Originally Posted by ZlleH

http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elis...ne/toyota.html

Will tell you all about the history of the Elise engine.

"Long-time Lotus development engineer and driver Roger Becker flew to Japan with the idea of sourcing Toyota's new, 1.8 liter, Yamaha-designed 2ZZ-GE engine for use in a world version of the Elise."

The birth of the Elise was becasue one of the engineer's wife did not want him to get a motorcycle: http://www.autofieldguide.com/articles/060402.html

"The Lotus Elise began life in 1992 as a lightweight 'step-over' car with no doors after the wife of an engineer at the Hethel, England-based company insisted he not buy a motorcycle."

So I say here is the next generation of Elise minded cars:
http://fast-autos.net/roadtests/trex05/index.html
"the T-Rex is a tube-framed three wheeled vehicle that uses the engine and transmission of a Kawasaki ZZR-1200 at the back, and custom built race car style suspension at
the front. The 152 hp motorcycle engine in a vehicle that weighs only 900 lbs (dry) creates performance numbers that few cars can rival."

Originally Posted by Kolia

I would like to see from what motorcycle the Elise engine might have been sourced. 1.8 liters twin cam with variable valve timing and lift, plus an H gate tranny and dry clutch and finally a puny 8000 and something rpm red line? I’ve never seen that on 2 wheels.

Originally Posted by Ztalker

to make the long story short.....back in the days when Lotus first approached Toyota Motors to suggest using their Celica engine on their Elise .... according to one popular automobile magazine......Toyota flatly refused. But somehow after further begging/negotiations, Toyota finally allowed Lotus to use their name even though its built by Yamaha. Lotus ain't no fool.....cuz they knew they wouldn't be able to sell as many cars if they had branded it as a Yamaha, dude.
don't get me wrong...i still like the Lotus even though its soul is a motorcycle.

Originally Posted by gatti-man

Then youve obviously never owned a yamaha motorcycle/engine. I have owned 2 personally both taken over 40k miles with zero problems. They were tracked monthly and dogged everyday by me all throughout college. The R1 motorcycle engine is an engineering marvel of power/size/weight. What better engine to have? You need to ride a sportbike before you flame, the yammy would rip your z in half in any environment besides torrential rain.
Also let me add that while 40k is by no means a proof of a quality engine i know plenty of engines that show signs of problems by 40k so it does mean something.

Originally Posted by Ztalker

at least you need to give me credit for owning a brand new 6000 dollar YAMAHA piano.