My girl and I were on the way to SPCA to see some puppies (yeah, this is our habit) and there is a Volvo dealership accross the SPCA down here. When we drove past the dealership, I saw this purpleish-blue car parking right outside and it it an Elise.

Then we parked our car and walk straight to it. There are already couple guys (in their 30's) checking the car out already. Then the salesperson came out and said the first of them will be available this May and there are 80 people on the waiting list already Anyhow, he was really nice, told us a lot about the car and say a $500 deposit will assure a spot on the first year allocation, which is about 100 for their dealership. I asked him how long will the wait be and he said it'll be another year if I put my $$ down now... Since I don't plan on getting this anyway, I just welcome the chance of sitting inside this car and play with it...

That dearship is located at Washington Blvd if any Houston guy is interested.

 

The interior is SMALL , much smaller than my own car (Audi TT) and my right arm will be touching the passenger (if there's one) during the shifting motion. The six-speed shifting is very precise, but the travel is kinda long, I guess a short shifter should do the magic here.

To my suprise, there is AC, Stereo and security systerm in the car, but no power window (like you need it). The top is a soft top and a hard top is available for $1,500 more.

Getting in and out is no easy task for the first couple try if you have the top on....

 

The padels are so close together and you cannot wear any wide shoes if you want to drive it. The one-piece leather seat is neatly wrapping around me (I'm 5'8", not too big). Not much cargo room, but seriously, who need it in this car

 

Too bad I don't have my camera with me, all these pics are taken by my phone

 

All brakes are equipped with cross-drilled rotors

 

Last one, the guy in shades and denim shirt is the cool salesperson forgot his name

 

what type of phone did u use to take those pics?

 

It's a Sony Ericcson T-610...not the best out there...good enough for me

 

I am a big fan of Lotus. I once owned an Esprit S4.
I sat on this car in LA autoshow. I think I'll have a constant visit to chiropractor. I am 6'1" 230lbs with 50" chest.

 

Lan! you lucky bastard! I do love the Elise.........as you may have noticed.

lol, reassuring to know that other guys go to do this with their girlfriends. whatever tho, i like dogs and birds.

 

The Elise will be a perfect weekend car, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket. On paper, it's a wonderful driving machine (power/weight ratio, MR setup, Lotus suspension, etc.)

However, it sucks to have it as you everyday car...


Doug, it's our routine to "see" puppies and hamsters whenever we have that time....lol

 

did you get a chance to test drive it?

 

very cool man! this is one car im planning to get once i get rich

 

That thing is straight dope. Everyone is hyped up about the Elise but I haven't heard anything about the Esprit or the Exige. I know the Esprit is coming but why not the exige or the 340R? Would the Esprit be a better daily driver? What will the Esprit sticker at?

 

Have you guys seen, what is supposed to be the new Esprit? Man is that awsome, its on the cover of some euro mag. supposed to have around 450 hp, It's an exciting time to be a car nut