New (old) car time Lotus

GSXRMovistar

GSXRMovistar

GSXRMovistar

Soldato
Joined
6 Nov 2002
Posts
9,865
Location
London UK
Had the itch for something different/fun over the summer, after having various cars that have had plenty of power and decent performance I fancied something that felt fast without actually having to break speed limits. Over the past weeks I found myself looking at Elises and with a fair amount of reading and research I’ve ended up picking up a 19 year old Lotus, a 2005 S2 111s Elise.

First impressions, what a great drivers car its a blast; very very small and very very raw, no power steering, no traction control, and even the brakes are non servo assisted, but its such an engaged diving experience and feels like you are in a go-kart on the road.

 
Awesome purchase, a friend of mine had one years ago and they're so much fun! :)

fastwunz said:
Brilliant! Next time buy an Esprit V8 twin turbo.

In orange
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I've been so tempted, just for the sake of memories of Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 on the Amiga, to get an Esprit or an Elan! :D
 
A mate of mine had a T reg one for years (Rover K series 1.8 engine), very good fun and cornered like I remember the bikes on Tron, only issues were getting in and out of it and the fact that if you went over a stone you felt it right up your spine, can't imagine how it would be on our pot holed roads at the moment, I would imagine you have to plan your route very carefully.

Oh and it definitely looks good for a 19 year old car
 
Maundie said:
A mate of mine had a T reg one for years (Rover K series 1.8 engine), very good fun and cornered like I remember the bikes on Tron, only issues were getting in and out of it and the fact that if you went over a stone you felt it right up your spine, can't imagine how it would be on our pot holed roads at the moment, I would imagine you have to plan your route very carefully.

Oh and it definitely looks good for a 19 year old car
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Yes the pot holes aren't fun, it's like playing Mario kart trying to dodge bananas. The car is running Nitron Street Series suspension that is very hard and when you can't avoid a pot hole it feels like the car is about to explode. Needs to see if they can be adjusted and softened slightly.

Diddums said:
A used Nissan Leaf is definitely the defacto choice to rival a Lotus Elise.



Lovely car @GSXRMovistar, will you be taking it on track days?
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Possibly, its purely a weekend toy so it may see some track action.
 
I used to own an Esprit S4s until the engine blew up & it got written off...if you ever go for an Esprit you need super deep pockets to keep it running smoothly...takes about the same £££ if not more than a Ferrari from the same era ;)
 
I'm still not willing to accept that this is a 19 year old car.

I found the statement about lack of brake servo interesting. The vx220 had them and I remember someone trying it without and it was unusable.
 
Trifid said:
I'm still not willing to accept that this is a 19 year old car.

I found the statement about lack of brake servo interesting. The vx220 had them and I remember someone trying it without and it was unusable.
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This would have been one of the last with unassisted brakes. They work but you need strong thighs :D

They are quite big brakes too especially for the weight of the car.
 
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