* Lotus Elise for U.S. Shores
Lotus Cars USA will be offering a U.S.-specific version of the Elise, beginning mid 2004 as a 2005 model. The exceedingly lightweight vehicle-a mere 1,700 lb-is currently powered by a 156-bhp four-cylinder engine, which outputs 129 lb-ft of torque and has a top speed of 132 mph.. The U.S. version will be slightly different. Based on market studies and surveys, Lotus Cars USA is very confident the Elise will do well in the U.S. Complete specifications and price will be released around the time of the mid-2004 launch.
* Land Rover G4 Challenge U.S. Competitor Selected
At the end of a grueling five-day training and assessment program, Nancy Olson, 29, a U.S. Marine Corps Officer, emerged as the competitor who will represent the United States in the 2003 Land Rover G4 Challenge. Olson will now undertake a training and preparation program in readiness for the rigors of the Challenge itself. The event kicks off in New York City on March 30, 2003, with 16 competitors enduring four consecutive weeks, four time zones and intense physical and mental competition.
The G4 International Selections event took place at the 5,000-acre Eastnor Castle estate, home to the Land Rover Driving Experience. During the program, which ran this past January, a total of 32 prospective competitors, two from each of 16 participating countries, were put through a series of demanding assessment sessions, including GPS and navigation, off-road driving, mountain biking, climbing/abseiling and kayaking.
The purpose of the event was not only to select the final competitor for each nation based on quantitative scoring systems, but also to give them all the skills and knowledge required to complete the Challenge safely. For further details of the Land Rover G4 Challenge and to follow the action online from March 30 to April 26, visit www.landroverG4challenge.com.
* Ward's AutoWorld Best Engines 2003
Ward's AutoWorld has announced the winners of its ninth annual 10 Best Engines Competition. This year's recipients included more four-cylinder engines than V8s, with three of the engines using the tried-and-true inline-six layout; three others used forced induction. Four of the ten were of European manufacturer. They are: BMW AG 3.2-liter dohc inline six; BMW 3.0-liter dohc inline six; MINI 1.6-liter supercharged sohc inline four; and Volkswagen AG 1.8-liter turbocharged dohc inline four. For details on all the winners, log on to www.wardsauto.com