YACT: Lotus Elise - My impressions

[mcvickj]

Originally posted by: gsellis
There is that video that Jeremy and company did of the Lotus vs the attack helicopter.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5404287952869985377

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: b0mbrman

Originally posted by: randomlinh
I doubt the Ford GT TT will have anything on the lotus in terms of drivability. The only thing that can probably surpass it is the atom. I'd actually rather have that... complete and uter impracticality.... one hell of an autocrosser though.

Define "drivability"

sorry, i meant in terms of handling. not the best choice of wording.

 

[Eli]

I saw one driving near 60th and Foster the other day.

It was badass. I was waiting for the guy to floor it or something, but he never did.

 

[Aharami]

wow thats one hell of a post. but next time you go, take a vid camera and share the ride with us

 

[Cabages]

I keep telling my dad to get one of these. Its a little more expensive than what he is looking for, but I bet it would be worth it.

He said he really liked the S2000, but that he wanted a convertible, and they didnt have any.

I saw a new MR2 the other day, does anyone know if it is expensive to import those over?

 

[b0mbrman]

Originally posted by: Cabages
He said he really liked the S2000, but that he wanted a convertible, and they didnt have any.

I saw a new MR2 the other day, does anyone know if it is expensive to import those over?

This is the last year of the MR-2 anywhere on the globe, and in very limited numbers. You would do much better buying used.

 

[Sukhoi]

You're going to have to take me driving in that at some point.

 

[BD2003]

I have the same engine in my car. Are you SURE it spins to 10000? Redline on mine is 8000, but the limiter kicks in at 8350. The tach goes all the way up to 10k, but you certainly can't push it that far.

Either way, the little kick in the pants at 6000 rpm is fun. Does the lotus tranny make it easy to stay in lift when shifting from 1 -> 2? I must shift with absolute perfect timing to pull that off.

 

[Ika]

Oh god, this is probably my dream cream car.

I might be too scared to ever own one, though.

 

[raptor13]

Originally posted by: BD2003
I have the same engine in my car. Are you SURE it spins to 10000? Redline on mine is 8000, but the limiter kicks in at 8350. The tach goes all the way up to 10k, but you certainly can't push it that far.

Either way, the little kick in the pants at 6000 rpm is fun. Does the lotus tranny make it easy to stay in lift when shifting from 1 -> 2? I must shift with absolute perfect timing to pull that off.

The tach goes to 10,000 and there isn't a redline indicated. I think the actual redline/fuel cutoff is 9200 or so. As I said, I had to hold it to around 8,000 in light of it not being broken in. I know the Lotus redline is higher than the Toyota redline because the engine management system is 100% Lotus.

Keeping the engine on the lift cam was never an issue. The 1 -> 2 shift didn't have any problemsat all. That could have been because I was hammering through the gears and didn't give the revs a chance to fall at all. Power shifting is fun!

Things would get even more ridiculous with the supercharged Exige because the engine switches to the high-lift cam at a lowly 5250 RPM. Falling onto the low cam would take some serious driver error.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: raptor13

Originally posted by: BD2003
I have the same engine in my car. Are you SURE it spins to 10000? Redline on mine is 8000, but the limiter kicks in at 8350. The tach goes all the way up to 10k, but you certainly can't push it that far.

Either way, the little kick in the pants at 6000 rpm is fun. Does the lotus tranny make it easy to stay in lift when shifting from 1 -> 2? I must shift with absolute perfect timing to pull that off.

The tach goes to 10,000 and there isn't a redline indicated. I think the actual redline/fuel cutoff is 9200 or so. As I said, I had to hold it to around 8,000 in light of it not being broken in. I know the Lotus redline is higher than the Toyota redline because the engine management system is 100% Lotus.

Keeping the engine on the lift cam was never an issue. The 1 -> 2 shift didn't have any problemsat all. That could have been because I was hammering through the gears and didn't give the revs a chance to fall at all. Power shifting is fun!

Things would get even more ridiculous with the supercharged Exige because the engine switches to the high-lift cam at a lowly 5250 RPM. Falling onto the low cam would take some serious driver error.

