The Stark Elise R from the UK-based Stark Automotive offers supercar-like abilities packaged in a Lotus Elise at rather un-supercar prices. With a Series 1 or Series 2 donor Elise supplied by either the buyer or through Stark, the company first starts by striping the car completely down to its chassis. The Elise is then rebuilt and restored to the buyer's specifications using completely new fasteners of course.
While this is normal for restorations, what is unique is the replacement of the original 2ZZ 4-cylinder Toyota engine, with a K20A i-VTEC (the same one in the Honda Civic Type R) that is retuned with a DTA Fast S60 Pro ECU. With the help of the K20 six-speed transmission, the engine will push the car from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds, 0-100 mph in 9.5 seconds, and have a top speed of around 160 mph. Take that Toyota.
Along with the engine swap, the Elise has a fully upgraded suspension, a new set of brake discs, and new Lotus Sport 160 wheels with road-legal track tires from Yokohama. Take that Toyota.
But don't think that this is just some run-of-the-mill track car mod, because the car still retains year round usability. It has the original trunk space for example, as well as replacement upholstery just in case the original carpets have long since worn out. A full color change respray is also one of the available options. In order to survive Britain's rather wet and sometimes icy weather, all the damaged trim and seals are replaced.
This could be all purchased for the equivalent of $53,500, cheaper if the buyer supplies the donor car, and will include a 12-month warranty, a 12-month MOT and six months of road tax paid.
+ Jalopnik: Stark Automotive Lotus Elise R Powered By VTEC, Distinguished By Silly Paint
While this is normal for restorations, what is unique is the replacement of the original 2ZZ 4-cylinder Toyota engine, with a K20A i-VTEC (the same one in the Honda Civic Type R) that is retuned with a DTA Fast S60 Pro ECU. With the help of the K20 six-speed transmission, the engine will push the car from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds, 0-100 mph in 9.5 seconds, and have a top speed of around 160 mph. Take that Toyota.
Along with the engine swap, the Elise has a fully upgraded suspension, a new set of brake discs, and new Lotus Sport 160 wheels with road-legal track tires from Yokohama. Take that Toyota.
But don't think that this is just some run-of-the-mill track car mod, because the car still retains year round usability. It has the original trunk space for example, as well as replacement upholstery just in case the original carpets have long since worn out. A full color change respray is also one of the available options. In order to survive Britain's rather wet and sometimes icy weather, all the damaged trim and seals are replaced.
This could be all purchased for the equivalent of $53,500, cheaper if the buyer supplies the donor car, and will include a 12-month warranty, a 12-month MOT and six months of road tax paid.
+ Jalopnik: Stark Automotive Lotus Elise R Powered By VTEC, Distinguished By Silly Paint