia.

As mentioned elsewhere, I'd like details on dealer options and costs (e.g., driving lights, stone guard, thingy under chin to protect against scrapes).

Any updated info on production rates or allocation numbers. Confirmation of total # of cars to be produced first year and what time period are we actually talking about when we say first year. Confirmation of MSRP would be nice.

 

[zvezdah1]

My dealer is there today,he's promised to write me a brief report for posting here. Hopefull Wed. or Thurs. Beleive me I tried to wangle an invite, couldn't do it.

I asked Eric of LOA to concentrate on getting a drive in one of the LSS cars.

Couple answers:

Beside the standard exhaust, two others at present, stage 1 which is very close in looks to the standard exhaust but polished, different tips, minimal hp increase.

Stage 2 is about half the weight and 2/3s the size, said to be a bit louder and small hp gain but don't know how much.

Their is a headlight bulb upgrade, don't know if it's hid or something else.

The interior of both standard and touring is basically the same as the LA show car interiors, and of course the surfaces on the dash and the sill protectors have a texture to them if you'll recall the la show car dash and protectors to be basically smooth plastic that had been clear coated. The texture minimizes scuffs.

At LCU Thurs they had a huge crate (4'x4') full of all kinds of different accesories for the car.
Chris

 

[Derek]

At LCU Thurs they had a huge crate (4'x4') full of all kinds of different accesories for the car.
Chris

Yes it's that crate that will likely drive the price of our cars to over $50k... I know I want the lighter stage 2 sports exhaust, HIDs, paint protection and sill protectors.... But what else is in that dam crate?

 

[Patricko]

Beside the standard exhaust, two others at present, stage 1 which is very close in looks to the standard exhaust but polished, different tips, minimal hp increase.

Stage 2 is about half the weight and 2/3s the size, said to be a bit louder and small hp gain but don't know how much.

I am guessing that we don't know what the stage 2 will cost...please post it when you find out

 

[maxxfish]

I heard from a source high up at Lotus USA that the price increase from $38,500 to $39,985 includes an upgrade to chrome tire valve stem caps! I wonder if they'll offer a lightweight aluminum version with the sport package?

 

[agent.5]

Stage 2 is about half the weight and 2/3s the size, said to be a bit louder and small hp gain but don't know how much.

Stage 3 = straight aluminum pipe, monster garage style?

 

[zvezdah1]

Patricko,
Pretty pricey but don't know the exact price and can't ball park it.
Chris

 

[_JD_]

Patricko,
Pretty pricey but don't know the exact price and can't ball park it.
Chris

Oh yeah Chris, does the stage 2 have a cat? If so, would it only be for track use only due to the sound level?

 

[GabbaGabbaHey]

fun fun fun ....

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1316291

 

[Win]

Looks like screen shots from the new Gran Turismo 4.

 

[zvezdah1]

JD,
Don't recall if it had a cat or not, but I assume it will be for track use only in any event. not to mean it can't/won't be put on street cars. As I understand, no changes to ecu have to be made to use it.

Chris

 

[rtking]

Damn... that looks like SOOOO much fun!

I wish I were there! I want to drive that Ardent Red Elise on the track! How do I get a job doing THAT?

From the VW Vortex link:

 

[tidalwdave]

Re: Damn... that looks like SOOOO much fun!

I wish I were there! I want to drive that Ardent Red Elise on the track! How do I get a job doing THAT?

From the VW Vortex link:

The guy that took those photos said he wasn't even aware the Elise was coming to the US.

How is that possible! I thought everyone has been following that news story for years. I can't believe some people don't know it's coming.

 

[_JD_]

Another post on that forum said there are pics on clubrsx.com, but after a brief scan, I could'nt find 'em.

BTW- Thanks for the cat info Chris!

 

[Derek]

I would like to know the official specs on braking distance.

 

[atyclb]

Looks like screen shots from the new Gran Turismo 4.

it really does!

the originals look real though

http://www.hostdub.com/albums/rbento11/IMGP0199.jpg

http://www.hostdub.com/albums/rbento11/IMGP0200.jpg

 

[Win]

it really does!

the originals look real though

http://www.hostdub.com/albums/rbento11/IMGP0199.jpg

http://www.hostdub.com/albums/rbento11/IMGP0200.jpg

Can someone verify that this part of the track is visible from the outside? And from this angle?

 

[GabbaGabbaHey]

Lol.. maybe he used his cell phone camera from behind a grassy knoll

 

[mslpilot]

the difference?

ardent is non LSS and is in focus. Purple is LSS and the poor photog' can't keep up with it. hehehehehe