plans for auto tranny?

[beekrock]

Anyone know if there are plans to release the Elise or Exige with an automatic transmission?

[Josepmamuric]

I don't believe Lotus will come out with an automatic. Maybe a paddle shifter down the line like the supercars, but full automatic would just take away from the thrill, in my opinon.

[mikester]

God I hope not !

[aletes]

Blasphemer! Blasphemer! Blasphemer!

Now that I said that, here is a honest answer to your question.

Lotus is unlikely to install a transmission that has not been provided by their engine supplier. In the case of the Federal Elise, Toyota supplied the engine and transmission to Lotus. Lotus tuned the engine and adjusted the gear ratios to get optimum performance.

The only automatic transmission available for transplant would be the 4-speed "Sportshift" that Toyota pairs the 2ZZ-GE engine. For obvious reasons a 4-speed automatic would be a poor choice if the goal is to achieve world class performance. An automatic transmission would also weigh more and thus violate the most basic of Lotus design principals.

http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2004/celica/specs.html
http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2005/matrix/specs.html
http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2005/corolla/specs.html

--- Here is an explanation of the "Sportshift" automatic.

4-speed Electronically Controlled Overdrive Transmission with Sportshift Feature

The Celica GT-S features a 4-speed electronically controlled transmission with Sportshift, a feature that allows the driver to shift the gears by pressing shift buttons on the steering wheel. The driver can choose to keep the vehicle in automatic mode for stop-and-go traffic, or the driver can shift the gears clutchlessly for more enthusiastic driving situations. The gear position selected by pressing the shift button is fixed, and enables a manual shift-like feel. The shift buttons for downshift are located on the top side of the steering wheel and the shift buttons for upshift are located on the back side of the steering wheel. This enables the driver to shift the gears by pressing buttons located on the steering wheel, thus minimizing the amount of time required to shift gears. When engaged, the M mode indicator will illuminate in the combination instrument meter on the dash. As the driver selects a gear, the correct gear position indicator will appear on the combination meter.

[perryeyges]

Lotus, if you are listening, NEVER offer the car with a SLUSHBOX!
In my opinion F1 should be manual shift cars ONLY!!

[Josepmamuric]

I believe the formula one commision wants to return to manual shifting...I could be wrong, but one of the racing commisions wanted to shift cars back to manaul only.

[jsrsx]

F1 rejected the switch back to manuals stating it was more cost effective for them to keep the sequentials. I have no probs w/ sequentials, but don't want anything w/ a torque converter!

[beekrock]

Thanks for the info. everyone! I live in a VERY hilly and congested area. I've gotten in 2 accidents in the past 4 years where I was at the top of a hill at a red light and, while switching gears, my car started rolling backward into the car behind me. You can imagine my phobia! I now drive a BMW M3 which has a combo manual AND automatic transmission. I'm mainly about comfort driving these days and was looking for something sporty, unusual, and relaxing to drive. Anyone know of what a transmission conversion would cost? I know, I know, I'm quite a heretic amongst other Elise owners!

[aletes]

I think a 4-speed automatic of any type would make it imposible to keep the 2ZZ-GE above 6200 RPM and in "Lift" mode due to compromises made in gear ratios ... Not to mention the fact that top speed would be virtually unattainable.

[EliseSF]

Beekrock do you know the old "parking brake" trick for starting your manual while on a hill? I bought a 20th Anniv. VW GTI once I moved to San Francisco and had the same "rolling backward" problem until a buddy showed me how to rev the engine with the parking brake in place. Once you're engine is up high enough you can release the parking brake and move forward without the backward roll. Requires some good hand/foot/rev coordination, but it works really well...

[perryeyges]

Elise SF, are you getting yourcar at BMC? If so what is your # in line and how did you spec out your car?
Regards, Perry__________ #8 at BMC Laser Blue LSS only!

[SpeedRacer]

.

[chosunman]

Originally posted by beekrock
Anyone know if there are plans to release the Elise or Exige with an automatic transmission?

If you want an auto, why buy an Elise, defeats the whole purpose.

[Ash]

Beekrock / EliseSF

Since us Brits only have slushboxes in about 10% of cars (big Jags, Merc's, etc.) Hill starts with the handbrake are a standard element of our driving test - move back 1mm and you fail your test.

Don't think Lotus will ever will employ an automatic - it's against their whole principles - though you may see a paddle change option on the new Esprit in 2007.

Ash

[EliseSF]

Perry, I'm not in line at BMC, so you're a bigger man than me. I couldn't do the "sight unseen" purchase and I missed the LA Auto Show, so I thought I'd wait until things cooled off some, if they ever do... do you have an ETA for your car? -Todd