The Elise has been in England since 1996. Do any of you have any experiences with the Elise? Impressions?

 

If only they would release the Exige here...



I would get that as my next car, and a Crossfire Roadster on the side.

 

If you drive one in the US you are going to be the smallest thing on the road that isn't squashed.
Of my friends that have owned elises the love affair has lasted the most for 6 months before moving on to something more user friendly.
There is an art to gettig in and out of an elise,somewhere between crawling and scrambling.
(it is a bit easier with the roof panels removed)

All in all a great track day car or if you are lucky enough to know of fast cornering roads a great fast road car,they are go-karts for adults.On the twisty stuff this will outrun almost anything on 4 wheels.
If it is going to be a weekend or 2/3rd car then you will have fun but as a daily driver I think you will soon be trading it in.

 

Thanks so much for your reply. I thought as much. I once had a love affair with a Lotus Europa. Passionate at first, but short lived.

 

The Elise is a car you need to love to own. I have some friends with Elises and the 340R variants. Good fun cars requiring constant servicing, but reward you with performance on the track. 340R is ridiculous.

Remember the Elise in Europe has a different engine to the US version.

 

I think this sorta looks like a distorted RX8. Possibly on styroids.

 

yeah we have the engine from the toyota celica gts with vvti. shouldn't have to service that engine to often. does the english one use a rover engine?

 

Fancy a fast and comfortable sports car? The latest Lotus Elise should please girls and boys of all ages, say Helen Mound and Brett Fraser


The Lotus Elise? Not very butch for a sports car. The first version looked a bit girlie; it even had a girl's name. And yet it didn't become a favourite with the girls. It was never lumbered with the "hairdresser's car" tag that handicapped models such as the first MGF and it was terrific to drive, which endeared it to the boys.



Did the lads' overwhelming keenness put women off? Was the Elise's no-compromise design - bare metal surfaces, no carpets, no electric goodies and a hood of hideous complexity - unappealing to a gender that demands a few luxuries? Or was it simply that the little Lotus was a cow to get in and out of? Whatever the reason, only four per cent of MkI Elise buyers were women.

It seems we girls like the second-generation car rather more, for the percentage of female buyers now scrapes into double figures. Suitably encouraged by this development (prompted, ironically, by a revised body style that was rather less feminine), Lotus hopes to reel in more lady buyers with a new derivative, the 111S. In fact Lotus hopes this latest model will tickle the fancy of both sexes, because not only does it have more power than the standard car - 156bhp compared with 120bhp - it is much more lavishly equipped, with carpets, sound-insulation, leather upholstery, a CD player and even the option of air-conditioning. More refined with quieter and more comfortable cruising capabilities, the enthusiasts' roadster has thus been born again as a real car for sensible people.

Indeed Lotus has discovered that while Elise owners applaud the noble concept of a no-frills, frightfully fun sports car, they choose an average of 10 options when it comes to ordering one of their own. And while these folk were still hunting around for the roadster of their dreams, they often flirted with the Porsche Boxster, the BMW Z3 and even the Audi TT. The way Lotus saw it, to go on stealing sales from comfy choices such as these, the Elise had to grow up, or at least wear grown-up clothes and behave itself in polite company.

That's where the 111S (pronounced either "Triple-one S" or "One-eleven S", depending on who at Lotus you talk to) comes into the equation. Although it's actually the most powerful production Elise, it's also the most lavishly equipped, the closest yet to the sub-£30,000 sports car norm. Spartan minimalism in the cabin is replaced with designer chic and the whole thing looks more smartly conventional. The stark, aluminium-alloy floor is now covered by foam-backed carpet mats, the upholstery - including the door trim - is now leather, the seats have more lumbar support and the stereo has been upgraded to give louder sounds and the facility to play CDs. You might almost call it lavish, in a Ferrari-esque sort of way, and it certainly makes the new Elise feel far more special than its predecessors did.

