As both a complete car and as a kit, a new Lotus 7 replica will soon be available for purchase in South Africa. Here are the details and photos.
A new version of the iconic Lotus 7 has been introduced to South Africa. It may soon be available for export to Australia and Japan. Twenty units of the Millennium 7 were built or are being assembled, inspired by Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus.
Chris Carstens is an aeronautical engineer who designed the car in response to a friend’s request. Kobus van den Walt, a friend, has been working with Carstens for six years on the project. Alastair Gibson, a former chief mechanic for Honda F1 has advised the duo.
The standard model will have a 2.0-liter Ford Duratec engine and a Ford Type 9 transmission, but Millennium 7 designers claim that there are many engines available. Although they claim that Ford and Toyota are the most popular choices, the Millennium 7 designers have also equipped the car with a turbocharged 1.3-liter Renesis Rotary engine. This is the same engine used on the Mazda RX-8. The car has a BMW E30 3-Series rear differential, drive shafts and gearbox, but they can use many other gearboxes.
The vehicle weighs in at 700kg (1543lbs) with a four-cylinder Toyota engine. The fiberglass body, aluminum skin panels and space frame help to keep the vehicle’s weight down. Engineers were able to design an automobile with a larger cockpit than the Lotus 7 despite its low weight.
The BMW 3er also has disc brakes, although four-piston can be an option. The unique windscreen is also available, and is installed at 55 degrees.
A DIY kit will make the vehicle more accessible than a full-sized car. According to a press release, this kit would include the frame, alloy double skin panelling and bodywork, fuel tank and brakes, as well as a pedal box and mastercylinders, steering system, and basic wiring harness.
The Millennium 7 will be priced at 150,000 Rand (or EUR13,500) without the differential, drive shafts and engine.