A sign of impending mid-life crisis perhaps, or maybe just fed up with driving a gas guzzling and somewhat dodgy Vauxhall 4x4. I started looking around for a more exciting drive in September 1999. I wasn't really convinced about the Lotus Elise, a bit small, totally impractical, not much more than a go-kart really. That was until I got myself behind the wheel in a test drive. It was a hot sunny day, the roof was off, and we were doing 70mph around a roundabout before booting it up a dual carriageway at stomach churning speed. I'd heard that the handling and performance of this car were good, but I never imagined this totally absorbing thrill. I didn't order straight away, but in my heart I new this was a must. I did the research, I read up on the 'problem pages' on the internet, but it was a foregone conclusion. The following weekend, Katie and I went out to buy a door at the hardware store. They didn't have any doors, so I casually suggested to Katie that we might take a slight detour to the Lotus garage for a look at the car. (Katie hadn't come with me the first time.) This was a total lie anyway, it was more than 30 miles to the Lotus garage. Anyway, I managed to persuade her to take a drive, and she loved it too - so that was it - done deal.
Capacity:
Construction:
Power:
Vehicle Weight:
Body:
Chassis:
Performance:
Max Speed:
Optional Extras
1796cc
Aluminium engine block
118 bhp at 5500rpm
690kg
Composite front and rear 'clamshell'
Lotus designed lightweight spaceframe - aluminium
0-100 km/h 5.9 s
126 mph
Hard top roof, radio fitting kit, cd-tuner, racing seats, carpets, seatbelt pads.
AUTOCAR - "The finest sports car in the world"
BBC TOP GEAR: - "Perfection"
Links
Lotus
Cars (UK)
The official Lotus UK website. You'll need Flash Shockwave to
appreciate it. Full specifications of cars, optional extras (including
some awesome engine upgrades).
Eliseweb
The Elise web is a private website packed with loads of sound advice
on everything from Tyre choice to FAQs and problem pages. An excellent
resource if you're thinking of buying.
Robert
Collingridge's Elise Page
Robert has written a very amusing journal taking you through the
decision to buy, the frustration of running the car in, the joy of
driving it.
