Elise at BeaveRun

tims · #1 (**permalink**) 05-05-2004, 01:11 PM

Friends, a magentic blue Elise with the touring package was at BeaveRun today along with a representative of Lotus as part of a SAE program. Good color for this car. Everyone was impressed with the vehicle. Getting in and out of the car with the top in place can be a challenge for us more mature people. On the other hand, a consistent method yields reasonable results. I took it through a slalom course a couple of times and ran it very conservatively on the North Course. Also rode with a few SAE people. Very predictable and forgiving handling characteristics. I'm very anxious to drive it closer to the limits. The representative of Lotus made two comments: The rev limiter will activate at 6,000 rpm until the oil is sufficiently warm; and the anti-theft mechanism won't permit the car to be started w/out using a two-step process after it has been off for a couple of minutes. I was told that US deliveries are scheduled to begin on June 15th.

fredg · #2 (**permalink**) 05-05-2004, 01:16 PM

you lucky ba.....d
thats the second time you get to drive our dream car on the track before most of us have even had a chance to see one in person! maybe a carreer change is in order for me!, Race track owner! from now on!

Fred

nxm150 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-05-2004, 01:45 PM

Lucky you! Any pics by chance?

mslpilot · #4 (**permalink**) 05-25-2004, 01:11 AM

Two step process? First I've heard of this?
Do you know what steps? Fiddle with the key and tap out Morse Code on the start button perhaps? Cue up "Rolling Stones Start Me Up" on the CD player?

Oh what qwirks are we in for......

tims · #5 (**permalink**) 05-26-2004, 07:51 PM

In response to the question about the "two step" process for starting the engine, the first car I saw (brought by Car & Driver) had a start button on the left side of the dash. The engine in the second car started with a twist of the key. However, in both cases the driver (presumably) had to push a button on the key fob before starting the engine, I believe to disengage the theft alarm. I didn't ask which starting mechanism would be installed on the production models. However, I assume it will be the push button on the dash board.