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Lotus Elite: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox |
{{Infobox |
|Image = '''place image here in 300 pixels'''
|Image = [[Image:1958lotus elite small3.jpg|300px]]
|Marque = '''place marque here - not manufacturer'''
|Marque = [[Lotus]]
|aka = '''Type aka here, not up there'''
|aka = '''Type aka here, not up there'''
|Production = '''produced from when to when+total units made (optional)'''
|Production = 1957-1962<br>1000 units<br><br>2014-present
|Class = '''denote market class'''
|Class = Sports Car, GT
|Body Style = '''how many doors+how many seats+what type of body'''
|Body Style = 2-Door, 2+2-seat Convertible+Coupe
|Length = '''length - type here'''
|Length = '''length - type here'''
|Width = '''Width - type here'''
|Width = '''Width - type here'''
Line 15: Line 15:
|Power = N/A hp @ N/A rpm<br>N/A lb-ft of [[torque]] @ N/A rpm
|Power = N/A hp @ N/A rpm<br>N/A lb-ft of [[torque]] @ N/A rpm
|Similar =  '''similar (competition)'''
|Similar =  '''similar (competition)'''
|Designer = '''Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)'''
|Designer = [[Peter Kirwin-Taylor]] and [[Frank Costin]]
}}
}}
'''Use the following MODEL TEMPLATE as the foundation for the Wikicars' Model page:'''
The '''Lotus Elite''' name was used for three vehicles from [[Lotus]]. The first [[Elite]] or ''Lotus Type 14'' was an ultra-light two-seater [[coupé]], produced from 1957 to 1962. In 2014, the nomenclature has been revived again in the form of a 600hp retractable hardtop Grand Tourer.
 
Start off with a brief Introduction to the particular MODEL. Please DO NOT use the same Introduction text from the [[Wikicars:Model Review Template|<MODEL> Review]] page, but rather paraphrase ideas relevant to grasp an overall scope of the [[automobile|vehicle]].  


See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[{{PAGENAME}} Review]]'''.
See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[{{PAGENAME}} Review]]'''.
Line 152: Line 150:
'''''Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures'''''.
'''''Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures'''''.


==Current Generation: (YYYY–present)==
==Current Generation: (2014–present)==
{{stub}}
{{-}}


===Fifth generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
===Second Generation (1974-1982)===


From 1974 to 1982, Lotus produced the considerably larger ''Type 75'' and later the ''Type 83'' 4-seat ''Elite II''. Lotus's first [[sedan|saloon car]] was front engined with rear wheel drive. Like all production Lotuses, the Elite II used fiberglass for the bodyshell mounted on a steel backbone chassis evolved from the [[Lotus Elan]] and [[Lotus Europa]]. It had a 4-wheel [[independent suspension]] and used Lotus's all-new 907 [[multi-valve|4-valve]] [[Double overhead cam|DOHC]] aluminium engine, which would have been the first 4-valve per cylinder, 2.0 L production engine had the [[Triumph Dolomite]] Sprint not been introduced the year before. In both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged versions the engine was the foundation for the [[Lotus Esprit]] powerplants. The Elite II was the basis for the [[Lotus Eclat]], and later the [[Lotus Excel]] four seaters.


===Fourth generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
Correction: The Lotus 907 engine was first used in 1972 as the power-plant for the Jensen-Healey, and its use pre-dates Triumph's Dolomite.


"Like all production Lotuses since the Elan, the Elite II used fiberglass for the bodyshell, mounted on a steel backbone chassis"


===Third generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
===First Generation/Origins (1957-1962)===


The Elite's most distinctive feature was its highly innovative fiberglass monocoque construction, in which a stressed-skin unibody replaced the previously separate chassis and body components. Unlike the contemporaneous [[Chevrolet Corvette]], which used fiberglass for only exterior bodywork, the Elite also used this glass-reinforced plastic material for the entire load-bearing structure of the car, though the front of the monocoque incorporated a steel subframe supporting the engine and front suspension.


===Second generation (YYYY–YYYY)===
The resultant body was both lighter, stiffer, and provided better driver protection in the event of a crash. The weight savings allowed the Elite to achieve [[sports car]] performance from a 75&nbsp;[[horsepower|hp]] (55&nbsp;kW) 1216&nbsp;cc [[Coventry Climax]] all-aluminium [[Straight-4|I4]] engine. Climax-powered Elites won the "Index of Performance" six times at the 24 hour [[Le Mans]] race and many other races worldwide. The Elite was the first Lotus produced car to race in Australia and the original car to be raced in Australia is currently in boxes under re-furbishment.


