New Member Intro

[perryeyges]

Hi Guys,
I went to the San Francisco dealer a few weeks ago and asked about the Elise, I was told that the allocation was all sold out for the entire year. I then told the manager to contact me asap if anyone bailed on their commitment.
He called me a few days ago to inform me that their #8 car (Arctic silver/ blk/ touring pkg) was available. I quickly listed my Audi RS4 Avant clone (@395hp/3,600lb overweight pig) for sale. It sold the next day! I am now relegated to driving my 1990 Ford 1 ton 4x4 dirtbike van until my dream car arrives..
I am a track event instructor (@laguna/sears/and t hill) and have lusted after the Elise ever since only being able to glimpse the rear end of a track prepared IntegraR engined Elise!
I sell Porsche at work and like the Boxster quite a bit and until now looked upon it as a lightweight car, I now know otherwise..
As a child my neighbor had a Super 7 and a couple of Europas. I have always wanted a Lotus and want to thank Lotus cars for bringing the car to the states. This is the best way I know how, by buying one!
Regards, Perry_________

[aletes]

Welcome!

I was fortunate too ... I happened to walk into the dealership a few weeks ago right as someone else was giving up their spot (#29). It was a Saturday and the orders were going in on Monday, so I got to pick the specifications for my Elise.

I have been lusting after the Lotus Elise since I saw a S1 (European version) in a SFBA dealership in 1999. I wanted to buy it right then, but no dice being as it wasn't Federalized.

Mine will be Brittish Racing Green with a Touring Package (for the biscuit leather seats), a Sports Package, and a hard top (all at MSRP).

The dealer I am purchasing from says there will be 12 shipped by August, with the first batch arriving in June (4 a month). After the September break the shippments are expected to climb to 8 a month, so I am hoping to receive mine by Christmas.

[tims]

I, too, am new to this forum, having become more enthusiastic about the Elise over the last few months. I had an opportunity to drive a new Elise with the sports package at BeaveRun this week (being an owner of a track has some benefits). I can't say enough about the handling and feel of the car. Since it wasn't "my car" I certainly didn't push the envelope. Power seemed more than sufficient. Gear ratios were excellent both for pulling out of turn 11 as well as reaching good speeds on the straights. The turn 1 through turn 6 complex was like a drive in the park. Braking was extraordinary and road feel through the steering wheel was superb. All in all, the car was compliant and true to all that I have read about it. While I wouldn't think of it as a flaw, I expected shorter throws in the shifter. Car & Driver will be reporting on this car as well as some others in the near future. If anyone has any specific questions about my experience, please let me know. Since I'm on the list with the local dealer, I'm anxiously waiting for deliveries to begin in the U.S.

[brownsa5]

tims,

Did you drive one of the fed cars from the Barber intro? Did it have the LSS? What color was it? I thought I saw a post somewhere intimating that C&D was testing the Krypton car, which had the LSS at Barber.

Thanks!

Steve

[Larry]

Perry,
Welcome to the forum. It's good to have another who appreciates the car for what it does, instead of just wanting to be seen or having the 'latest thing'. I've been waiting a LONG time for a car like this and thought it would never happen. When the Miata came out, I thought, "Maybe", but after driving one, it was "Not" In '97 I got to see and sit in an Elise at the Lotus Owners Group national convention and after having read about the car, seeing it in the aluminum and fibreglas was sensory overload. Of course, when the Lotus rep with the car said there were no immediate plans to bring it to the U.S. I was kind of relieved. That meant I didn't have to seriously lust for the car or figure how to pay for it! I've been tempted by the Boxter and the S2000, but they are just to civilized. When my Road & Track arrived with the 'good news' last year, it was time to take advantage of an opportunity that was impossible to pass up. Expecting my Nightfall Blue with LSS by fall. The ultimate driver's car.

[tims]

Originally posted by brownsa5
tims,

Did you drive one of the fed cars from the Barber intro? Did it have the LSS? What color was it? I thought I saw a post somewhere intimating that C&D was testing the Krypton car, which had the LSS at Barber.

Thanks!

Steve

Steve, that was the car I drove. C & D tested the car at BeaveRun, along with a few others. I suppose the test results will be published in August, but couldn't get anything firm from C & D. They seemed to be impressed with the car.