Lotus Elise

I'm not sure if this has been done yet, so here goes. I've always been a huge fan of the Esprit. When Lotus announced it would return to the U.S. with the Elise, naturally I got excited. At first I really like the car, but the more I looked at it the less it moved me. I could never really put my finger on it, but today it became crystal clear, and it should have been obvious to me from day one. It just looks too much like this, not to mention engine parts sharing.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

The Elise in its original form has very little to do with the MR2 in both style and function and certainly engine.
The original Elise, Series 1 had one engine with 2 outputs of 118 and 190hp. The engines were Rover K motors.
To Federalize the Series 2 Elise they picked the Toyota powerplant for ease of smog compliance. The Series 2 has many further upgrades owing ZERO to the Toyota.
Picking the Toyota engine would be no suprise to any Lotus enthusiast as they have been cooperating for years. Esprits had Celica tail-lamps begining in 1988 through the redesign of the V8 tail section in 2002.
Certainly the chassis, its construction, tuning and performance out class the MR2 as to not even be comparable.
I highly suggest you drive one and then tell us if you dont have a large and long lasting grin. I have driven every variant of this car and its the BEST pure sportscar being made, period. JMHO of course

 

i havent had the pleasure of driving one... i did sit in one at the dealership...the seats are not for long trips, except to the chiropracters office and interior is very stark....would be great on the track or weekend country back roads, but not a freeway or everyday car for me...a vette is a rolls compared to the lotus

 

I have been toying with getting one of these for a few weeks now. I have my 355 and my GT3 but i just like the car. the only problem is everybody wants 3-5k over list on these cars, even guys who bought the car and drove it now want to make money on the car. When they get serious about selling them i will buy one.

vince

 

From the pictures they have a similiar look......... now have you seen them in person? either or better yet side by side? I have they look nothing alike!! This is one of those 2-d vs 3-d visual disparities. Personally I hate the mr2 and love the elise. If you have a chance go see one in person it'll change your mind.....especially the chrome orange!! Hot!!!

Oh yeah go drive the 2 then see if they are the same hahaha I've driven one and it is a great car.

 

The Elise is nothing like an mr2. The chassis is purely designed by Lotus. And Lotus never left the U.S so not sure why some say they are coming back when they never left. There were 03 Esprits and 40 special 04's.

 

well here's a couple pics taken by my chick to make your pants feel funny, and another from this website. should make you fergit any likeness to that hairdresser car.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Do they sell the exige in the US?

 

Only for track use...