Happily, you don't lose the sense of being in a proper sports car - getting in and out with modesty while wearing a short skirt still requires a very disciplined togetherness of knees and ankles. You sit low and snug, clutching a gorgeously small steering wheel, and the gearlever and pedals are nicely positioned for smooth, swift operation. The new hood arrangement is certainly less of a faddle than the old one - although if the rain catches you out, getting it up in time to keep the cabin dry remains a stern test of speed and dexterity.


All change: air-conditioning and a new engine boost comfort and power
From my point of view, the driving experience has been greatly enhanced. Obviously having more horsepower helps, but it's the fact that you no longer have to thrash the car along to make brisk progress that really appeals. That and the more relaxed top gear, which reduces the din of motorway cruising. The handling, of course, is as wonderful as ever.

Until now (while dreaming of having the money), I've always thought of myself as a Boxster kinda gal. But the refining of the Elise could well refigure my wish list.

Helen Mound


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Power to your right foot

Since the launch of the second-generation Elise, everyone's been wondering why Lotus didn't introduce a more powerful engine in order to realise the full potential of the little roadster's remarkable chassis. Now Lotus has done just that, in the form of the VVC version of MG-Rover's 1.8-litre K-series engine.

It hasn't been a simple operation, however. Lotus has developed its own engine management system for the K-series unit, a long and costly process and a feat that nobody outside MG-Rover has yet achieved. It has also modified the inlet system and the exhaust; the latter has a special flap inside to change the exhaust note to something more inspiring at high revs while remaining respectably hushed around town.

With power up from the standard Elise's 120bhp to 156bhp, the 111S (and its less well equipped kin, the 111) now rips from standstill to 60mph in 5.1 seconds and gets to 100mph in 14.1 seconds, which is pretty impressive stuff for a car with such a small and not especially powerful engine.

To start with, however, the 111S doesn't feel madly quicker than the standard Elise. Then you begin to realise that your ground speed is incredibly high and you're using nothing like the full spread of revs available.

One of the reasons Lotus went to the trouble of developing its very own management system for the engine was so that it could structure the torque delivery to give 90 per cent of its maximum across 70 per cent of the useable rev range, which is why you don't have to try too hard.

With its better appointed interior, more robust torque package and quieter cruising ability - thanks in part to a longer top gear, plus extra sound-deadening material in the cabin - the Elise 111S seems more mature, more mainstream. Not too common or garden, though, especially if you rev it hard to open up that flap in the exhaust and let it howl.

And the handling remains extraordinary. No changes have been made to the chassis because, as we always suspected, the standard item can easily handle more power. Actually there is one change: superb-looking new wheels that are 5kg a set lighter than previously. The 111S can also be identified by a revised rear end treatment, and is the first Elise to benefit from a revised hood arrangement, aimed at making it slightly less irksome to use and more watertight.

If you've previously thought an Elise a little too specialist for your needs, now might be a good time to go have another test drive; the quicker, more mature 111S could change your mind.

Brett Fraser

 

Been awhile since I posted here, I sold (traded) my Crossfire in March '04.

You old timers on the board know that I'm a big Lotus fan...have owned 3 Europas and a Turbo Esprit.

I was also a bit strident when I was posting here as a Crossfire owner about my excitement at having an Elise ordered.

Well, the day is almost here. My car is at the dealership in Jersey. Only the snow is keeping me from getting it this weekend. Looks like I'll be picking it up next Friday...gonna Amtrak up, stay over, then down the TP to Maryland's Eastern Shore, play on the back roads there (know 'em well, grew up there), then over the Bay Bridge home to Annapolis.

Should have about 250 of the breakin miles on the clock by then. Can't really get into the upper cam until after the 1000 mile service.

Glad to see some of the old timers are still posting here, enjoying their Crossfires. I still think the Xfire coupe is perhaps the best looking car on the road at any price. Well, the new Ford GT may top it, but not much else.

For my own tastes, though, the Crossfire coddled a tad too much. I know what I'm getting into with the Elise, I DO want the go kart for adults feeling.

 

Saw my first Elise in person today, in Kissimme Florida.

 

It truly is an ugly car. I'll admit that. I prefer the Crossfire's looks.

