I was wondering if anyone was considering any of these cars. I know that none of them are 4 doors but none the less they are great handling cars. I am not completely sure of when these cars are to be released so any info would be great. I have heard that lotus is having problems with crash testing which is why it isn't here yet. As to the Opel I am not sure when its supposed to be here. The Solstice is going to be a 2004-5 model but should be interesting especially if they keep it supercharged. The S2000 is also supposed to be redone in the next couple of years but even in its current state its a great contender for handling.

1. Lotus Elise
2. Opel Speedster
3. Pontiac Solstice (Future Release)
4. S2000

Seems to me that the US will be getting a revival in the roadster/coupe sports car arena. Any thoughts?

There's a lot of good handling cars, some in the RX-8's price range and some not.

The Elise is a good consideration since it has similar power, great handling, and good looks. But it lacks two rear seats and costs a bit more as well. Same goes for the S2000.

The Opel I'm not familiar with, nor the Pontiac though from some amount of bias on my part, the latter car would not meet my standards in aesthetics and quality construction. I could however, be proven wrong.

I think that the Elise would be the ultimate weekend/track car, ~2000lbs, and aren't they putting the Celica GT-S engine in it? Does anyone know what the build quality and reliability of Lotuses is like?

I had heard that they were going to use the GT-s engine too. 180 hp on tap but at a very peaky curve. Oh well though. I thought the elise was going to be brought here at just over 30 but who knows for sure.

The Opel is I believe a GM by product, The Solstice is another. The Solstice would be badged a Pontiac, supposedly a coupe and roadster version with a 220 hp supercharged 4 cylinder, using a 6 speed from a corvette, bog warner I believe and using a steering rack from a WRX. On the build quality of Pontiacs, my father swears by them, his bonnie is doing well, I don't know what other people's experience with Pontiac has been though. Another interesting factor is that the Solstice was supposed to be marketed for just about 20k for base. Considering the horsepower and size, should be a great car for the price. Just think of the money you could have for mods with that car. I forget the weight but I believe it was around 27-28 hundred. I will be taking pictures of everything when I'm in Detroit, I'll have to see what details I can work out of people.

The poor mazda people don't know what they are in for....

Isn't the elise not Street legal?
It is supposed to have world class handling....The BEST
I saw it on dupont registry for around 60k I think ... I don't remember...
I was actually think about a s2000... especially a used one for like 27 but it looks too small...

Originally posted by xkpbreaker
Isn't the elise not Street legal?
It is supposed to have world class handling....The BEST
I saw it on dupont registry for around 60k I think ... I don't remember...
I was actually think about a s2000... especially a used one for like 27 but it looks too small... Lotus makes cars that handle better than believeable yet... not very reliable :(

But with a Toyota drivetrain, the reliability should be pretty good. The data right now supports the GT-S 4 cylinder engine (180-195hp) AND a high performance 6 cylinder 240hp? that is also Toyota.

Weight still around 1720-1800 pounds. CD player, A/C, optional hardtop. $37.5k-$39k. Street legal in the USA. Estimated early 2004....but maybe late 2003 as a 2004 model.

Worth a little more $$ and some Lotus relaibility issues?

http://www.chases.org/images/yelmug.jpg

It is for me. I am still on the list to get one of the first ones. However, I was very interested in this rotary car years ago when it was first shown as a concept car. If money was no object, I would get an RX-8 now for use until the Elise arrived.

randy, right now I can't justify spending more money for the Elise, and I *do* need the rear seats :)

Else I'd love to get that car.. really sweet lookin!

I've seen an Elise with a Honda Integra Type-R engine swap.. 200hp in that light go kart.. yum.. I've also seen the S2000 and the JDM RSX type S engine.. both at about 240hp.. I'd love to have one of those, practicality be damned! :D

Hi,
I'm driving now a Lotus Elise for four years and it's the perfect car for twisty roads and trackdays. It makes me smile all over my face every time I sit in it.
But I don't think it would do very well on long highway trips...
It's VERY small (in real it's looks much smaller) and loud inside. Conversations aren't possible at speeds over 100 mph, but you aren't allowed to drive that fast at all?
Maybe it's better with the new Toyota-engine.



Stefan Janssen
Germany

http://www.stefanjanssen.de/ownelise/1elisebkl.jpg

The Opel is I believe a GM by product, The Solstice is another. The Solstice would be badged a Pontiac, supposedly a coupe and roadster version with a 220 hp supercharged 4 cylinder, using a 6 speed from a corvette, bog warner I believe and using a steering rack from a WRX.

The Solstice, I thought, was supposed to be the American version of the Opel Speedster. I heard it was supposed to be the comeback of the Pontiac Fiero *shudder with fear*. I've sat in an Opel Speedster and can tell you they are very small and cramped. I didn't really have that big a problem, but I like to sit quite close to the steering wheel despite being 5'10". Anyway, the Speedster would have serious trouble passing crash testing, hopefully the Solstice will do better without too much additional weight.

Originally posted by Quick_lude
I've seen an Elise with a Honda Integra Type-R engine swap.. 200hp in that light go kart.. yum.. I've also seen the S2000 and the JDM RSX type S engine.. both at about 240hp.. I'd love to have one of those, practicality be damned! :D
Come on, Type-R engine swap???? Did you forget which board this is?

RENESIS Elise all the way!

Good luck finding a transaxle for that conversion. :)

Originally posted by m477

Come on, Type-R engine swap???? Did you forget which board this is?

RENESIS Elise all the way!
Hehe.. If it could only be done.. a lightweight 250hp engine in a 2000lb car.. mmmm..