Esprit S4s vs. big displacement.

[Martin]

So Arnie Johnson tells me this story the other day about a test for Autoweek Magazine. He said they were testing the Corvette ZR1, the latest Callaway Vette and the Esprit S4s all at the same place. Well immediately the boys from the two other camps asked about the Lotus and Arnie told them it was a turbo 4 banger. The same response from both of them was...."well, there is no replacement for displacement but good luck anyway". So they start going through the tests and after the two ther cars have been doing the 0-60 runs the Esprit posts a 4.6 second 0-60mph time. Beating the ZR1 and barely missing the Callaway by less than 2 or 3 tenths of a second. So they asked again, how big is that engine? Arnie said, about 130 cubic inches. :D

He said he couldn't stop smiling, but noticed no smiles were coming from the other camps.

(Just thought you all might enjoy that story)

[Autocross7]

For so long that was the down fall of the American muscle. It was just that... muscle. In this case "displacement"... but a big motor does not equal a great road car! I still find people in a certain age group that do not seem to get the Colin Chapman "add lightness" concept at all. I find this interesting as they go to the straight line drag strip and start trying to get the car lighter? Me? I am a road racer and not a drag strip driver... if it can't turn it ain't fast in my world.


Great story! I have a good friend with a 360 Modena that is still surprised that my 20 year old Esprit can hang with him... can't beat him - no way. But it does do a good job of holding it's own on the road course. I'll do better with new bushings as the sweet part of the car has aged...:huh: I think the last couple of Corvettes FINALLY got it right, but at te end of the day I have an Esprit - those guys have a Vette... heeheehee...


Cameron

[BCST]

Always a good story to hear, although I do like and appreciate both camps! :)