But...performance. As well as the Crossfire holds the road, imagine a car that does so 3 times better, you've got the Elise. Lotus truly has put together something extraordinary for the enthusiast for whom handling and response are the key motivators.

 

It reminds me of a cartoon character; if it was yellow, maybe Tweety Bird.

 

the $40k+ toyota.carpet mats extra.

 

To each his own, Dan.

Unlike the Crossfire, the Elise is not all about posing. I agree, and have shared with other Elise owners, that its styling is the least appealing aspect of it. On the other hand, there are many people who are floored (in a positive way) by its styling. Owners have reported all the same things you guys have experienced...total strangers walking up and gawking, asking to touch it, asking if it's the new Ferrari, expressing great surprise when they find out it doesn't cost over $100K..You all know the drill, you've experienced it with your cars. I personally think the Elise is a bit cartoonish looking, as someone else point out. I'm not buying it for its styling...when I'm driving it, I can't see what it looks like.

It is an uncompromising road car that will outhandle anything under $100K, most cars over $100K, and accelerates in Vette territory. Yes even with the Toyota drivetrain. The Elise is almost two full seconds faster to 60 mph than the Crossfire, if drag racing is your thing. It beats the Crossfire by a wide margin in the 0-60, quarter mile, slalom, skidpad, and braking...and a couple of those things the Crossfire is pretty fair at. Oh yeah....gets over 30 mpg, and is cheaper to insure than my Crossfire was. (at least for now)

I've experienced the attention the Crossfire gets from the general public firsthand, and admit to being amused by it. Came close to the kind of attention my Esprit would get.

The Elise elicits at least as much attention, and with a total of MAYBE 3000 in the US by the time they stop making this model in 2006 (the bumper exemption will run out by then), its rarity will be sustained long after the Crossfire blends into the background.

The toyota connection is a good one. Reliability, serviceability, a modern powerplant.

The Crossfire is using last decade's Mercedes technology...the engine and trans not good enough to be in the new SLK.

But again, you're baiting me, and I admit to biting. Enjoy your car, the Crossfires are nice, and they perform somewhat adequately in their class. I do really miss the heated seats and the little wrench lights reminding me to change my oil.

The Elise is certainly not for everyone. No, my guess is that you would not feel it is worth the 40K. Just to give you a sense of the different types of buyers...I remember when the Crossfire first came out, aside from the first gear popping, the biggest issue seemed to be the radio display and spirited discussions on this board on the quality of the sound system.

On the largest Elise forum, most guys are talking about ordering the car with the delete radio option..not because they want to install some super sound system, because they want to save weight, a couple bucks, and because Elise owners, for the most part, couldn't car less about the stereo and frankly don't use it much. They'd rather listen to the car. On my drive back from Jersey next Saturday, I don't intend to turn the stereo on at all during the 4 hours...other than making sure it works while giving the car a once over at the dealer.

No, you won't see Elise's with 20 inch chrome wheels, neon lights under the car, door sills with 'Elise' lit up, or chrome anything. They are minimalist by design...less is more...and dressing them up as some Crossfire owners do with their cars is contrary to their purpose.

Different strokes. The Crossfire is a blvd cruiser. It would be a great, comfortable car for a cross country drive on the interstates. A few folks have a good time and are somewhat competitive with it at autocrosses...Wes for example. That's great. The Elise is a track day car that begs to be pointed down a back road all the time, and begs its owner to take up autocrossing.

Somebody in this thread said it's the smallest car on the road. While technically true, it's splitting hairs. Dimensionally it is nearly identical to the Miata.

I had to bite, but I figured it was ok this one time 'cause it's in the Other Cars forum, and somebody else started the Elise thread.

I've stayed in touch with a few of you in the last year...when the car gets here, I'll drop a line and maybe in the Spring we can hit the Dragon Tail.

 

Congratulations Kusheen! Best of luck with the Elise. I tried to win one at an AC casino. They had it back in October. I was impressed. The guy who won it lives in Brooklyn! Poor car.

