Chip Pondered,
>
>I'm beginning to wonder, now - do the Elise and Renault (model-?) use
>aluminum for the structural portions of the frame, or in supporting areas
>for weight saving?
I can't speak for the Renault Spyder, but the Lotus Elise uses a bonded
hydroformed chassis tub made entirely from aluminum. The suspension
(aluminum as well) is hung onto that. Since it is a "minimalist" sportster,
a lot of aluminum is visible in the interior. The car only weighs about
1500 pounds! 0 to 60 with the 130 HP Rover 4 cyl. engine (same as in the
MG F) is in the 5 - 6 second range. A 190 HP version of that engine has
just been announced.
The chassis is very stiff for a roadster, but it has high door sills that
add strength. [Anecdote: Chrysler USA execs were "evaluating" the Elise
that was tested previously by Road & Track. The car was shunted off the
road and suffered a bent frame!!!! It was subsequently sent back to England.]
>I've seen the Elise, only because there's a Lotus importer
>near where I live, and they've got a Purple one they've been driving
>around. It doesn't pass US Crash or Emissions tests...
>
Actually, rumour has it that the Elise DOES pass the crash tests with its
fiberglass body. The Rover engine passes emmissions, but is not certified
to comply with OBD II (US On Board Diagnostics requirements). Since Lotus
has an 18 month waiting list for Elise customers, there has been no hurry
to tax their production capacity with the demands of the US market.
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