Advanced aerodynamics also made a contribution, giving the car a very low drag coefficient of 0.29 &mdash; quite low even for modern cars. This accomplishment is all the more notable considering that the engineers did not enjoy the benefits of [[computer-aided design]] and wind tunnel testing. The original Elite drawings were by Peter Kirwin-Taylor. [[Frank Costin]], (brother of Mike Costin, one of the co-founders of [[Cosworth]]), at that time Chief Aerodynamic Engineer for the DeHaviland Aircraft Company, contributed to the final design.


===First Generation/Origins (YYYY–YYYY)===
Just over 1,000 Elites were built.


=====Dimensions=====
* Length: 3708 mm
* Width: 1506 mm
* Height: 1181 mm
* Weight: 503.5 kg
* Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
* Engine: 1.2 litre ''Coventry Climax'' Inline-4
* Power: 75 hp (55 kW)


==Worldwide==
==Worldwide==
Line 179: Line 192:


==See Also==
==See Also==
{{Lotus}}


This article use content from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Elite Wikipedia Lotus Elite page] with these http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lotus_Elite&action=history contributors].
==External Links==
==External Links==
Please include any external sites that were used in collaborating this data, including manufacturer sites, in this section.
Please include any external sites that were used in collaborating this data, including manufacturer sites, in this section.
Line 186: Line 201:


'''''Enthusiast Sites and Discussion Forums'''''
'''''Enthusiast Sites and Discussion Forums'''''
[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:1958lotus elite small3.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Lotus Elite'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Lotus]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1957-1962, 1,000 Made
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Sports Car
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 2-Door Coupe
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 3708 mm
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 1506 mm
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 1181 mm
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
|
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 503.5 kg
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-Speed Manual
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 1.2 Liter Coventry Climax I-4
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 75 hp (55 kW)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
|
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Peter Kirwin-Taylor]] and [[Frank Costin]]
|}
The '''Lotus Elite''' name was used for two vehicles from [[Lotus]].The first [[Elite]] or ''Lotus Type 14'' was an ultra-light two-seater [[coupé]], produced from 1957 to 1962.
See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[{{FULLPAGENAMEE}} Review]]'''.
===Recent Changes===
==History==
The Elite's most distinctive feature was its highly innovative fiberglass monocoque construction, in which a stressed-skin unibody replaced the previously separate chassis and body components. Unlike the contemporaneous [[Chevrolet Corvette]], which used fiberglass for only exterior bodywork, the Elite also used this glass-reinforced plastic material for the entire load-bearing structure of the car, though the front of the monocoque incorporated a steel subframe supporting the engine and front suspension.
The resultant body was both lighter, stiffer, and provided better driver protection in the event of a crash. The weight savings allowed the Elite to achieve [[sports car]] performance from a 75&nbsp;[[horsepower|hp]] (55&nbsp;kW) 1216&nbsp;cc [[Coventry Climax]] all-aluminium [[Straight-4|I4]] engine. Climax-powered Elites won the "Index of Performance" six times at the 24 hour [[Le Mans]] race and many other races worldwide. The Elite was the first Lotus produced car to race in Australia and the original car to be raced in Australia is currently in boxes under re-furbishment.
Advanced aerodynamics also made a contribution, giving the car a very low drag coefficient of 0.29 &mdash; quite low even for modern cars. This accomplishment is all the more notable considering that the engineers did not enjoy the benefits of [[computer-aided design]] and wind tunnel testing. The original Elite drawings were by Peter Kirwin-Taylor. [[Frank Costin]], (brother of Mike Costin, one of the co-founders of [[Cosworth]]), at that time Chief Aerodynamic Engineer for the DeHaviland Aircraft Company, contributed to the final design.
Just over 1,000 Elites were built.
==1974==
From 1974 to 1982, Lotus produced the considerably larger ''Type 75'' and later the ''Type 83'' 4-seat ''Elite II''. Lotus's first [[sedan|saloon car]] was front engined with rear wheel drive. Like all production Lotuses, the Elite II used fiberglass for the bodyshell mounted on a steel backbone chassis evolved from the [[Lotus Elan]] and [[Lotus Europa]]. It had a 4-wheel [[independent suspension]] and used Lotus's all-new 907 [[multi-valve|4-valve]] [[Double overhead cam|DOHC]] aluminium engine, which would have been the first 4-valve per cylinder, 2.0 L production engine had the [[Triumph Dolomite]] Sprint not been introduced the year before. In both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged versions the engine was the foundation for the [[Lotus Esprit]] powerplants. The Elite II was the basis for the [[Lotus Eclat]], and later the [[Lotus Excel]] four seaters.
Correction: The Lotus 907 engine was first used in 1972 as the power-plant for the Jensen-Healey, and its use pre-dates Triumph's Dolomite.
"Like all production Lotuses since the Elan, the Elite II used fiberglass for the bodyshell, mounted on a steel backbone chassis"
===Styles and Major Options===
===Pricing===
===Gas Mileage===
===Reliability===
===Safety===
===Photos===
<gallery>
</gallery>
===Colors===
===Main Competitors===
==Unique Attributes==
==Resale Values==
==Criticisms==
==Worldwide==
==Design quirks and oddities==
==Awards==
==See also==
{{Lotus}}
This article use content from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Elite Wikipedia Lotus Elite page] with these http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lotus_Elite&action=history contributors].
==External Links==
*[http://www.lotusexcel.co.uk/ Lotus Excel - Elite - Eclat Owner's forum. Huge archive of information]
*[http://www.lotusexcel.co.uk/ Lotus Excel - Elite - Eclat Owner's forum. Huge archive of information]
*[http://www.lotusexcel.net/ Lotus Excel Owner's forum - Elites & Eclats welcome]
*[http://www.lotusexcel.net/ Lotus Excel Owner's forum - Elites & Eclats welcome]


