Solely for Piece of Mind
Discussion
www.pistonheads.com/news/article.asp?storyId=6639
"The Cupra GT is the result of joint design and development work by SEAT Sport and the SEAT Design Centre. Under the swooping body is a 3 litre twin turbo V6 borrowed from Audi which pumps out almost 500bhp - good for 180mph."
Read that story. A V6 producing those sort of numbers. If Lotus cant create a globally friendly V8 in the next Generation Esprit, you can see the potential in a 6 cant you?
>>> Edited by LotusV8 on Friday 25th April 14:21
"The Cupra GT is the result of joint design and development work by SEAT Sport and the SEAT Design Centre. Under the swooping body is a 3 litre twin turbo V6 borrowed from Audi which pumps out almost 500bhp - good for 180mph."
Read that story. A V6 producing those sort of numbers. If Lotus cant create a globally friendly V8 in the next Generation Esprit, you can see the potential in a 6 cant you?
>>> Edited by LotusV8 on Friday 25th April 14:21
Hi,
While I personally would be fine with a truly high-performance V-6, I think that of Lotus does go this route, they'll be right back where they started.
My reasoning is this; the Esprit gained greater notoriety and acceptance with the addition of the V-8 quelching much criticism that no 4 cylinder is worthy of the title 'SuperCar'.
Yet, the V-8 is hard pressed to outperform the S4s, except at the extreme edge of the envelope. In fact, a good driver in the S4s will nearly always beat the V-8 as the torque/powerband is very different between the two with the V-8 bring more muscukar down low, but once on cam, the S4s will continue to pull higher in the upper reaches of the tach.
Add to that the fact that the S4s is lighter and somewhat better balanced overall, and it will outpace the V-8 on any kind of road course except where long straights are favored.
But, the general public never gave the S4s the praise it truly deserves. And, the criticisn will shift from the 4 cylinder/V-8 debate to a V-6/V-8 one.
Personally, I believe it would be unwise for Lotus to produce a car, regardless of it's performance numbers, with the knowledge of the past debate. It would be like repeating a mistake, or taking a step backward in the public view.
I'm afraid that for the new Esprit to be sucessful in anything greater than limited production, they need to introduce the car as a V-8 model.
Just my $0.02. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
While I personally would be fine with a truly high-performance V-6, I think that of Lotus does go this route, they'll be right back where they started.
My reasoning is this; the Esprit gained greater notoriety and acceptance with the addition of the V-8 quelching much criticism that no 4 cylinder is worthy of the title 'SuperCar'.
Yet, the V-8 is hard pressed to outperform the S4s, except at the extreme edge of the envelope. In fact, a good driver in the S4s will nearly always beat the V-8 as the torque/powerband is very different between the two with the V-8 bring more muscukar down low, but once on cam, the S4s will continue to pull higher in the upper reaches of the tach.
Add to that the fact that the S4s is lighter and somewhat better balanced overall, and it will outpace the V-8 on any kind of road course except where long straights are favored.
But, the general public never gave the S4s the praise it truly deserves. And, the criticisn will shift from the 4 cylinder/V-8 debate to a V-6/V-8 one.
Personally, I believe it would be unwise for Lotus to produce a car, regardless of it's performance numbers, with the knowledge of the past debate. It would be like repeating a mistake, or taking a step backward in the public view.
I'm afraid that for the new Esprit to be sucessful in anything greater than limited production, they need to introduce the car as a V-8 model.
Just my $0.02. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
Wanna know why a V-8 is practically mandatory?
Because whenever someone comes over to drool over my car, after they finish gushing they always ask about the engine expecting to be dazzled by gaudy numbers like 10 or 12 cylendars.
When I tell them it's a 2.2 Liter 4 banger, they always get a disapointed look and say "oh." Like the car is obviously just for looks but couldn't outrun a VW Beetle. At that point, I add that it does 0-60 in around four and a half, give them the top speed, and the circa 290 HP number and they are suprised again. But they are still confused, because everything they know says a 4 pot can't do that. You have to remember that in any country the majority of folks don't understand engineering and physics too well...bigger engine means faster and that's that to most folks.
And 99% of non-Porsche owners have no idea they use 6 bangers routinely. Name recognition is so immense for that marquee they never question.
That's why it's V-8 or bust here.
Because whenever someone comes over to drool over my car, after they finish gushing they always ask about the engine expecting to be dazzled by gaudy numbers like 10 or 12 cylendars.
When I tell them it's a 2.2 Liter 4 banger, they always get a disapointed look and say "oh." Like the car is obviously just for looks but couldn't outrun a VW Beetle. At that point, I add that it does 0-60 in around four and a half, give them the top speed, and the circa 290 HP number and they are suprised again. But they are still confused, because everything they know says a 4 pot can't do that. You have to remember that in any country the majority of folks don't understand engineering and physics too well...bigger engine means faster and that's that to most folks.
And 99% of non-Porsche owners have no idea they use 6 bangers routinely. Name recognition is so immense for that marquee they never question.
That's why it's V-8 or bust here.
Mike/Jim - FWIW I agree on the marketing part. In fact a 10 might even be better. All I am saying is from purely an enthusiasts point of view, the number of cylinders is not of consequence (for the reasons stated by Jim, above).
I think the three car lineup (if Lotus do find a way to share a common platform) should look something like:
1. Elise Replacement - 4 cylinder and forced induction if possible, a la the VX220 Turbo. Car could be a volume production car
2. M250 segment - 6 cylinder. Competitive with the Noble M12 GTO, etc. This could be the entry level enthusiasts vehicle. Maybe forced induction. Maybe 2000 per year world wide.
3. Esprit Replacement - V8 or V10. Keep the forced induction. Handbuilt. Limited quantities, Halo car. Built in the 100s per year.
Who knows - we shall see. I'll just be glad if there are still Lotus cars around when my son gets to be "of age". It could give us a hobby to work on together
ErnestM
I think the three car lineup (if Lotus do find a way to share a common platform) should look something like:
1. Elise Replacement - 4 cylinder and forced induction if possible, a la the VX220 Turbo. Car could be a volume production car
2. M250 segment - 6 cylinder. Competitive with the Noble M12 GTO, etc. This could be the entry level enthusiasts vehicle. Maybe forced induction. Maybe 2000 per year world wide.
3. Esprit Replacement - V8 or V10. Keep the forced induction. Handbuilt. Limited quantities, Halo car. Built in the 100s per year.
Who knows - we shall see. I'll just be glad if there are still Lotus cars around when my son gets to be "of age". It could give us a hobby to work on together
ErnestM
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