 

Hey kusheen isn't the price closer to $50k out the door ?
Not everyone would be interested in a plastic 4cyl. autocross car ,for weekends maybe not everyday driving.But that's the niche it fits .It's not really competing against anything less buyers means less cars needed to build.
I not knocking just my 2 cts.
have fun .

 

Personally I think it looks evil in a good way. Looks exotic to the extreme. Will grab more looks than the crossfire, isnt that all that matters dan?

 

Dan,

Not yet hitting $50K out the door. Well, some dealers are still getting $5K over MSRP, but they're becoming fewer and fewer. Mine, out the door, title, taxes, tags, destination, with the touring package (leather seats, insulated top, power windows, yes...upgraded stereo) I'm getting for $45K. But this car qualified for the pre January $2K price increase.

A fully loaded, with sport suspension (needed only if one is seriously going to track the car, hard top, star shield, touring, destination, and stage II exhaust is $49K with the price increase.

Now, that IS in my opinion right at the threshhold of its value. But as with any other toy that is irrational, there are still guys who say they'd pay $55 or $60K for the car.

The car still has a 12 to 18 month waiting list, but that will change and the car will soon be readily available to anybody at MSRP with minimal wait. Why? Largely because of things you point out.

It is NOT for everyone. Lots of folks put down a deposit and got in line. They figured that at $39.9K (original msrp), to get a brand new sports car with the Lotus name, mystique, and racing history, AND one that has been hailed across Europe since 97 as the best handling car on the road, what a deal. Add to that Toyota reliability, and you have a nice package.

But again, when people actually see it for the first time, climb into it, see the spartan interior, see the trunk roughly the size of a bread box, and they are opting out. They're comparing to what they're used to in 350Z's, BMW Z3 and 4, Porsche Boxster, Audi TT, and frankly in terms of performance, they compare it to what is closest to it...the Subaru WRX Sti and the Mitsu Evo. Climbing in and out of it with the top on is one of the least graceful things you can attempt.

You're right, it's not for everyone, and for most people it isn't an everyday car. Heck, I didn't see the Crossfire as an everyday car when I had it. But it's certainly better suited than the Elise for that puprose. I probably won't take the car to work in downtown Baltimore ever. May take it to other offices on the outside of town on occasion.

Ironically, there are already more performance aftermarket items available or in the works for the Elise than are available for the Crossfire. 2 different stages of aftermarket exhaust, suspension upgrades, upgraded wheels are already available. Both superchargers and turbochargers will be available soon. When selecting this engine, Lotus engineers planned on aftermarket mods safely taking it to 300 hp.

For the Elise it is power to weight that is the performance advantage. The Crossfire made waves at first because is was considered light at 3060 lbs. That's downright porky next to the Elise, at 1985 lbs.

So, it isn't for everyone. Never was meant to be. Lotus was never a mass manufacturer. There are already far more Crossfires on the road than Esprits Lotus sent to the US in that model's entire 27 year run.

I'm serious, for you guys in the area, I'll be happy to meet up come spring at Summit Point or Virginia International for track days. Or would love to hook up for a Dragon Tail run.

All enthusiast cars are good. Take a ride in an Elise...you may not want to own it, or live with it...but I guarantee you that you'll still think it's a great ride.

 

I know you know, you could have a C6 base model for that much.or an SRT6 convert.they may not weight 1900 lbs but they sure look like $50k.and great #s

 

Indeed. I really don't care at all for the Crossfire convertible styling. That coupe line is really what makes it. Kind of the reverse of the Jag XKE. The convertible XKE is, to me, the most beautiful car of all time. The coupe XKE can go off a cliff, for all I care.

My one real problem with the SRT Crossfire, especially at $50K, is that damn recirculating ball steering. No car aspiring to sporting pretensions should have that. Especially as it enters Boxster S, Elise, Vette, Viper, BMW M, price points...

Rack and pinion has been the standard for any sports car for almost 50 years. Ferraris, Lambos, Lotuses, Astons, Porsches, Vettes, Vipers, Z's, BMW's, NSX's....all still using tried and true racks.

Crossfire...recirculating ball. Ouch. It handles well as is. It would FEEL even better with a proper front end.