[[Category:Pages with the First Anniversary Infobox Upgrade]]
[[Category:Lotus Vehicles]]
[[Category:Lotus Vehicles]]
[[Category:Sports cars]]
[[Category:Sports cars]]

Revision as of 12:30, 20 September 2010

1958lotus elite small3.jpg
Lotus Elite
Lotus
aka Type aka here, not up there
Production 1957-1962
1000 units

2014-present
Class Sports Car, GT
Body Style 2-Door, 2+2-seat Convertible+Coupe
Length length - type here
Width Width - type here
Height Height - type here
Wheelbase wheelbase - type here
Weight Weight - you get the point
Transmission transmission + drive
Engine engine
Power N/A hp @ N/A rpm
N/A lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm
Similar similar (competition)
Designer Peter Kirwin-Taylor and Frank Costin

The Lotus Elite name was used for three vehicles from Lotus. The first Elite or Lotus Type 14 was an ultra-light two-seater coupé, produced from 1957 to 1962. In 2014, the nomenclature has been revived again in the form of a 600hp retractable hardtop Grand Tourer.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Lotus Elite Review.

Recent Changes

Mention any minor facelifts or major changes made to the vehicle here.

Styles and Major Options

Certain vehicles come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.

Pricing

Add more fields as necessary.

MODEL Trims
Trim1 Trim2 Trim3 Trim4
MSRP
$Price1 $Price2 $Price3 $Price4
Invoice
$Price1 $Price2 $Price3 $Price4

Gas Mileage

Add more fields as necessary.

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Trim
Trim1 Trim2 Trim3 Trim4
MPG
c/h c/h c/h c/h

Engine and Transmission

Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.

Performance

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If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Reliability

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Safety

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Photos

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Please make sure not to use copyrighted photos.

Colors

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Main Competitors

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Hybrid Models

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Unique Attributes

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Interior

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Resale Values

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<MODEL> Year
Year X Year X-2 Year X-3 Year X-4
Resale Value
$ $ $ $

Criticisms

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Generations

Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.

Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures.

Current Generation: (2014–present)

This article is a stub. Help us expand it, and you get a cookie.


Second Generation (1974-1982)

From 1974 to 1982, Lotus produced the considerably larger Type 75 and later the Type 83 4-seat Elite II. Lotus's first saloon car was front engined with rear wheel drive. Like all production Lotuses, the Elite II used fiberglass for the bodyshell mounted on a steel backbone chassis evolved from the Lotus Elan and Lotus Europa. It had a 4-wheel independent suspension and used Lotus's all-new 907 4-valve DOHC aluminium engine, which would have been the first 4-valve per cylinder, 2.0 L production engine had the Triumph Dolomite Sprint not been introduced the year before. In both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged versions the engine was the foundation for the Lotus Esprit powerplants. The Elite II was the basis for the Lotus Eclat, and later the Lotus Excel four seaters.

