HSV's Elfin Sports Cars To Release New GM 2.0L Turbo Powered Model

[JoeT]

Elfin Tunes Up New Sports Car

Andrew Heasley
25 June 2008
www.smh.com.au

The boutique builder's latest model will soon be released, writes Andrew Heasley.

Elfin, the boutique Melbourne-based sports-car builder that's part of former racer Tom Walkinshaw's sprawling auto empire, is set to reveal its next model: a new-generation lightweight sports car.

It promises "electrifying performance", Mr Walkinshaw says, with a power-to-weight ratio of 277kw/tonne. That's the equivalent of a 470kW Commodore!

The new car is the yet-to-be-named replacement for the old Type-3 clubman, which was gradually phased out of production to make way for the Holden V8-powered MS8 Streamliner and MS Clubman models.

"We wanted a car we could build in more (i.e., bigger) volume - the MS8 and Clubman models are quite complex," he said. "We decided to start from a clean sheet of paper and start from scratch."

The old Type-3 was a Lotus 7/ Caterham-style clubman that could be bought as a kit and assembled at home.

This time, Mr Walkinshaw described the new Type-3 replacement as a "proper car with all the latest technology on it".

It will have a stronger, tubular space-frame under its 21st century-styled fibreglass body. It will still feature hallmark cycle-guards over open wheels.

It will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the GM Solstice, allied to a six-speed manual gearbox.

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Elfin “Type 5″ Sneak Preview

Australian Car Advice
18 July 2008
www.caradvice.com.au

Australia’s own Elfin Motors has released a sneak peek of its new lightweight performance car - the Elfin “Type 5″.

Designed to compete with the likes of Lotus, Ariel and Caterham, the new model codenamed “Type 5″ is a completely new car from the ground up.

Unlike the LS1 V8-powered MS8 derivatives, the all-new Type 5 will boast a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an expected power output of around 200kW and 350Nm.

This is comparable to just 163kW for the Lotus Elise Supercharged and 147kW for the Caterham SVR 200.

Common sense suggests the motor will be a GM-sourced unit, likely the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine from the HSV VXR considering Elfin’s roots in HSV with Tom Walkinshaw owning the bespoke manufacturer.

Not only does Elfin plan to keep weight down - with a target of just 750kg - but the price as well.

The Elfin Type 5 aims to be the first genuinely affordable lightweight road-going track car in Australia with an anticipated price tag around $65,000.

Click here to continue article

Elfin Website
Elfin Supercharges LS1 For 50th Anniversary Streamliner
HSV's Tom Walkinshaw Buys Iconic Elfin Sportscar Company

[hrtmaloo]

Sounds Promising.... cant wait to see pictures

[mikmak]

It's about time they confirmed it. I think a conept will debut in the very near future, to convey an environmentally sensitive attitude to performance.

[RedVee8]

^^^^
really excellent

[CJ Thunder]

Originally Posted by mikmak

environmentally sensitive attitude to performance.

Geo Storm?


That thing has clout!

[GMusa]

That 2.0L turbocharged engine from GM is awesome! Its being used in so many different vehicles. GM had a homerun with that engine! They should put it in the Malibu! And also GM should put it into a STi and Evo fighter under the Pontiac brand!! Its said that GM could get up to 300hp out of it.. it would be a great fit!

[redTT]

700kg car just wow.

[mmciau]

Originally Posted by redTT

700kg car just wow.

for it to succeed in the "clubman" genre, it will need to be light as possible and 'lively'.

To get it ADR compliant may need all the basic safety features including current SRS which can add weight.

If it is indeed a 'cleansheet' design, then it may be able to meet all the requirements and be light too

Mike

[redTT]

Originally Posted by mmciau

for it to succeed in the "clubman" genre, it will need to be light as possible and 'lively'.

To get it ADR compliant may need all the basic safety features including current SRS which can add weight.

If it is indeed a 'cleansheet' design, then it may be able to meet all the requirements and be light too

Mike

I think it is a clean sheet design.

[mikmak]

What's to design? It's got cycle guards and no roof. Just slap some readily available ADR rated lights on it and hit the road.

[JoeT]

Elfin “Type 5″ Sneak Preview

Australian Car Advice
18 July 2008
www.caradvice.com.au

Australia’s own Elfin Motors has released a sneak peek of its new lightweight performance car - the Elfin “Type 5″.

Designed to compete with the likes of Lotus, Ariel and Caterham, the new model codenamed “Type 5″ is a completely new car from the ground up.

Unlike the LS1 V8-powered MS8 derivatives, the all-new Type 5 will boast a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an expected power output of around 200kW and 350Nm.

This is comparable to just 163kW for the Lotus Elise Supercharged and 147kW for the Caterham SVR 200.

Common sense suggests the motor will be a GM-sourced unit, likely the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine from the HSV VXR considering Elfin’s roots in HSV with Tom Walkinshaw owning the bespoke manufacturer.

Not only does Elfin plan to keep weight down - with a target of just 750kg - but the price as well.

The Elfin Type 5 aims to be the first genuinely affordable lightweight road-going track car in Australia with an anticipated price tag around $65,000.

Click here to continue article

[RedVee8]

That is really good news.
Now just need to win lotto....

[mikmak]

This is the perfect car for your daughter...which you may have to borrow from time to time.

[asylum]

hahahah AWESOME!

so this is basically a solstice with no body panels!?

i wonder how something like this will compete against things like the Arial Atom etc

[RedVee8]

Originally Posted by mikmak

This is the perfect car for your daughter...which you may have to borrow from time to time.

Yes, especially if they leave one of the naughts off the price.
Either that or a Sunbird hatch 2.2 Street Machine