Category Archives: Commentary

Lotus Elan

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Lotus Elan
Image source: Lotus Cars

The Lotus Elan. One of five Lotus surprises revealed at the Paris Motor Show. Slated for a 2013 release, the Elan will be powered by a Toyota-sourced 450-bhp, 4.0-liter V6 lump matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch. Enough to power the sexy roadster from 0-100 in 3.5 seconds. Top speed is expected to be in the vicinity of 310km/h. Weighing in at close to 1.3 tonnes, the Elan will make Colin Chapman a very unhappy man, but hopefully the carbon fibre bits and technical gadgetry would distract him from the heftiness. A hybrid option will features a F1-inspired Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). The Elan should give the Porsche 911 a run for its money.
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Paris Motor Show 2010: Lotus Stuns with Future Models

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Lotus Elite
Image source: Lotus Cars

Lotus stunned the audience and the industry at the Paris Motor Show with a buffet of delicious new concept cars, that would pit them head-to-head with the likes of Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Maserati. New head honcho of Lotus Cars Danny Bahar revealed the new corporate face and design direction with five new concept cars – Elite, Elan, Esprit, Eterne and Elise.
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Lotus Elite: Lotus’ All-New GT Set for 2014 Release

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Lotus Elite 3qtr front top

In a surprising but pleasant move, Lotus announced the Lotus Elite concept (not to be confused with LG’s Lotus Elite phone) – a sexy GT that will challenge other high-profile luxury supercars in its class – Aston Martin DB9, Ferrari California and more.

This exciting 2+2 seater is a departure from the Elise and Evora design language, much thanks to newly hired designer Donato Coco. Lotus continues its successful relationship with Toyota, harnessing a special adaptation of the 5.0-liter V8 that powers the Lexus IS-F. The mid-front-mounted powerplant offers 611 horsepower on tap, mated to a unique automatic transmission with optional integrated hybrid boost. This is enough to propel the Elite into supercar territory, taking a scant 3.6 seconds to the 100-mark and will reach a 315km/h top speed. A seven-speed sequential hybrid transmission drives the rear wheels. Continue reading →

Mini Me Cars, Anyone?

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Half Scale Mercedes 300SL Replica

Can’t afford that 300SL? Or that classic Porsche 356? Fret not. Get a fully-working half-scale replica. Using a composite chassis and composite body shells, two seater models can sit two adults and a kid. Incredibly customisable (plonk in a bigger racing kart engine if you like!) including transmission options and cabin trimmings, the replicas definitely make cool toys to have!

Catch more photos from Gizmodo.

Brand New Satria GTIs for Sale. Seriously?

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SGTI-for-sale

Apparently, there are 15 units of unregistered, brand new Satria GTIs for sale in USJ. Posted on ZTH, these are reportedly converted-LHD versions which never left the Proton Yard. Amazing but true.

The SGTI was Proton’s first production performance hatch, first released in 1999. With a 138 bhp (103 kW) 1.8-litre Mitsubishi-sourced 4G93P engine, the Lotus-tuned SGTI was also Proton’s fastest production car. From the MMC version, it evolved into the VDO (Siemens) version before officially end-of-lined in 2004. The SGTI platform, of course, didn’t at all die. In 2005, R3 developed the limited edition track-special Satria R3 in full Incognito Black glory, based on its SGTI underpinnings.

Question is: How much would you pay for a 2004-manufactured local sports hatch, based on a 15-year old platform?

Original Source – Zerotohundred forum

VRX iMotion Racing Simulator (with Video)

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This is the ultimate gaming rig for petrolheads bar none! Imagine 8 of these at home, hooked up via LAN. All-night party with the boys, man! Ultimate wet dream is an understatement no doubt. How much does it cost? A wholelottaloot, that’s for sure. If you can afford it, the VRX iMotion Simulator is the world’s most advanced racing system – compatible with the XBOX360, PS3, Wii and Windows. In case you get overly enthusiastic and break anything, the VRX comes with a generous 7-year warranty on all components.

www.vrx.ca

Spotted: Limited Edition Satria Neo R3 Clubsport

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Satria R3 Clubsport Front

Known also as the R3 Neo CS S1, this is one of only 20 limited edition road-legal track specials built by R3 as part of a single-make racing series. Powered by a 137bhp 1.6-litre Campro engine, the sub-3min car comes with a rollcage, full bucket seats, racing suspension & brakes and weighs in at a scant 1,050kilos.

This particular one was spotted at the recent HPC Track Experience Day & Time Attack, and is owned by one Remus Chang – buyer of my custom made CF-pedals taken of my Satria R3 some years ago!

Satria R3 Clubsport - BadgeSatria R3 Clubsport CockpitSatria R3 Clubsport CockpitSatria R3 Clubsport KillswitchSatria R3 Clubsport Wing

Are you an ex-R3 car owner? Join this FB group!

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Satria R3 ex-owners group
Ever regretted selling off something you loved? Or breaking up with the hot girlfriend? Bet you miss her don’t you? There’s absolutely no chance of ex-sex, but there is this sanctuary for ex-owners of R3 cars who wish they hadn’t sold their cars. Set-up by ex-owner of car #123, it’s gotten the attention of a dozen of ex-owners already. Are you one? Join I want my R3 back on Facebook!

PROTON R3 Is All Set To Take The Inaugural Sepang 1000km in June

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Spurred by their victorious collaboration at Sepang 12-hour Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race (MME) last year, Team Proton R3 and X1-R are joining forces again – this time at the inaugural Sepang 1000km in June which the team aimed to top Class 2. “We can confirmed that we are putting two entries – a Proton Neo R3 and a Proton Gen2 R3. We still finalizing the drivers’ list; but for sure, they would be led by Malaysia’s top saloon car driver and Proton R3 test driver Faidzil Alang,” said team coordinator Najmi Razak. Winner of the MME overall title in 2008 in a Proton R3 Lotus Exige 300RR with Tengku Djan Ley and Damien French of Australia, Faidzil won Class B last year in a Proton Neo R3; partnering former Proton Production Car Championship winner Mohd Hafizy Hafiz and Shafique Ali.

> Full story here.