Finally got to test drive the Elise
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Greer, SC
Finally got to test drive the Elise
I went to Atlanta yesterday to get a test drive in the Elise. 
I drove a shiny new red car with the sport suspension. She only had 29 miles on the odometer, so I tried to keep it below 6k for most of the drive. I lost my composure a bit and ran it up to 8k or so once or twice. The power curve is similar to the S -- magic happens @ 6k. 
The car is pretty quick even in the mid range rpms, though, due to the light weight. I 
the steering response and the communication through the steering wheel -- something I feel is lacking in the S. The Elise is scary fast in the 'Oh crap, I'm doing 80 through these 25mph curves, and I'm not even TRYING to go fast!' 
Straight line acceleration is grin producing, but not neck-snapping. It feels quicker than the S, but there was no side-by-side comparison. Bumps and such were no problem, even with the sport suspension. You feel more of them than with a stock S, but nothing harsh or unpleasing. My only real complaint is that the shifter is not up to s2k standards, but I didn't have any problems learning it during my short time with the car. I don't expect it to be any concern after a few weeks of ownership.
Right now it looks like April/May for delivery. I'm really hoping I get the car before Wake the Dragon.
I drove a shiny new red car with the sport suspension. She only had 29 miles on the odometer, so I tried to keep it below 6k for most of the drive. I lost my composure a bit and ran it up to 8k or so once or twice. The power curve is similar to the S -- magic happens @ 6k. The car is pretty quick even in the mid range rpms, though, due to the light weight. I the steering response and the communication through the steering wheel -- something I feel is lacking in the S. The Elise is scary fast in the 'Oh crap, I'm doing 80 through these 25mph curves, and I'm not even TRYING to go fast!' Straight line acceleration is grin producing, but not neck-snapping. It feels quicker than the S, but there was no side-by-side comparison. Bumps and such were no problem, even with the sport suspension. You feel more of them than with a stock S, but nothing harsh or unpleasing. My only real complaint is that the shifter is not up to s2k standards, but I didn't have any problems learning it during my short time with the car. I don't expect it to be any concern after a few weeks of ownership. Right now it looks like April/May for delivery. I'm really hoping I get the car before Wake the Dragon.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Greer, SC
Sounds sweet Bryan! I think they're using the same transmission as the Celica, right? If so, that is a pain of a shifter to deal with. In Jeff's spyder, the downshifting can be tricky when you're trying to act fast... I can't wait to get a ride in that Elise of yours!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Bumpass, VA
Originally Posted by SC_Highlander,Oct 3 2004, 08:50 PM
Right now it looks like April/May for delivery. I'm really hoping I get the car before Wake the Dragon.
. [I'll be back in the morning 
]
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From: Charlotte and/or Tampa :)
Congrats for staying in the game. As of Monday, I'm out. Love the Elise, but things just aren't right for me to get one anytime soon. Gotta save up for my move to NC in two years and pay off the S. I'll look for a used CO when I get up your way. Hope to check out your ride at WTD.
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