2005 vs. 2006 Elise

brianmota · #1 (**permalink**) 09-22-2004, 11:51 AM

Hi all.. new to this forum, but not to Lotus. I'm a current Esprit owner also expecting an Elise delivery "sometime by Spring 2005". However, I just found out that the Elise will be completely redesigned for 2006...?! Really?!

I know the 2005 Elise is not necessarily a "new" body style, but has anyone else on a 2005 waitlist contemplated holding off? I'm as excited as anyone to get my hands on this car, but practically speaking (if at all possible for a multiple-Lotus household to think this way), does it seem a bit silly to anyone else to get involved so late in the current model's design cycle, let alone its very last year, knowing full well that something new (and presumably improved) is just around the corner?

Apologies if this has been hashed already, I'm new to this forum.

91 Esprit SE
05 or 06 Elise

Miguel · #2 (**permalink**) 09-22-2004, 01:38 PM

Quote:

In accordance with 49 U.S.C.30113(b)(3)(B)(i), Lotus is granted NHTSA Temporary Exemption No. EX 03-4, from Paragraph S.7 of 49 CFR 571.208, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment; and 49 CFR part 581 Bumper Standard. The exemption shall remain in effect until January 1, 2007.

I don't think you have to worry until Sept 2006 when they introduce the 2007 models.

The might run the exempted cars all the way until Jan 2007, and they might be able to strech the exemption.

Edit: BTW rumor has the 2007 car will look like this:

http://www.puresportscar.com/forums/...=6650#post6650

zvezdah1 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-22-2004, 05:59 PM

Personally, my bet is they'll be able to get an extension on the exemption. They did do this for years with the Esprit of course talking much larger numbers. But certainly no significant change until late 06. for 06 you'll probably see more options, colors available. Also some of the minor problems that come out in the first year will be rectified as well.
Chris

Flap Dragon · #4 (**permalink**) 09-22-2004, 07:54 PM

Hello,

I'm new and this is my first post here. I fell in love with the Lotus Elise back when it was only sold in England. I still love the original body style with the thinner "Ferrari-like" door inlet scoops, but I think that the 2005 US variant does it quite nice too. I'd hate to see a change so soon. I plan tomorrow to pay my desposit and get on the list at my local Lotus dealer. I understand, I will be under 200 on the list. Does anyone know if this would get me a current style bodied car?

The current Elise car reminded me of a 246 Ferrari Dino. And I am an advid Ferrari fan, only they are too expensive to purchase and upkeep at this point for me. But the Lotus is just as exotic, and a whole lot cheaper. I think they are a deal at $40,000 -- I hope these things say around this price. In my mind, here is a modern mid engined, artistically flaired exotic, with Italian? lines, that is fast and still gets great gas mileage with Toyota reliability.

Make my Elise russo...

Anthony