New (old) car time Lotus

[GSXRMovistar]

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.

 

[GSXRMovistar]

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

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.

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?

Possibly, its purely a weekend toy so it may see some track action.

 

[GSXRMovistar]

Great buy! I’ve been looking at exiges recently.

They do appeal a lot to me, but I'm also keeping my Mustang so couldn't really justify two large engine and noisy cars. The Elise does however have a Janspeed Roadsport exhaust system fitted, it's neighbour friendly on start-up but does make a lovely sound when you open her up.

 

[GSXRMovistar]

The brakes were designed from the outset to not require a servo. All the Toyota powered cars have a servo and ABS though.

I believe a lot of that was to also allow the car to be sold in the American market.

 

[GSXRMovistar]

It's like a built in fitness test before you are allowed to drive it. You need to be flexible and not obese

But you do get used to it. Just don't put weight on the doors or steering wheel.

I've been told the steering wheel is fine but the one thing to avoid is the A pillar as that can result in the windscreen popping!

 

[GSXRMovistar]

Awesome cars but too raw for me. The S2000 is about a cramped and raw as I can handle.

Yeah it's certainly raw, but that said it's such an enjoyable and engaged drive. The last few days the weather has been good so had a lot more oppertunity to get out and drive the car. Bendy country roads is where this car excels, no need for stupid speeds but just the littlest bit of pace makes it so much fun.

It's certainly closer to karting than it is driving.

 

[GSXRMovistar]

That's a great image to show the scale of them.

 

[GSXRMovistar]

You have to be cautious like riding a motorbike. People in huge SUVs are especially dangerous I've found.

I used to ride bikes, so I'm taking the same approach as I used to back then....drive as if everyone else is out to hit you!