Look what showed up at a local dealer!

[89911]

http://www.bobbyrahal.com/used_vehicle_details.htm?vehicleId=0063e1894046381 e0121c5dfa4323244

I know, I know, I know, it has no "soul". But, man it is tempting to pick one of these up for the summer.

[bigrubberjeep]

No soul? It's a lotus, I thinks it's evil to the core (beyond the soul)

[aigel]

It has soul, but the toyota engine hardly counts as a heart.

If you really want one of these, you should buy the exige. You will want to use this on the track.

George

[duckmcf]

In the old days (pre 2000), Loti were pretty fragile and broke down a lot. Since the Elise has been on the scene Lotus has really gotten back to where they should always have been. Now with the Toyota Celica engine & gearbox driving only 700kg they're gaining a reputation for bullet proof reliability, amazing handling and stunning performance.
(You may be able to tell that I want one sooo badly.....)

Anyway, with petrol here in Oz at AU$1.35 per litre and climbing everywhere around the world, cars like the Elise will be the future of the sports car industry....

To increase performance, add less weight. - Colin Chapman

[rnln]

I aftered one couple weeks ago. It was exactly like that, black on red. Exhaust sound isn't agressive as it looks.

[aigel]

I like the "interior".

What is your prediction on pricing? Will these be 20k in 5 years from now?

George

[MAS956]

Better off with a sail boat.

[Bobboloo]

Originally posted by duckmcf
Now with the Toyota Celica engine & gearbox driving only 700kg they're gaining a reputation for bullet proof reliability, amazing handling and stunning performance.

They should have gone for the Honda motor from the S2000.

[OffCamber00]

There were five Elise's at VIR for the big Zone 2 DE a couple of weeks ago. They were tearing it up out there and looked like a LOT of fun.

[mede8er]

There are a couple registered for my autocross this weekend...I'll post results....

[930Jim]

Originally posted by Bobboloo
They should have gone for the Honda motor from the S2000.

That's not a transverse engine- would'nt work practically. I have an '05 Elise and it's great on the track. There is no real advantage to the Exige track wise except for the fact that it produces a bit more downforce at high speeds. You can't lose with either IMO (they're the same car anyway basically).

I'm happy with the Toyota motor- a lot of people ***** about it, but you should try one- it's quite nice.

[Paul K]

Lots
Of
Trouble,
Usually
Serious

[MOMO3.2]

I second the sailboat!

I absolutely love the Elise/Exige, but a nice 30ft Catalina is fun for the whole family.

Mike

[OZCarrera3]

Originally posted by Paul K
Lots
Of
Trouble,
Usually
Serious

Maybe before the Lotgus engine!

I think they are the closest to the original 911 ever!

Challenge one sometime...

[DeutschMark]

I was at Gingerman last weekend watching a couple of Elise's tearing up the track along with a GT3. The GT3 driver got flagged to let an Elise pass him!

[porschenut]

If you lined 10 of them up bumper to bumper, it would look like a roller-coaster ride at Six Flags. That's how silly they look.

[john walker's workshop]

double ugly. wouldn't be seen in one.

[Netspeed]

Originally posted by OZCarrera3
I think they are the closest to the original 911 ever!

Challenge one sometime...

I agree....this is the route that Porsche should be taking. Not building ultra-expensive 4 door cars (Panamera). They need to get younger crowd hooked on Porsches and not solely rely on past racing history for marketing.

[ttweed]

Originally posted by aigel
If you really want one of these, you should buy the exige.

Mo 'bettah-- the Exige S, or the Sport 240R.

TT

[aigel]

Originally posted by Netspeed
They need to get younger crowd hooked on Porsches ...

Like regular young people were EVER able to afford Porsches?

George