Modern Day Lotus Super 7

[S Lathrop]

For some years, I have been thinking about what a modern day Lotus Super 7 might look like.

I am thinking about a rear engine car but with body work reminiscent of the original Super 7. Something simple to make.

I am thinking about a car that would be street-able with 15 inch wheels and tires but could run 13 inch wheels at the tracks.

Engine options would be Honda Fit or maybe motorcycle engine. Definitely a rear engine car. I have drawn up both a Fit and a motor cycle powered version.

Just an idea for old men to paly with and possibly make something. Something I can give my grandchildren a ride in.

[TedV]

Look on the Locost 7 forum under Midi

[S Lathrop]

TedV

Thanks for the lead.

I am thinking about a car with a longitudinal engine and transmission. Something like a FF type chassis but big enough for 2 people. The problem with a transverse engine setup is the balance of the car. Too much of the weight of the car is concentrated over the rear axle, Now that is my opinion based on my car building experience and the cars I raced as the driver.

[DanW]

Xanthos built a replica Lotus 23 using a Toyota 4AGE coupled to a VW type 3 gearbox. I think a 2L Zetec, Mk adapter to a type 3 gearbox would be cost effective. Mazda Miata engine would work well too. Alternately a Subaru WRX driveline mounted in the back similar to the Factory Five 818.

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=ima..._i2_w1024.jpeg

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=images+Fac...95-1319773.jpg

[S Lathrop]

Xanthos built a replica Lotus 23 using a Toyota 4AGE coupled to a VW type 3 gearbox. I think a 2L Zetec, Mk adapter to a type 3 gearbox would be cost effective. Mazda Miata engine would work well too. Alternately a Subaru WRX driveline mounted in the back similar to the Factory Five 818.

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=ima..._i2_w1024.jpeg

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=images+Fac...95-1319773.jpg

The first sight has some interesting cars.

Thanks.

[DSR3]

re. FFR 818S, not much like a Super 7, but mid engine- Subaru H6 in my case, and a fun project I built a few years ago. I'm a bit surprised it fizzled as a product.

[Rick Kirchner]

any time a very low priced product is better than other products in a company's line-up, and would take up the available manufacturing capacity while delivering less profit, its doomed.

[Marty Nygard]

Like This? Honda CBR1000. 16" street wheels and designed for 13" slicks. All carbon body. Pull rod suspension. Same uprights as my old DSR. Ultimately never could get it street registered in Missouri.










this?

[Spengo]

A guy I know built a goblin. Looks pretty easy, all the hard stuff is done for you. Mostly you just do assembly and fitting.

[marchsv]

I know it’s not mid engined, but it’s a blast to drive because it behaves like a FF.

[BeerBudgetRacing]

any time a very low priced product is better than other products in a company's line-up, and would take up the available manufacturing capacity while delivering less profit, its doomed.

Porsche 914

[ExKartracer]

I designed and built the Wycked7 as a midi type 7. Used a Toyota MR2 for parts, a semi-monocoque chassis and double wishbone suspension.

[Earley Motorsports]

I like mine with the motor up front. Perfect balance, 4AGE 20 valve, 5 speed, open rear end. I've had it nearly 20 years and it still puts a huge smile on my face every time I drive it.

[Lotus7]

I like mine with the motor up front. Perfect balance, 4AGE 20 valve, 5 speed, open rear end. I've had it nearly 20 years and it still puts a huge smile on my face every time I drive it.

My wonderful 7 replica, Toyota 2TG 5 speed, stupidest thing I ever did was selling it to get a 'proper' Caterham :-(

[group3]

Pro Car single make series concoction back in the day never got off the ground; F1 engine in an Alfa 164 body, what's not to love?

[Adriancnh]

For a streetable car I don't believe fun factor comes from mid/rear engine layouts. The dream chassis is the new-ish wider body Caterham with a front longitudinal Hayabusa for that high RPM sound and sequential shifts.

Ariel Atoms are pure garbage although I have not driven the newest one but my doubts are there with the 4 as well.