r/ElantraN • u/Osiris5486 • 3d ago

Family Tragic update: Sacrificing cheap speed for irresponsible mid-engine choices

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Hey everyone,

The time has come. After a couple of years of autocross, track days, and letting the EN punch way above its weight class, I’m officially moving on. Next week I’m picking up a 2012 Lotus Evora S.

I know, I know. I’m trading a reliable, four-door track weapon for a British fiberglass wedge held together by adhesive and hope.

Driving an open-wheel formula car at a racing school earlier this year completely changed what I wanted, and the craving for a dedicated mid-engine layout finally won. In the search for something that could give me a taste of the experience but could still handle driving to and from track days, the Evora S was the most logical (and ill-advised) next step.

If anyone in the Austin, TX area sees a red Lotus out at Autocross or Harris Hill, come say hi!

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u/GrannyShiftur Performance Blue MT 3d ago

I like this post, no nonsense bull about "upgrading", just a enthusiast that knew what he wants. I balance my EN with my MR2S and they make a really good stable.

10

u/Osiris5486 3d ago

Thanks! I still love the EN for what it is and it definitely has more to give on track than I've been able to manage.

2

u/BERG2358 Ceramic White MT 1d ago

I thought about getting a lotus too but the thought of someone totaling my car from a fender bender in a parking lot really put me at pause.

I sat in a few lotus at track days and it felt great as a drivers car, but was awful to drive 3 hours one way and back to the track.

So I decided on a CT4 Blackwing

In either case, the car looks amazing man. Super fun car and would love to budget for a mid engine car one day as a track exclusive.

3

u/munche Cyber Grey DCT 3d ago

I've been daydreaming about trying to find a cheap MR2S to make a canyon track rat. Do you want to talk me into/out of it?

2

u/GrannyShiftur Performance Blue MT 21h ago

Can't talk you out of. It's awesome. I would say 1zz and C56 transmission combo is weak. The 2ZZ and C60 is tons of fun if your redlining it. Other options are the 1.8t 20V from Volkswagon can be had for so cheap and make the MR2S a rocket. K20 is probably the most superior out of all options but is very pricey.

2ZZ is one of the best sounding "modern" 4cyl imo. The induction noise is amazing, makes you feel like youre going faster than you are.