Repubican-American 11/20/04

[Vangman]

Sorry, I forgot to post this last week. This was in a local paper.

Lotus Elise

Remember “Mission Impossible?”

Agent Jim Phelps would listen to recorded instructions and then the tape would self-destruct in 10 seconds.

That came to mind in test-driving the 2005 Lotus Elise. Once you open the door, you have 10 seconds to slip in and push the starter button or it’s disengaged and requires key fob acrobatics to engage again.

The 10-second act is to discourage anyone from stealing this British two-seater, though any thief who can slip in within 10 seconds should be awarded the vehicle and a get-out-of-jail card.

Elise is a narrow tube (or tub) with a body wrapped around it. It stands a few inches off the ground, roughly the height of a squirrel, but the door sill is a few feet above the ground as a barrier to entry.

It can be done – if you remove the canvas top and jump feet first.

Those who tolerated the ‘60s corvette and being bounced around in the interest of going fast in a really neat-looking car will appreciate Elise.

There are a few other problems: The gas pedal. You can’t see out the side windows that sit above you, and depositing an envelope through the window into a mailbox at the post office is an exercise in futility. We know. We tried.

Elise is powered by a 1.8 liter, 190 h.p. 4 cylinder teamed with a 6 speed manual. Base price: $40,985.