More torsional rigidity would improve handling (regardless of power levels), but it is not a factor when simply adding power. In the rear-engine (or mid-engine) configurations, the engine torque does not twist the frame like in a front engine/rear drive layout. Steve VIN 2650 ("Project Delorean") www.projectdelorean.com ----- Original Message ---- From: "mike.griese@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx" <mike.griese@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Thursday, August 9, 2007 10:41:19 PM Subject: Re: [DML] Re: New Delorean production.... The Esprit does not have an identical frame. They share the center backbone and trailing link suspension layout, but the front suspension mounts and engine cradle are completely different. There is a lot more torsional rigidity in the Esprit frame than in the DeLorean, which is the main issue with adding significantly more horsepower. The DeLorean would flex too much, compromising handling. The reason you can't buy a new Esprit is because it couldn't pass crash testing anymore. The car had been brought in on waivers since the late 80's and Lotus finally couldn't get them renewed. -- Mike ------------ -- Original message from "Wilson Hitchings" <canon20dfan@ yahoo.com>: ------------ -- > OF COURSE we'd bring all the wiring up to current USA specs. New > computer & internal electronics. > > Ya know, I don't think it's all that wild a notion to re-use the > existing frame. To my untrained eye, the Lotus Esprit has the identical > frame & chassis...in fact, a Delorean seems to be an Esprit with gull- > wing doors. Is anyone challenging the performace of a Lotus? Safety > certification? OK, do it. Is anyone NOT buying a Boxster or Lotus Elise > because it doesn't have 8 airbags and a mini-van safety rating? All it > has to do is PASS. > > Please send your donations for a new DMC production plant to...me! > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ____________________________________________________________________________________Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.yahoo.com/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:dmcnews-digest@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx mailto:dmcnews-fullfeatured@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/