The Sports Car Rumour Mill
Truth ratings are based on the opinion of the user who left the rumour.
Rumours here should be treated completely as 'hear say' and taken with a large pinch of salt.
Add your rumour to the Mill!
Lotus Eagle will break 200 mph with flat 12!
Left by : Rich, 2008-04-13 09:20:38
Truth Rating : 
New Lotus! In march 2008.
New mid-engine. The incredible news is that it will be 2+2!
Left by : miki$, 2007-08-09 09:25:26
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New Exige S Performance Pack, 243 cv, 0/100 in 4,2 sec; 241 km/h. More and more fast!
In October
Left by : miki$, 2007-08-09 09:21:37
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New Esprit to have V6 as standard, V8 block to come later.
Left by : LotusBoy, 2007-05-15 10:33:55
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General Motors to purchase Group Lotus.
Left by : Nick, 2007-01-17 13:06:11
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Lotus to make charge cooled version od Stevens Esprit.Also a V8 might be on the cards
Left by : Dino, 2006-07-04 16:09:06
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Lotus to take a pair of Europas to Stelvio this year.
Left by : HethelInsider, 2006-06-06 15:48:54
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New production Exige around September, with around 240bhp, which is *not* a Cup car, and will be accordingly cheaper than the Cup cars.
Left by : Lotus Flower, 2006-04-13 17:55:11
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New Esprit will have a twin turbo V8 sourced from Audi with 384hp
Left by : andretti, 2006-03-28 01:03:14
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New Esprit will not look like the Elise! Expect Gollardo look-alike and twin turbo charged 3.5ltr lump.
Left by : James, 2006-03-20 10:32:52
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New Lotus Europa to be shown at the next Geneva Motor show.
Left by : Pete, 2006-01-20 09:49:38
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Oh, yeah, and Lotus are going to buy Caterham back....
Left by : Mailman, 2006-01-13 16:52:17
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The new Europa is actually based upon the old VX220 becuase they have spare capacity at the Factory and don't know what to do with the old unsold cars.
Left by : Mailman, 2006-01-13 16:51:08
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The new Europa is an April fool's joke. The Malaysian calendar is just a little bit out of sync.
Left by : Colin Chapman, 2005-12-07 13:50:02
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Lotus M250 project to be revived very sharpish!
Left by : Chris, 2005-12-07 09:00:46
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After the 1.8ltr Lotus Circuit car, will follow with a 3.5ltr Esprit powered engine version in limited numbers in 2006.
Left by : Paul, 2005-06-29 09:13:59
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New Esprit will top 200mph with new German V8, twin turbo of course. Styling by top italian design house!
Left by : Jake, 2005-04-11 10:02:22
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In 2005 Lotus will present the new Exige R. More powerful version than the current one! In fact the Exige could not keep on having the same power as the Elise R! Welcome finally!
Left by : miki$, 2004-12-25 00:48:30
Truth Rating :
Proton will buy Jaguar F1 outfit and rebrand as Lotus to reintroduce marque back to where it made its name. With continuing high presence of F1 in the Far East Market how far fetched is this rumour then!
Left by : Rocket, 2004-10-21 23:07:38
Truth Rating :
No Rumour... Its True!
Many of you are probably aware of our proposed move to new Premises, well as of today I am delighted to inform you that we are now just about fully operational in our new 'home'
Birmingham Road, Marlbrook, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. B61 0HS Phone 0121 445 3020
Just off junction 4 M5 & junction 1 M42.
A warm welcome awaits you from John Willis, Ian Garratt and the rest of the team
Left by : Nick Whale Sportscars, 2004-09-22 14:03:57
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Lotus 4 seater to have Toyota V6 2.2 Ltr engine. Price circa 45K.
Left by : Paul, 2004-08-31 13:56:10
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Lotus to have GP team and to race in the new London GP. :=D
Left by : Nicco, 2004-07-07 14:09:39
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The next Elise model will be powered by a supercharged 1.8l Toyota engine soon to be seen in the Corolla. Power is up about 10% but torque increases by around 50%. Performance easily sufficient to beat the latest VX220.
