Lotus Elise any opinion?

[glennp_1999]

Just asking I know it's available at Newport Motorsport I'm thinking of taking a look this weekend. 43K for the base and about 48 for the highest model they have available.



04 CB COUPE / WILLOW / PREM PACK

[bsgoren]

Do a search in this section. I posted my test drive impressions a while back...my brother is in line for one; he should have it by July, '05.



2004.5 G35-S 5AT Black/Willow - Prem, R. Spoiler, Navi, Infiniti Sport Wheels, Alum Pedals, Dark Tint, Z Tube, K&N Filter

[Britishbloke]

My name is down for one ( in my wildest dreams). from what I've read & seen it's a brilliant piece of machinery, lucky anyone who picks one up.

[glennp_1999]

I couldn't resist so I dropped by at the dealer today. They gave me some reading materials to help me decide. The one arriving in the US will have a 1.8L, 195hp & gross weight of the car is 1975lbs. Toyota will provide the power plant for this Lotus. Power to weight ratio on this car will be insane 0-60 in 4.3 sec other review says it's 4.9 sec. Nevertheless, that is one fast go kart to haul around. I'll be going back on Sunday I don't know if I can test drive the car, but I will sure heck try.



04 CB COUPE / WILLOW / PREM PACK

[browniesyummy]

Don't Lotus Elises use Celica engines???????

[bsgoren]

Here's what a posted on my other thread...

Ok, so after my brother put a deposit on a new Lotus Elise (he's on the waiting list and will probably get it next summer ;-), I went to test drive one. So, here are my thoughts...

1. It's 100% Sports Car! As you may know, the car weighs like 1975 lbs; it's made of very light composite material and everything inside and out is very light weight...that's the Elise's advantage.
2. Yes, the interior is made for just driving...fast! It's very cramped, especially the seats and the pedals (the dead pedal is very close to the clutch and the gas pedal is very narrow). It's also very difficult to get into and out of as you have to step over and down into the seat. The driver's seat only moves forward and backward...that's it. The interior is very basic with the steering wheel, the pedals, a stereo (which is pretty lame), and a/c...that's pretty much it. The soft and/or hard top is manual. It also has a "Start" button like the Honda S2K...very cool.
3. It's very fast and the VVTL-i (VTEC) is cool when it kicks in at 6k+ rpm, but it lacks the torque I'm used to in my G35...you know you're going fast (and get from 0-60 in about 4.8 sec.!!!) but you don't feel too much "pull." It redlines at 8350 rpm. It's interesting to me what the Toyota Celica GT-S engine (now tuned to 190 HP/ 138 lb./ft. torque by Lotus) can do in the Lotus Elise.
4. The std exhaust note is sweet to say the least.
5. It handles better than any car I've driven...it's literally like a go-cart you used to drive around the track when you were a kid! I think it's supposed to pull 1.06 g's on the skidpad!!!
6. Personally, I think it's a little scary not to have side-impact and even side head-protection air curtain airbags; it only has dual front airbags and although it has a reinforced structure, it's smaller than a Mazda Miata.
7. It is very fun to drive (at least for the 15 min. test drive ;-) Not bad for $40k...it's like having a mini-Ferrari for a helluva lot less money. However, it's strictly a short-trip weekend car; not for everyday use and certainly not for long trips. It may be a Honda S2K killer (as far as speed and exotic supercar looks go), but the S2K is at least somewhat practical and can be used for everyday driving.
8. It was funny that I felt sort of relieved though (after my Lotus Elise test drive) when I hopped back into my G35 Sedan and really appreciated the "suddenly very comfy" seats ;-) and other ammenities. I smiled as I looked at my Navi system, turned up the volume on my XM Sat stereo, and switched gears in MM mode. Yes, I know, they're two completely different type cars, but nonetheless, I tend to be more on the practical side than on the fantasy side; or at least I like to have a little bit of 'the best of both worlds.' ;-)

I'm attaching a couple pics (I test drove the gray one)...



2004.5 G35-S 5AT Black/Willow - Prem, R. Spoiler, Navi, Infiniti Sport Wheels, Alum Pedals, Dark Tint, Z Tube, K&N Filter

Edited by bsgoren on 09/18/04 05:44 AM.

345855-Lotus Elise.jpg

[bsgoren]

Another pic (this one was just detailed and ready for customer pickup)...



2004.5 G35-S 5AT Black/Willow - Prem, R. Spoiler, Navi, Infiniti Sport Wheels, Alum Pedals, Dark Tint, Z Tube, K&N Filter

Edited by bsgoren on 09/18/04 05:44 AM.

345857-Lotus Elise1.jpg

[bsgoren]

Another pic from the back...



2004.5 G35-S 5AT Black/Willow - Prem, R. Spoiler, Navi, Infiniti Sport Wheels, Alum Pedals, Dark Tint, Z Tube, K&N Filter

345858-Lotus Elise (back).jpg

[WRAH]

I know someone who just got one of these, they ordered it about a year ago!!! Its way tooooo SMALL for me!!! I did have any leg room and my head was above the windshield. Crazy small!

EDIT: I'm still in love with the Elise sport. I don't really like some of the lines on the Elise II.

Edited by WRAH on 09/18/04 06:56 PM.

[GR8TG35]

Doesn't this car have a toyota engine?
I would think it would have all the racing heritage of Lotus and the reliablity of a toyota!

I think the car will sell well in the U.S. but I would prefer the old style Elites........


04 cpe JDM clear corners/Piaa's/MTEC H4 Super White fog/highs

[WRAH]

I still like this one~