Lotus Elise

[dd74]

Today (Sunday) while at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Webb Way in Malibu, I saw a U.S. Lotus Elise. What is interesting about the Elise is how dimunitive it is compared to more common-sized cars, but how wide the car is from the rear. It's really has a good-sized track, which is probably why - along with its 2000-pound weight, why it handles so well.

To be sure, it is an odd-shaped car; sort of a lowered dune buggy-like look. Regardless, if all is true concerning the Elise, it will probably give the twin yellow GT-3s that were also lurking around the Malibu area, a good run for their money - unless the radar-aided motorcycle cops that were hiding along the highway get to one or the other first.

[nostatic]

PCH was awash with radar cops today. Within a 2 mile stretch I counted 8 units. Ahnold must be putting the screws to them to bridge the budget gap...

I saw the Elise at Cal Speedway and I liked it. I'd love to drive one.

[Dantilla]

I'm trying real hard to like the styling of the Elise.

While I never buy anything new, I may be tempted to buy an Elise when they start showing up used.

Maybe I'll have to get e radar detector, too.

[osidak]

I really don't care how it looks. It is a proper sports car and I would love to own one.

[kach22i]

I have seen several in the Ann Arbor area thanks to the EPA testing center (up close too). Insect like, it will grow on you.

However the sound of the engine is no Porsche.

[Z-man]

The Lotus Elise is about the only non-Porsche 'toy car' that I would consider buying.

The problem is that the Lotus Club of America (if such a club exsists) isn't nearly as well developed as PCA is, which gives me less opportunities to play with the Elise on the track....

-Z-man.

[gaijinda]

The PCA drivers ed program is a good deal. I think instructors can run whatever they want.. My buddy has an "Exige" (I think thats the spelling) and goes to trackmasters and etc..

[SteveStromberg]

[ronin]

Originally posted by dd74
if all is true concerning the Elise, it will probably give the twin yellow GT-3s that were also lurking around the Malibu area, a good run for their money

not if the GT3s came with the new TOW option

[dd74]

I actually like the new praying mantis look front end as compared to the older Elise that Steve posted.

[kach22i]

Originally posted by dd74
I actually like the new praying mantis look front end as compared to the older Elise that Steve posted.

Not me, I like the old one better..................either one would be great to have (to hold and to love).

[vash]

just read the article in road and track. damn, i want one. i would join PCA just so i can bring "the other car". with the toyota driveline, i bet that thing will be reliable too.

[SilverPoly]

At 1892 pounds and 189bhp it has some impressive numbers.

Lotus is putting the light weight formula to pretty good use on the Elise.

dd74, that was me on Cahuenga yesterday. Your car's looking awesome.

[dd74]

Originally posted by Steve79SC
At 1892 pounds and 189bhp it has some impressive numbers.

Lotus is putting the light weight formula to pretty good use on the Elise.

dd74, that was me on Cahuenga yesterday. Your car's looking awesome.

Hi Steve - yeah, it was good meeting you too. Do you drive Cahuenga often? The street's a b!tch when the Hollywood Bowl is in session. Your car's looking good as well.

[SilverPoly]

Hi Steve - yeah, it was good meeting you too. Do you drive Cahuenga often? The street's a b!tch when the Hollywood Bowl is in session. Your car's looking good as well.

I drive Cahuenga most of the time from work and sometimes Highland. It is a pain when the summer concerts are going on.

See you on the road!

[ttweed]

Originally posted by Steve79SC
At 1892 pounds and 189bhp it has some impressive numbers.

Lotus is putting the light weight formula to pretty good use on the Elise.

Nah, the US version is a fat, underpowered pig.

I opted for the old school Super 7 design, updated with modern components. 1350 lbs. wet w/ a Honda S2000 Vtec motor @ 240HP just does the job better, IMHO. Yes, it is an aero disaster compared to the Elise, and you don't want to drive it in the rain, but it's a street legal go kart on steroids. Makes my Porsches seem slow.



TT

[kach22i]

Originally posted by ttweed
Nah, the US version is a fat, underpowered pig.

I opted for the old school Super 7 design, updated with modern components. 1350 lbs. wet w/ a Honda S2000 Vtec motor @ 240HP

I'd end up killing myself in a car like that.

[ttweed]

Originally posted by kach22i
I'd end up killing myself in a car like that.

You could do that easier with something like a Turbo Hayabusa, and for 1/2 the price!

If you keep it off the vtech, the car is actually quite easy and docile to drive. From 6-9,000 RPM, though, things happen very quickly, especially in the lower gears. You need to be smooth.

TT

[cstreit]

I dunno...

I've been eyeing these for some time. Make me drool.

Pure Sports Car... Lightweight, good reliable engine... ...and with all the "tuner" knowledge of the Honda Vtec motor out there, I imagine you could get some good ponies out of it.

[dd74]

Ginettas have always been my favorite kit car.



The Ginetta Dare



The G20



The G20 race car

Hmmm...find a used BDA 2-liter for either of these, and watch out, baby!