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The Lotus 50th Party was an expensive outing. I had avoided visiting the merchandize tent, until the heavens opened, and I was forced to take shelter. There was Dave Minter explaining the Lotus Sport accessories, including the so called Stage II Tune-up Kit. I had intended to upgrade the engine of my Elise over the coming winter, but there was one more track day left, and I had enough money in the bank. If delivery was timely, and the kit was complete, and my race engineer was quick, and there were no snags in fitting, then we might just get the job done in time to get the car run in before the scheduled track day on 7th Oct. The following Monday I popped round to the London Lotus Centre and placed my order. The order went to Lotus on the following Thursday, and delivery direct from the manufacturer was forecast in 7 days. Just enough time.
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| Standard | Stage II | |
| 0-60 | 5.59 | 5.01 |
| 0-100 | 17.37 | 14.42 |
| max. spd mph | 124.97 | 129.50 |
These measurements were made at Milbrook using the Lotus development car, #2 off the production line with 61,000 miles on the clock and fitted with the standard exhaust, back in Apr this year. I drove this car a couple of months ago (it had done more than 70,000 miles), and was impressed its generally good condition. I have some more detailed figures. I also have the power curve for the Motobuild Stage II; the claimed maximum power is 152 BHP at 5750 rpm. Comparison of both curves indicates that the overall gains in performance should be broadly similar.
Cost.
The Stage II tune up kit costs UKP 2,100, plus fitting plus VAT. At the factory we compared the costs of the individual standard components: the cost of the tune up kit was not that much more than the standard components. Although it is not currently possible to buy the components of the Stage II kit separately, my race engineer estimated that it would be more expensive to do the work that way. Although it seems expensive, overall the view is that the supply of the complete kit is cost effective. The inclusion of all consumables (gaskets, even spark plugs) should ensure better quality of installation, and hence greater reliability. Lotus expects at least 10% of cars will be fitted with the Stage II kit. They seem to be selling well at present. By close of play last Thursday, 20 of the 25 available on the shelf had already been ordered.
Warranty.
We discussed the issue of the warranty: it was confirmed that the fitting of the Stage II kit will invalidate the manufacturer's warranty on the whole car. It was pointed out that the kit is aimed at cars that are nearing the end of, or out of their warranty period. This makes engineering sense, ensuring that cars are well run-in before modification. The downside is that potential customers may take their business elsewhere.
Future Developments.
Gearbox. The next phase of the development of performance parts for the Elise will concentrate on the gearbox. A close ratio gearbox which basically lowers fifth gear is already available. This 'box is optimised for the Elise Sport with the 190 BHP engine. As reported in Autocar last week, an ultra-close ratio box is under development, primarily for racing. This 'box has straight cut teeth and will probably be available with either syncromesh or dogs. Also under development is a 'closer' gear set which will be optimised for the Sport 135 engine and intended to be fitted in place of the existing gearbox internals. This will be cheaper than the present close ratio 'box.
Miscellaneous.
Stage I Tune-up Kit. This was to have comprised the sports exhaust, catalyser replacement pipe, and carbon fibre inlet tract. Claimed output is 125 BHP, almost all of which was gained by the removal of the catalyser, which is not road legal. Further, most of those who might buy the Stage I kit probably already have the sports exhaust. It has therefore been decided not to go ahead with the Stage I kit as such. Of course, the sports exhaust is already available and the carbon fibre inlet tract will be available in the next month or so for those who want their car to sound nicer.
Rear wing. The extended rear wing shown in the brochure will be available shortly: I saw the master pattern. This wing is not a cosmetic accessory, but has been developed in the wind tunnel to provide additional rear down-force.
Motor Show. After Sales will be showing a car fitted with the Sport 135 engine, together with a selection of other Lotus Sport parts.
Finally.
I took delivery of my kit last Saturday, and shipped it directly to the workshop: Gerrard Holloway, my race engineer, examined the kit closely, and declared himself well satisfied with the quality of the gas flowing.
My car went into the shop Monday to have the kit fitted, a day earlier than planned because my race engineer was keen to crack on. 300 miles of running in are required before the scheduled track day at Brands Hatch Wednesday next week. I asked Gerrard when the car would be finished. 'When I'm ready' was the reply. I should've known better: he carries out work to his entire satisfaction rather than the customer's!
| vivian.meazza@lineone.net | |
| NLOVELOCK@lotus-cars.co.uk |