Vemac Update
Testing in Japan complete - production started
After lengthy delays and numerous revisions, production of the VEMAC is finally go, with the company expecting to be churning them out at the rate of one to two per month initially, with completion of the first three scheduled for the end of June. You'll have to wait a while longer yet before you can buy one to put in your garage though as all initial production is earmarked for Japan, with six confirmed orders so far and four more expected to be confirmed shortly.
The production version of the car, dubbed the VEMAC RD200, uses the latest 2 litre Honda IVTEC engine and six-speed gearbox with LSD, mounted transversely, and is both stiffer and lighter than the original prototype.
VEMAC say that fulfilling orders from Japan (where the car is priced at £42,000) makes it unlikely that the RD200 will be available in the UK this year, but will announce UK availability, price and spec as and when.
Link : www.vemaccars.com
Graham Bell
Thanks for the followup, Mr. Bell!
jpf said:
The VEMAC has a better engine than the Elise, has derivative Ferrari styling and is probably a better day to day vehicle (comfort, etc.) than the Elise. Factoring in exchange rates and pulling out VAT, the car would cost $60,000 in the USA--is it 50% better than the Elise? Probably not--20% better, maybe.
Thanks for the followup, Mr. Bell!
If it came down to it, what u would rather own. This or an Elise? Lotus of course! Who cares about day to day. We arent buying it for the grocery storage capability are we?
Anyhow, it looks better in the flesh than the pics here and i think it's great to see more options for us as drivers, even if i haven't got £40k to splash on one!
Someone else may know more, but production was going to be moved to South Africa, may even be out in Far East now? Good luck to them i say!
AlfaMaleV6 said:
Maybe I'm missing the point, but if it's a Jap car shouldn't it be twice as good and cost half as much? ;-)
You ARE missing the point. They are made in Essex by the Crafts, who engineered The Rocket. This is no kit car trying to look like an Elise. It's credentials are probably better than Lotus's, recent history viewed in isolation.
The 320/350 had an NSX engine in. Now that car has gone, wouldn't this make a great Honda range topper. Especially in Lucky Strike livery...
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