2007 Elise rumors
It’s pretty well known by now that Lotus dealers are not accepting orders for any 2007 model year Elises. The latest explanation for this is quite interesting:
Crossposted from TOP (wasn’t it rubber bumpers that killed off MGs):
MY07 U.S models of both Elise & Exige will have rubber bumper front ends which are mandatory requirement from 01 Jan 2007 because that is the date the 3 year Federal exemption expires.
The exemption ending also applies to the headlights.
The existing front clam will be replaced by one that is identical in looks to the Europa but the front fibreglass section is replaced with a colour coded rubber bumper.
The rubber bumpers also add 45Kg at the front of the car, so new geo settings are required, together with an uprated pair of front dampers and springs.
Lotus tried to get around the problem by spraying foam inside the clam but the Federal Authorities insisted that the entire nose section be replaced by rubber, so Lotus had no option other than to use the Europa clam but replacing the nose section with a rubber moulding. The Europa clam also complies with the U.S. headlamp requirements.
Rear bumperettes are also required to meet Federal regulations but they are just stuck on with sikaflex, so can be removed with a hairdryer and a bit of patience, although it may be necessary to respray the rear clam as the paint may come off with the sikaflex.
All European models will also have the same modifications from 01 Mar 2007.
If this is true, if the front end of the Elise is to be like the Europa, then one would think they’d need to change the sides and the rear as well, if for no reason other than to maintain continuity in the design and make it look half decent. In which case, the Elise is *dead*, to be replaced by a car that will likely be called the Europa in this country.
Keep in mind that this will affect the Exige S as well!
It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out in the next few months.
(via EliseTalk)
CORRECTED: Original source is Lotus Enthusiasts’ BBS