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With a prior post by S2KA, and his company's Lotus Elise for 2 weeks, and his offerings to show us the Lotus, Team Irvine decided to wake up at 7:30am on a Sunday to check this BEAST out. We were all anticipating, just some pictures and chit-chat until S2ka told us to hop in the Lotus. In my wildest thought, I was hoping for just a ride in the car, but S2ka decided to let us DRIVE THE CAR. He was patient enough to let ALL of us drive the car, and not just around the block, but on the freeway and streets. (1.5 Miles each person)
With S2ka (150 Lbs at most) and myself (185lbs) and 120 HP, the car took off fast. Not as fast as the s2000 but the acceleration was great. The car was RAW, no power window, no AC, no Power anything including manual brakes. The car was rattling a little bit, door was weak and not as durable as the S2000, but for 1,400lbs what else can you as for? The car is expected to release mid 2004, at 38,500.00USD (estimate) with a nice long waiting list.
Would I buy it?
Yes Yes Yes. US version will have (may subject to change) 190HP, 6 speed transmission, Airbags, and 1,800lbs.
Aftermath:
Everyone came out with a GIGANTIC SMILE. Thanks S2KA!!!! Great work and thank you for your time.
s2ka, thanks for a wonderful experience!! I was thinking like BC, never expecting to be able to actually drive it. Things lke this just prove that life is beautiful and you never know what's around the corner.
I was very impressed by the Elise (even in the "lowly" 120hp Sport Touring form) -- it instantly reminded me of a combination of the best aspects of the S2000 (for its trackability and open-air excitement) and the old Pontiac Fiero (for its low-stance & spartan raw-ness).