Heh, I can't imagine 8000rpm being consdered taking it lightly on a car. It sure is amazing how much pull a small engine can be when well tuned and paired with a light car. The only problem that I have is that at those engine speeds, the car is absolutely wailing like a banshee. I'd imagine however loud my celica is, the lotus is only louder. Some people thing loud is cool, but I'm not one of them, especially when its can't hear the passenger talk loud. It's the kind of loud thats alright in small doses, but I couldnt ever imagine leaving it in the lift cam for more than a few seconds. Plus, 1st and 2nd gear to an extent will totally give you whiplash *WHEN THE FUEL CUTS OFF* , if you let off the throttle without downshifting between 6000-8000. Then again, 2nd will take you up to 55-60ish. That second cam is only there for quick rips through it, not something you hang around in.

It is definitely a fun type of ride, but really requires concentration to get the most out of it. If the lotus tranny is anything like mine, with close gates and a tough, notchy action, you've got to rev match near perfectly or else the shifter will fight with you every step of the way to get it into gear. Theres a good reason for this - Don't revmatch in a light car when you're downshifting to 7000rpm, and you will find your face through the windshield. Then again, I'm sure anyone considering a lotus can certainly manage rev matching.

If you've got windy mountain roads near you, I imagine itll be fun like nothing else. I can get away with only so much in the suburbs....7000rpm draws attention like nothing else. As long as it isn't a daily driver, you'll have a great time with it.

 

[filetitan]

i am really thinking between New Z4 M coup vs Lotus both about same price range any thoughts ?

 

[Apex]

Rev limiter is at 8500 on this car, however there is a bit of float, especially in lower gears. You can probably hit 8800 or so on the 1-2. You can hit whatever you want screwing up a downshift though.

The sports pack is not worth it, IMHO. You're better off with Ohlins and aftermarket wheels.

There's no good shift kit yet (not counting the Ikeya Formula sequential), the B&M does nothing.

I found the gas pedal a little low for heel & toe, but my ankles don't swivel as well as some, plus I tend to use big toe/little toe.

You're definitely right about the interior size. 6'1" should be no problem except for those who think they way bigger than they are, or have HUGE torsos and tiny legs.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: Apex
Rev limiter is at 8500 on this car, however there is a bit of float, especially in lower gears. You can probably hit 8800 or so on the 1-2. You can hit whatever you want screwing up a downshift though.

The sports pack is not worth it, IMHO. You're better off with Ohlins and aftermarket wheels.

There's no good shift kit yet (not counting the Ikeya Formula sequential), the B&M does nothing.

I found the gas pedal a little low for heel & toe, but my ankles don't swivel as well as some, plus I tend to use big toe/little toe.

You're definitely right about the interior size. 6'1" should be no problem except for those who think they way bigger than they are, or have HUGE torsos and tiny legs.

im 6'3" and the only problem i had when i got in one, was geting in/out i had to contort myself really badly.

but the car is sex.

and btw, what the hell do you know about cars? you own a GM for christs sake...

 

[RedArmy]

What's the cars curb weight and hp rating? I bet the car I own is dead on with it, but weighs less.

 

[HaxorNubcake]

i know it's just a google search away, but how much is that car?

<- car noob

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: RedArmy
What's the cars curb weight and hp rating? I bet the car I own is dead on with it, but weighs less.

Curb Weight: 1984 lbs.
Horsepower: 190 hp


very few cars will match it.

its a track godess

Haxor: 45k or so.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: Apex
Rev limiter is at 8500 on this car, however there is a bit of float, especially in lower gears. You can probably hit 8800 or so on the 1-2. You can hit whatever you want screwing up a downshift though.

The sports pack is not worth it, IMHO. You're better off with Ohlins and aftermarket wheels.

There's no good shift kit yet (not counting the Ikeya Formula sequential), the B&M does nothing.

I found the gas pedal a little low for heel & toe, but my ankles don't swivel as well as some, plus I tend to use big toe/little toe.

You're definitely right about the interior size. 6'1" should be no problem except for those who think they way bigger than they are, or have HUGE torsos and tiny legs.

im 6'3" and the only problem i had when i got in one, was geting in/out i had to contort myself really badly.

but the car is sex.

and btw, what the hell do you know about cars? you own a GM for christs sake...

Makes sense. Even 4' tall people have to contort badly to get in & out.

I only know what I read on ATOT, any similarity to real, first-hand knowledge is purely coincidental.

Originally posted by: RedArmy
What's the cars curb weight and hp rating? I bet the car I own is dead on with it, but weighs less.

About 10 lbs per hp, give or take a bit depending on equipment.

Originally posted by: HaxorNubcake
i know it's just a google search away, but how much is that car?