Correction: The Lotus 907 engine was first used in 1972 as the power-plant for the Jensen-Healey, and its use pre-dates Triumph's Dolomite.

"Like all production Lotuses since the Elan, the Elite II used fiberglass for the bodyshell, mounted on a steel backbone chassis"

First Generation/Origins (1957-1962)

The Elite's most distinctive feature was its highly innovative fiberglass monocoque construction, in which a stressed-skin unibody replaced the previously separate chassis and body components. Unlike the contemporaneous Chevrolet Corvette, which used fiberglass for only exterior bodywork, the Elite also used this glass-reinforced plastic material for the entire load-bearing structure of the car, though the front of the monocoque incorporated a steel subframe supporting the engine and front suspension.

The resultant body was both lighter, stiffer, and provided better driver protection in the event of a crash. The weight savings allowed the Elite to achieve sports car performance from a 75 hp (55 kW) 1216 cc Coventry Climax all-aluminium I4 engine. Climax-powered Elites won the "Index of Performance" six times at the 24 hour Le Mans race and many other races worldwide. The Elite was the first Lotus produced car to race in Australia and the original car to be raced in Australia is currently in boxes under re-furbishment.

Advanced aerodynamics also made a contribution, giving the car a very low drag coefficient of 0.29 — quite low even for modern cars. This accomplishment is all the more notable considering that the engineers did not enjoy the benefits of computer-aided design and wind tunnel testing. The original Elite drawings were by Peter Kirwin-Taylor. Frank Costin, (brother of Mike Costin, one of the co-founders of Cosworth), at that time Chief Aerodynamic Engineer for the DeHaviland Aircraft Company, contributed to the final design.

Just over 1,000 Elites were built.

Dimensions
  • Length: 3708 mm
  • Width: 1506 mm
  • Height: 1181 mm
  • Weight: 503.5 kg
  • Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
  • Engine: 1.2 litre Coventry Climax Inline-4
  • Power: 75 hp (55 kW)

Worldwide

If the vehicle is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the <MODEL> goes by another name in these other markets.

Design quirks and oddities

Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the vehicle in this section.

Awards

List out notable awards that the model has received while in production. Boldface the company or organization that gives out the award, and Italicize the name of the award.

See Also

1972a.jpg
LOTUS

Proton Holdings Berhad


Proton | Lotus Group Plc. | Lotus


Current: Elise · Exige · Evora

Upcoming: Elite · Elan · Esprit · Eterne

Historic: Excel · Eclat · Europa · Europa S

Concept: APX Concept · M90 · 340R · Exige GT3 · Hot Wheels Concept · Eco Elise Concept · M250 Concept · Evora 414E Hybrid Concept · Evora Carbon Concept · Etna Concept · City Car Concept · Elise Concept · Elan Concept · Esprit Concept · Elite Concept · Eterne Concept

Performance: Carlton · Cortina · Zytek Elise

Racing: T127 · 2-Eleven · Evora Type 124 · Evora Cup · Cosworth KV Racing IndyCar · Mk1 · Mk2 · Mk3 · Mk4 · Mk5 · 6 · 7 · Mk8 · Mk9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 15 · 16 · 17 · 18 · 19 · 20 · 20B · 21 · 22 · 23 · 24 · 25 · 27 · 29 · 30 · 31 · 32 · 33 · 34 · 38 · 39 · 42 · 43 · 48 · 49 · 56 · 56B · 63 · 64 · 72 · 76 · 77 · 78 · 79 · 80 · 81 · 85 · 86 · 87 · 88 · 91 · 92 · 93T · 94T · 95T · 96T · 97T · 98T · 99T · 100T · 101 · 102 · 105 · 107 · 109 · 112 · 114 · 115 · 119 · Exos Type 125


Group Lotus · Lotus Racing · Lotus Sport · Colin Chapman


Colin Chapman Corporate website A Division of Group Lotus



This article use content from Wikipedia Lotus Elite page with these http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lotus_Elite&action=history contributors].

External Links

Please include any external sites that were used in collaborating this data, including manufacturer sites, in this section.

News and References

Enthusiast Sites and Discussion Forums