Toyota Supercharger...insight from a dealer

[ashd]

Dropped by one of the dealers this afternoon, confirmed that a supercharged version is on the way....but not for some time. Lotus and Toyota are doing joint development, as Toyota want a hot (ish!) Celica. So, what that means is they've got to do the development and the whole USA type approval work...at least 12 months was the news...

[JonRB]

But of course. Anything less than 12 months would have people holding off a purchase until the higher output version is available.

With a 12 month lead time early adopters will buy the current model and then trade up when the supercharged model is available.

Anything else would be marketing lunacy.

[[k]ar|]

That said, it will be interesting to see if any of the independents like Turbo Technics can put something together before then. If so, it would be a veritable windfall for them.

IIRC, there is already a compatible TRD turbo kit for the motor - it just needs stuffing into the Elise engine bay

[k]

[umbongo]

Pontiac use the older 1ZZ-FE engine in a couple of cars in the US - they have an official Toyota suercharger option, some of the US forums are expecting a charger for the 2ZZ-GE along some time soon.

Looks like BLitz has already have one available...
www.blitz-na.com/Blitz_Comp_Celica.htm

www.turbomagazine.com/features/0211tur_celica/
www.puresportscar.com/forums/showthread.php?s=a3ac078a7faaa1d78c27621c981383cc&threadid=472
www.puresportscar.com/forums/showthread.php?s=a3ac078a7faaa1d78c27621c981383cc&threadid=654

www.fensport.com (Peterborough) already supply them to the UK for 4500. (Parts->select the Celica ZZT231->Engine Tuning)

Original power output seems to be around 150bhp so wonder if it's a difft/detuned engine.

Can't believe it'll take Lotus/Toyota long to peel off the Blitz stickers and have it production ready.

I was going to hold off for the official charger but as demand does seem to be fairly high (well according to dealers!) so buying an NA now and trading in 6-12months whenever the charger finally comes out may not mean a huge loss. I'll wait for the performance pack anyway (6 wks?) and then see how demand is looking.

[mustard]

Dont expect it to be a £1-£2k 'bolt on' extra.....from what I've heard this is when the Exige gets Hard Core!

Its going to be a bit of a giant killer!

[[k]ar|]

I hope they will make the kit able to fit in the Elise as well as the Exige, although I can understand them wanting to differentiate the two models. I'm also assuming there may be a little more engine space in the Exige with the flared bodywork?

My 111r is on order for September delivery, but I can totally see myself in 12m time ordering (if possible) a charger & Lotus Sport suspension/Exige tyres for it.

I always preferred open-top motoring, which is why I have not changed my order to an Exige!


[k]

[ashd]

Understand the need to be open. However, you will find that the Exige 'top' is a slightly modified Elise hardtop. Three allen bolts and out she comes...and the Elise soft top clips straight in .... however the aero package was tuned for the top on - so probably won't be great to run with the top off round a track - but would be cool for crusing around with it off.

Ash

[[k]ar|]

ashd said:

Understand the need to be open. However, you will find that the Exige 'top' is a slightly modified Elise hardtop. Three allen bolts and out she comes... Ash

Noooo... don't make the decision any harder!

Going OT slightly for a moment, I chose the Elise over the Exige because:

Exige is slightly heavier (lower PtW)
Exige needs aircon which adds more weight and saps power
I hate black wheels (I know I'm in a big minority)
Want an open top (thanks for the info - I bet that voids the warranty, though!)
Elise has better on-road manners yet is not too far off Exige track pace
Exige tyres on wet Monday morning commute =
Cost of extra bits I would need (like the silver wheels)

Back on the Supercharger topic, I note that the Blitz kit seems to have an electronically adjustable boost level. Neat-o . If you feel threatened at the lights, just turn it up to 11! Having been very impressed by the acceleration of the standard 111r, I can only imagine the ferocity when a supercharged 2ZZ-GE hits 6250rpm, OMG

[k]



>> Edited by [k]ar| on Sunday 6th June 17:39

[Nightmare]

I hate black wheels too I have to say - think they just look dirty, rather than deliberately black!

Are you SURE the roof comes off Ash? That was definitely sticking point for me too, but if it did that might tip the balance!

[[K]ar|]

I have confirmed it from another source - officially it's not doable, but unofficially, you can get the roof off an Exige as described, but doing so will void your warranty if, for example, you later suffer from water leaks.

[k]

[skinner]

Had a run out in an Exige S2 on Friday. I brought up the topic of top off motoring and the dealer sitting beside me said something to the effect of:

"Well, it's an S2. The S2 is a soft top. Why wouldn't you be able to take the roof out. Alright, it's a bit more difficult than a soft top but there is no reason you couldn't"

So, I think the only reason that it seems that Lotus do not mention any of this is differentation between the Lotus Elise (convertable) and Lotus Exige (Coupe)

[guitarman]

Anyone know if a performance/sport pack will be available for the 111R?
I've picked up an accessory leaflet from a local dealer which has the polished forged wheels seen on the USA launch cars. Apparently to fit these you also need the uprated suspension.
Will these wheels be available here? They look really cool. Much better than the cheap looking black ones on the Exige.
Can't beleive that you can't fit proper polished split rims to the Elise/Exige, when this option seems available for every other make of performance car.
An Elise IIIR or Exige2 would look unbeleivably good
with proper split rims.
Hope the supercharger option is available for the Elise as well, not just the Exige!

[mustard]

mustard said:

Dont expect it to be a £1-£2k 'bolt on' extra.....from what I've heard this is when the Exige gets Hard Core! Its going to be a bit of a giant killer!

Sorry to quote myself, but dont you boys read! My sources are quite good!



>> Edited by mustard on Monday 7th June 20:39

[sydneyse]

Mustard, sounds great... I was thinking of trading my 111s on a new exige... but would rather get a supercharged version... 6months? 12months? 18 months? what's the likely release date? (ball park!)

[JohnL]

You could get the black wheels refurbed in silver for £150-£200.

I think black wheels look great on a black car, anything else needs silver.