Left by : Mike, 2004-06-23 21:01:29
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Lotus engineering deeply involved with other manufacturers cars including the new Aston Martin which will cut the shape for the replacement Esprit.
Left by : James, 2004-05-27 08:53:29
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in development not poduction
Left by : yi, 2004-05-19 19:28:57
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Production has started on the Lotus 2+2 mid range car but will not be seen at next motor show. Concept will be seen in around 18 months.
Left by : Wheels, 2004-05-05 12:59:00
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The S2 Exige will be 29995 but aircon will be option [1200] along with metallic/lifestyle paint [700ish] and some funky new wheels [???]- options are giong to be touring or sports - the first being electric windows radio etc.[1900] the later being harnesses and crossbars [1900] - full spec touring car going to be 34000 on the road
Left by : InTheKnow, 2004-02-05 21:13:04
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Exige will be ?29995 with air con and abs standard.
Left by : Jarno, 2004-01-23 11:33:04
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Lotus new cutting edge elastic band powered car goes into production within weeks. Lotus still haven't given it a name but Twango and Elastine are the top contenders...
Left by : , 2004-01-15 21:03:44
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Lots of talk of a shake up amongst dealerships.
Left by : Paul, 2004-01-12 19:34:34
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Santa has had Lotus work on the sleigh suspension, presents will be delivered in record time.
Left by : St. Nick, 2003-12-11 09:58:50
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There is definently going to be a new city car to sit under the corsa range. Power will be from a 1.116v ecotec engine. The car will be called the Mosa.
Left by : daniel mcsweeney (chief engine, 2003-11-04 20:25:53
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Lotus are planning a new cutting edge car powered by a large high tension elastic band. Extremely low fuel consumption and ever so light weight too...
Left by : Dom, 2003-10-13 17:50:47
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Monkey's are taking over Lotus.
Left by : weena, 2003-10-03 21:01:54
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New Enjoy will be badged Pininfarina in Europe and sold mainly in Italy, and badged Lotus in the UK. Will be manufactured at Hethel.
Left by : Matey, 2003-10-02 14:26:15
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Lotus sport & design have bought a new Ferrari 360 & Lamborghini Gallardo. They plan to take them apart to look at design and help the development of the new Esprit!
Left by : , 2003-09-21 21:10:58
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Motor show in Geneva will include Lotus, but only a few S2 varients and a mock up S2 Exige.
Left by : Jumper, 2003-09-11 11:14:49
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Esprit will become middle ground car with a new car the Essence becoming the flag ship car. 4 Ltr twin turbo, new design and no input from Proton (nice). Due 2006.
Left by : Flame boy, 2003-09-03 08:27:39
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Exige2 coming with V6 early next year. Dealers already taking deposits.
Left by : Jamo, 2003-08-14 05:30:36
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New Elise S3 and Esprit delayed until alu corrosion solved. Amount of time this will take is unknown. Porsche?
Left by : Induction, 2003-07-30 15:20:54
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the new lotus elise might even have a few new things inside its cockpit except for its cd player
Left by : john, 2003-07-23 19:53:50
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New Elise to rival VX Turbo, will be naturally asperated V6, drive train not decided, turbo will be added later. No information on Esprits spec accept it will have a very supercar look!
Left by : Tread, 2003-07-08 10:33:33
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So called Elise S2.5 (elec windows, central locking etc..) is just a taster and keep you waiting car before the next two models due soon. Mid range car due first, likely 2.2L lump and charged, high range will be new Esprit, 3.5L twin charged with very new spacey look. Will keep us occupied for next 3 decades without a doubt.
Left by : Nico, 2003-06-26 19:44:28
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Farboud sports car is in fact the new Esprit as a test bed, Farboud is an anagram of BAD FOUR. Work it out for yourself.
