:) :) Lotus Elise :) :) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pentoman · #1 04-10-2003, 06:49 PM

Went for a few short drives in this Lotus Elise (apologies for cheesy photo)..

Don't really know what to say.. God damn, that is a very, very impressive car. It's so fun to simply not have to worry about the weight of a car, at all while driving it through twisties. The suspension is very compliant, more than fine for road use, but excellent in corners too, with little roll and amazingly planted feel.

Amazing steering feel is a given, but the torquey (and quite quiet 1.8 118 bhp) engine surprised me.. I guess a factor of light weight (figures vary, but apparently 770Kg kerb).

Naturally, felt fast in a line too, but not as quick as it might for something that does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds.

It's a huge shame you don't get these in America - it is something seriously missing from your motor car repertoire. If you haven't driven something like this (surely some of you have?), you will be changed after experiencing something so.. pure. These are very well engineered and set up, and pretty reliable compared to Lotus' of old, too, and the interior is very nice, with good quality all around.. I was quite surprised by the non kit-car feel of driving or passengering it.

Driving fun and beatiful handling took on another level after driving this.. suddenly, you'll find you no longer want that WRX/M3/E55 any more

:p have fun

Russ