Video: Mad Hayabusa V8 Elise revs to 11,000rpm

06th January 2022

Seán Ward

Driving a Lotus Elise up a hillclimb on the ragged edge of grip would be challenge enough. Bombing up a hillclimb in an Elise powered by two Suzuki Hayabusa engines bolted together to make a V8 is another matter entirely. Sweet Maurice this is insane.

Yes, this little Elise, what was once a Series 1 with a 1.8-litre motor from a Rover, has a 3.0-litre powerhouse that revs to 11,000rpm. It’s the result of 10 years of development in the European Hill Climb Championship by its owner and driver Dan Michl. Dan the man clearly has no fear, because this little Lotus sounds like an F1 DFV, cracks and spits flame with every gearchange and accelerates not too dissimilarly to something with a NASA badge on its nose. What a mad machine. The best bit, this video isn’t just fly-by footage, it’s onboard as well…

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: The impossible hillclimb?