Left by : jackm, 2003-06-03 13:17:46
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AUTO EXPRESS says US Elise will have Toyota vvti power. Article has spy shots of modified rear end
Left by : Tony, 2003-06-02 21:35:46
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Read EVO Magazine for news of adaptable chassis design for new generation of Lotus. First cars based on this chassis to be new Elises one for Europe one for the States. To be shown at February International Show.
Left by : , 2003-05-10 18:57:37
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lotus working on 400bhp v6 for new esprit in 2005/6
Left by : man down the pub, 2003-04-26 09:58:49
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Mr Lotus has died, and in his will he left the company to his wife, who has finally admitted that she hates cars so sold the whole company, name and all, to Skoda to ?1 million. She has bought herself a nice house in the South of France and has retired from her job working the tills in Asda
Left by : Robbie, 2003-04-22 15:36:39
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2004 elise to have elec windows & central locking
Left by : insider, 2003-04-19 20:53:01
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New S model twin turbo Elise to be built for French market only. Trials recently left french exclaiming "Mon dieu! Look at zat S car go!"
Left by : Woody, 2003-03-29 20:33:48
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200hp on the new us modle Elise, and 6-speed trans.
Left by : , 2003-03-17 01:27:09
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US spec Lotus S3 in June 2004, roW version to have diff spec
Left by : who knows, 2003-02-08 23:00:07
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M250 Project has been reopened for Oz only, with a slightly altered version due at Australian showrooms late this year.
Left by : Man of Norwich, 2003-01-28 10:10:57
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Another run web site in the making?
Left by : James, 2003-01-27 09:22:57
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Moose Hunting Allowed in Essex
Left by : Antler, 2003-01-25 14:03:56
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New style Exige to be released, will have new body style similar to S2, new gear box and lots of power!
Left by : Man of Norwich, 2003-01-17 13:50:04
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Within 2 years there will be 3 Lotus Models, S3 Elise, M260 and new Esprit.
Left by : Nick C, 2003-01-09 08:32:07
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M260 will be the new Esprit.
Left by : JK, 2003-01-02 12:35:05
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Brands will be launch site for M260
Left by : The Spy, 2002-12-23 11:04:46
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Again, test driver Mr. Jones has had both legs amputated, bad news for the enthusiast but the doctor responsible for the involved operation has successfully sold his slippers for a fiver!!!
Left by : Dave, 2002-12-22 21:14:33
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S3 not until 2004 at earliest- await turbo S2 first!
psst you didn't hear it from me
Left by : The Spy, 2002-12-05 13:57:22
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Very positive talk about the M250 coming back, probably with some modifications.
Left by : James, 2002-11-23 20:21:35
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Nothing new at Lotus- the Insider is a Troll
Left by : The Spy, 2002-10-30 13:48:04
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There will be no surprises from Lotus with a new concept car. They are hard at work developing something new but far from ready to show it.
Left by : Bob is wrong!, 2002-10-24 14:35:54
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Lotus to turn up at Brum Motorshow with surprise new concept.
Left by : Bob, 2002-10-19 16:49:57
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Esprit engine to be dropped into Elise S2, only 150 will be made, the chassis has been enlarged to take the new plant. This will be the new Esprit mentioned before. The car will be heavier than the Elise but will be well balanced and lighter than a Ferrari 360.
Left by : The man from Hethel, 2002-10-07 12:19:11
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Test driver Mr.Jones from Lotus has had both legs amputated after an unexpected shunt. Not only are his slippers for sale but his dick touches the floor !!
Left by : Dave, 2002-10-02 15:24:32
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Lotus to finish with the Elise model in December and to replace with a new model based on an updated Elan M100.
Left by : Jim B, 2002-09-30 08:35:34
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Proton will not sell Lotus just as they are about to make a profit (at long last).
Elise 190 - Lotus currently turn out 4 per month.
Left by : Honest Jon, 2002-09-27 13:55:51
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Proton to sell Lotus to super car manufacturer. Technology will be shared between the two companies.
