Lotus Elise

Price Paid:  $0.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2006 Elise

Summary:
I recently had a chance to spend several hours in a new Lotus Elise (British Racing Green -- of course)....I must say it was the most pleasurable and exciting driving experience I have ever had. It absolutely will not let go of the road. I took 35mph corners at 65+mph, with nary a peep from the tires -- amazing. I also had the great pleasure of taking it up to its 9,000+rpm redline (engaging the elaborate valve adjustment system -- wheeeeee!) on many (many!) occasions. I even did two top-end runs -- the most satisfying being the run at 140+mph, of which I have photo documented proof. (NOW where were the police?!). That was a landspeed record for me, and my girlfriend didn't scream once (save for in glee). If you have the means, by ALL means, drive this thing. For the price, there is hardly anything that compares. Truly a remarkable (and smartly engineered) automobile.

Strengths:
Atmosphere!! The g's, the sound, the go-kart-like steering and (for the hedonists) oodles of 'fall off the seat' reactions from jealous onlookers. Serious fun -- serious, in that the car drives and behaves like a junior racer...the 'fun' part goes without saying. Someone mentioned the 'wooden roller-coaster'-like ride, and I couldn't agree more. The Mean Streak (at Ohio's Cedar Point) used to be my favorite vehicular experience...now it's at my fingertips, anytime I'm behind the wheel of an Elise. I've driven everything from Sunbeam Tigers to '32 Ford rods and this thing is, flat out, the most fun I've ever had. Ever been giddy all day, every day, morning, noon and night due to an automobile? If not, this wonderfully stripped and naked track-star could put a little of that joyful spring in your step. (I'm practically shaking while typing this...man oh man, do I love this car).

Weaknesses:
Some people want to put cup-holders and stereos in these things...that's pretty weak.

Similar Products Used:
Porsche Targa, Sunbeam Tiger, Saab Sonnet,