RSflared72e

That is one hot car.

Bryan

I don't see what Lotus has to lose by offering A/C delete. I'm sure it's optional on the rest-of-world Elise, so they're already tooled up to build the cars both ways. Why not broaden the car's appeal (by one person, anyway - me) by offering non-A/C to the US? I live in a cool climate and like most if not all Elise buyers, would have another car to drive in inclement (including super hot/huimd) weather. So knock the weight down by another 100 lbs and a grand off the price. 1900lbs and sub-$40K? Now we're talking.

That RS6 conversion is just nuts. I shudder to think how fast that thing is. That engine must rev like it has no load on it.

Bryan

Wayne Hutton

I am looking forward to buying a used one also. But has anyone seen the Pontiac Soltice, I think it's called. It is a GM version of the Elise. I heard they are going to start at 20k. That is right in my price range.

UDPride

To me the Lotus Elise is everything a sports car is supposed to represent. An engine that churns out church music, speed, small enough to throw around in your own lane on apexes, and enough balance and handling to rearrange your large and small intestines. Im sure the tuners will have a relatively inexpensive list of mods for this dude to make this car absolutely unapproachable on any twisty road anywhere in the world. Oh wait, it already is.

This is what Porsche used to be about right? I think if you ask some automotive gurus, they'd tell you if you cant have an Elise in your garage, the 944 may very well be the next best thing! Unfortunately, Porsche has nothing even remotely close to a 944 now. If they built a front engine 2400lb, 275hp hatch or coupe, my name would be on the waiting list. The car could probably do 0-60 in mid 4s and sell for under $40K. They would sell like hotcakes. Its not like Porsche doesnt know how to build incredible front ends.

Ho hum.

iloveporsches

Hmm... I think I know what car I'm going to pick up when I graduate college in a few years

924Superwagen

I'll second that...

incessant

Well, I like the looks of the Elise.. I have ever since I first saw once 4 years ago in London.

However, if I had that kind of cash I think I would rather go collector car hunting for an S2 or turbo, that's been living happily is a climate controlled, carpeted garage- that's
never seen rain for the 20 K miles of its road life.

But that's just me

Graufuchs

Ken- you ahave all the right info.

Its due to ship in March of 04', i called manahttan motors to see when theyd be getting the car and they said in marcj and i could put a thousand to hold one until they came in and they had alrewady 12 orders for the car, its one car i d easily get rid of my 944 for. He said the price would likely be between 35-40gs, which is reasonable for sucha great performing car. But I think Im gonna wait and not pounce and be responsible and buy a house instead. But it was def. a major consideration and am on the calling list for when the cars do ship. -chris

Ken

Hey everybody. If you're interested, here's a link to the online version of the article that is in the Nov 03 issue of Road and Track about the Elise.

R&T Elise Article

I would have posted it before, but I lost the link.