Left by : Mr Quick, 2002-08-19 09:11:15
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New 230 bhp Elise in Pipeline
Left by : Anon, 2002-08-05 14:23:34
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New Esprit replacement of similar class and specification to be announced soon.
Left by : The man from Hethel, 2002-07-03 15:05:53
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us car will not go ahead
Left by : The Spy, 2002-06-18 15:28:31
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Lotus in production talks with Snipe to produce lightweight trailers that handle.Trailers are designed around a special tow hitch for the Elise S2.
Launch date tba as tyre choice has not been agreed but Yokahama are favorite supplier as previous partnerships in development proved financially beneficial.....
Left by : TC, 2002-06-10 21:35:29
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Lotus preparing replacement for the Esprit with bonded chassis.
Left by : Nick, 2002-05-30 06:35:32
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160 vvc engine, public release 5th June.
Left by : The Spy, 2002-05-15 09:10:14
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160 vvc engine, public release 5th June.
Left by : The Spy, 2002-05-15 09:09:57
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TVR and Lotus to merge. Collaborating on a new concept sports coupe designed to slot inbetween the Exige and the Cerbera, the new design- Excalibar- will feature a straight six mid-engined layout complete with Lotus lightness and TVR brute force poke. Wide boy handling characteristics will be a built in feature!! :)
Left by : AndyL, 2002-05-12 23:03:04
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Lotus close Factory shop due to photo of new fleece top bearing Exige S2 logo!
Left by : The Spy, 2002-05-08 11:49:06
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New Lotus design to be constructed from sealing wax and grease proof paper. Car will self-lighten with use, thus increasing performanc- power to weight ratio!!
Left by : Andy L, 2002-05-05 20:01:13
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Lotus likely to be sold to BMW to enhance development of future eco sports models.Sealed bids to parties include the MG Group
Left by : Damian T, 2002-05-01 20:49:07
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The US spec Elise will use a honda I4 engine
Left by : Atlanta Autoshow, 2002-04-30 14:47:22
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Rumours project M260 is actually just an American and world wide Elise. M250 replacement completely cancelled.
Left by : James, 2002-04-24 08:26:31
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nest elise engine to be an A-series with two SU, LCB manifold and LC40 exhaust
Left by : stuart, 2002-04-10 18:02:19
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S3 seen in action @ Millbrook`
Left by : The Spy, 2002-04-10 12:38:19
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Lotus also trying out the Honda S2000 engine for the USA Elise.
Left by : Den, 2002-04-08 12:10:29
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Lotus to unviel a totally new model in next 4 weeks.
Left by : M, 2002-03-27 20:38:05
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US Elise to be released with a higher powered Toyota engine producing 190BHP!
Left by : Kyle, 2002-03-25 21:27:01
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Tigga's gull-wing hard top bought by Lotus! To be release with all Elise S2's from June?
Left by : John, 2002-03-20 18:03:40
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Lotus have layed off more staff, over 300 this time.
Left by : Paul M, 2002-03-11 19:01:36
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Lotus buy Prost in an attempt to get back into the GP. You heard it here first!
Left by : John, 2002-03-01 09:33:19
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Gospel truth : Lotus to re-release Elan M100 in early 2003!! Engine will be normally aspirated V8 and 0-60 expected to be sub 4.5 secs. Limited run only of 500 shells. Old Elan and current Esprit parts being used. You heard it here first!!!
Left by : M700 TUS, 2002-02-25 15:04:17
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The long awaited M250 replacement to be on show at official dealers within the next 3 months. The car will have a modified front more inline with the Elise S2.
Left by : James, 2002-02-05 11:01:54
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A team has now successfully been sourced to develop and produce a gull wing hard top for the S2.
The team have experience in the development and production of parts for F1 racing cars and military aircraft.
Final price will be ?1000 (plus initial ?250 deposit), latest delivery will be September 2002.
Further details at http://www.british-cars.co.uk/index.html click on the "Lotus BBS" and then the "Elise General" section.