<- car noob

$45k or so, normally equipped.

 

[jagec]

I love the Elise, and wish I owned one. For now, I'll just have to be content with my MR2, which is similar in many ways, but slightly less so.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: Apex
Rev limiter is at 8500 on this car, however there is a bit of float, especially in lower gears. You can probably hit 8800 or so on the 1-2. You can hit whatever you want screwing up a downshift though.

The sports pack is not worth it, IMHO. You're better off with Ohlins and aftermarket wheels.

There's no good shift kit yet (not counting the Ikeya Formula sequential), the B&M does nothing.

I found the gas pedal a little low for heel & toe, but my ankles don't swivel as well as some, plus I tend to use big toe/little toe.

You're definitely right about the interior size. 6'1" should be no problem except for those who think they way bigger than they are, or have HUGE torsos and tiny legs.

im 6'3" and the only problem i had when i got in one, was geting in/out i had to contort myself really badly.

but the car is sex.

and btw, what the hell do you know about cars? you own a GM for christs sake...

Makes sense. Even 4' tall people have to contort badly to get in & out.

I only know what I read on ATOT, any similarity to real, first-hand knowledge is purely coincidental.

Originally posted by: RedArmy
What's the cars curb weight and hp rating? I bet the car I own is dead on with it, but weighs less.

About 10 lbs per hp, give or take a bit depending on equipment.

Originally posted by: HaxorNubcake
i know it's just a google search away, but how much is that car?

<- car noob

$45k or so, normally equipped.

you wouldnt know anything about Turbocharging a Duratec V6 engine would you?

 

[RedArmy]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: RedArmy
What's the cars curb weight and hp rating? I bet the car I own is dead on with it, but weighs less.

Curb Weight: 1984 lbs.
Horsepower: 190 hp


very few cars will match it.

its a track godess

Haxor: 45k or so.

Wow, my car with the air conditioning removed and getting lighter stuff puts it like right at 1900..and my engine puts out right around 190hp! I want to race this car on a track.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: RedArmy

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: RedArmy
What's the cars curb weight and hp rating? I bet the car I own is dead on with it, but weighs less.

Curb Weight: 1984 lbs.
Horsepower: 190 hp


very few cars will match it.

its a track godess

Haxor: 45k or so.

Wow, my car with the air conditioning removed and getting lighter stuff puts it like right at 1900..and my engine puts out right around 190hp! I want to race this car on a track.

what car do you have?

 

[RedArmy]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: RedArmy

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: RedArmy
What's the cars curb weight and hp rating? I bet the car I own is dead on with it, but weighs less.

Curb Weight: 1984 lbs.
Horsepower: 190 hp


very few cars will match it.

its a track godess

Haxor: 45k or so.

Wow, my car with the air conditioning removed and getting lighter stuff puts it like right at 1900..and my engine puts out right around 190hp! I want to race this car on a track.

what car do you have?

1991 CRX HF with a B16 with ITR cams, headers, exhaust,AEM CAI, red line bumped to 9000, fidanza 7.5lb flywheel, Stg 2. clutch, Tein coils, KYB struts etc etc.

I actually just finished getting the car running. I <3 it

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: RedArmy

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: RedArmy

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: RedArmy
What's the cars curb weight and hp rating? I bet the car I own is dead on with it, but weighs less.

Curb Weight: 1984 lbs.
Horsepower: 190 hp


very few cars will match it.

its a track godess

Haxor: 45k or so.

Wow, my car with the air conditioning removed and getting lighter stuff puts it like right at 1900..and my engine puts out right around 190hp! I want to race this car on a track.

what car do you have?

1991 CRX HF with a B16 with ITR cams, headers, exhaust,AEM CAI, red line bumped to 9000, fidanza 7.5lb flywheel, Stg 2. clutch, Tein coils, KYB struts etc etc.

I actually just finished getting the car running. I <3 it

guarantee you wont touch it.

given the same driver in both cars, the Elise will whoop your ass.

mid engine, rwd, perfect weight perfect tires, etc.

throw in the Exige, and well, you get owned.

 

[RedArmy]

Well my tires by no stretch of the imagination are good and Im sure the Lotus has some mad tight gearing on it, but if I had the YS1 LSD tranny instead of just the YS1 and a bit more aggresive headwork I think I wouldn't do that bad on a track. I love the Lotus, I've only seen one around here, however I would still like to see it on a track someday.