Left by : Tigga, 2002-02-01 12:24:46
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Third party team to develop gull wing hard top for Elise S2. Deposits being taken, price around ?1000 with delivery in September.
Left by : Nick, 2002-01-29 20:17:02
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The 135 upgrade will not be available until the summer but Lotus are not mentioning this when taking orders.
Left by : Den, 2002-01-14 13:47:58
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Another Elise S2 model due with replacement Toyota engine.
Left by : James, 2002-01-14 08:53:53
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?New British Lotus/MG Elise s3?...will be frequently seen overtaking Pabs in his German Porsche.
Left by : M700TUS, 2002-01-04 09:42:33
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VVC to become stock engine on s2 as of march. 180hp peugeout engine coming later...
Left by : Dr. S., 2001-12-24 09:12:05
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Latest mid range car from Lotus to be the M260, details unknown.
Left by : Paul, 2001-12-14 16:47:14
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S2 Elise with Esprit 3.5ltr engine to be released next month.
Left by : Pav, 2001-11-28 17:16:23
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New Espirit is F355 with Lotus front-end.
Left by : Moozy, 2001-11-16 16:16:57
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Lotus will keep on loosing millions in the vaxhall deal until it's bankrupt. Will be bought by
Rover. New elise S3 will be badged MG. I'm getting a Porsche
Left by : Pabs, 2001-11-07 10:15:20
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New Esprit look is official! Rear end like a F355.
Left by : Nick, 2001-11-02 12:41:07
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New mid-range Lotus in design stage to replace the M250.
Left by : James, 2001-10-31 15:18:30
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Hethel in lik with Audi!!
New EXCEL to have a customer R8 engine.
All wheel drive was thought to have been considered but after disasterous tests with 4wd on the fed elise, a novel half track idea
has been put foward.!!
Left by : type 89, 2001-10-30 22:12:53
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The low weight of the Fed-Elise and the increased power of the new engine have made the car harder to control. Lotus is considering to implement all-wheel drive to the Elise to considerably improve handling. The increase of the weight of the car is fully compensated by the improved acceleration in an all-wheel drive configuration.
Left by : Paulned, 2001-10-30 19:43:25
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Elise & Esprit to be dropped in favour of re-prodocing the EXCEL
in 1985 trim.
Left by : type 89, 2001-10-29 22:05:04
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Elan SE Turbo said to be 'leagues ahead of all Elise variants' by Tony Blair - during a visit to Middle East.
Left by : Craig Tomes, 2001-10-25 15:39:02
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Lotus car production buy-out from Rover imminent.
Left by : James, 2001-10-22 08:47:50
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Following unconfirmed sightings of an underwater hideout located in waters somewhere near to Afghanistan, the US navy are presently engaged in talks with Lotus over the production of a submergible Esprit.
Left by : M700TUS, 2001-10-17 11:14:40
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New Esprit will use current Elise switchgear and dampers.
Left by : Den, 2001-10-15 12:29:20
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peugeot may take on the m250 as a peugeot badged product a la vx220
Left by : g, 2001-10-14 10:44:53
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Esprit is almost ready to appear in a new guise. The Esprit was surviving in extra time. However after the abrupt dissappearance of the M250 the Esprit will get a reprieve. Within the next two months a facelifted Esprit will be released. This will carry many of current styling cues from the S2.
Left by : Mark, 2001-10-13 10:50:33
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S3 spotted on test @ Hethel.
Left by : The Spy, 2001-10-12 10:48:05
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supercharger for elise s2 basically!
Left by : gavin again, 2001-10-10 10:49:52
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turbo's and superchargers being developed for the k series by a well known british company which may filter (supercharger i've heard) onto the s2
Left by : gavin sullivan, 2001-10-10 10:48:47
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Lotus-Coventry is up for sale!
Left by : Simon, 2001-10-08 11:17:04
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Lotus are redesigning the Esprit with a rear end similar to the Elise S2
Left by : James, 2001-10-03 00:00:00
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Elise S3 is now in the making!
Left by : Nero, 2001-10-02 00:00:00
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