Base Convertible
2008 Lotus Elise
Lotus Elise is a small two-door sportscar best known for its telepathic handling, nimble moves and astounding speed. It is what Ferrari owners buy when they want to go to amateur track days, and win. Less known, or perhaps less appreciated, is how it achieves its performance. Elise's small size, combined with its remarkably light weight, result in astounding quickness derived more from sheer efficiency than outright power. What other fast cars do with 400 or more horsepower Elise does with around 200.
Elise is likely the best driving production car in the world. It offers one of the most exhilarating driving experiences in the world. It is also the world's most efficient production supercar, which in itself is meaningful in an era of rapidly rising fuel prices and increased green consciousness. Elise's small and powerful engine also delivers reasonable fuel economy and commendably low CO2 emissions. Elise used to be the lightest weight production car offered in the U.S.; now that honor goes to the Smart car, though by only a small margin.
The Elise is aging, but you might not know it. Launched in original Series 1 form in late-1996, it has been continually modified and upgraded to meet evolving regulations and market requirements. The current model is a Series 2, released in the UK for 2001 and in the U.S. for 2005. Interestingly, in the process of aging and adapting, Elise has put on some 400 pounds since initial launch. Don't be discouraged, though, as it's still remarkably light weight at just under 2000 pounds.
Elise's almost unparalleled agility and speed make it tantalizingly seductive. But, as is so often the case, seduction comes at a cost. For street use, the Elise is less practical than, say, the Corvette or any Aston Martin. It is less usable than a Ferrari F430 or Lamborghini Gallardo. To put its day-to-day utility in context, think of it as a (much) smaller and lighter Lamborghini LP640. Prospective buyers should be careful and mindful of Elise's undeniable seduction and marginal utility, as many who have been seduced and bought Elises have subsequently had second thoughts. A quick web search reveals many low-mileage Elises for sale, their once bedazzled owners now discouraged with the harsher realities of trying to use Elise on the street. Don't forget, Elise is a marvelous car for those seeking fair-weather weekend thrill rides and occasional track time. For the commute, use the Camry.
Taken in sum, the Lotus Elise is a fantastic car for a comparatively limited audience that gets it and can actually use it. For everyone else, including those specifically interested in high-performance sports cars bordering on supercars, there are other choices in the market likely to be more useful, accommodating and appealing. Keep in mind many of these alternatives are likely to cost more, or perhaps a multiple more. As a normal sports car, the tiny Elise looks a stretch at $50,000. As a supercar, it's an absolute bargain.
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Full Review
Elise is likely the best driving production car in the world. It offers one of the most exhilarating driving experiences in the world. It is also the world's most efficient production supercar, which in itself is meaningful in an era of rapidly rising fuel prices and increased green consciousness. Elise's small and powerful engine also delivers reasonable fuel economy and commendably low CO2 emissions. Elise used to be the lightest weight production car offered in the U.S.; now that honor goes to the Smart car, though by only a small margin.
The Elise is aging, but you might not know it. Launched in original Series 1 form in late-1996, it has been continually modified and upgraded to meet evolving regulations and market requirements. The current model is a Series 2, released in the UK for 2001 and in the U.S. for 2005. Interestingly, in the process of aging and adapting, Elise has put on some 400 pounds since initial launch. Don't be discouraged, though, as it's still remarkably light weight at just under 2000 pounds.
Elise's almost unparalleled agility and speed make it tantalizingly seductive. But, as is so often the case, seduction comes at a cost. For street use, the Elise is less practical than, say, the Corvette or any Aston Martin. It is less usable than a Ferrari F430 or Lamborghini Gallardo. To put its day-to-day utility in context, think of it as a (much) smaller and lighter Lamborghini LP640. Prospective buyers should be careful and mindful of Elise's undeniable seduction and marginal utility, as many who have been seduced and bought Elises have subsequently had second thoughts. A quick web search reveals many low-mileage Elises for sale, their once bedazzled owners now discouraged with the harsher realities of trying to use Elise on the street. Don't forget, Elise is a marvelous car for those seeking fair-weather weekend thrill rides and occasional track time. For the commute, use the Camry.
Taken in sum, the Lotus Elise is a fantastic car for a comparatively limited audience that gets it and can actually use it. For everyone else, including those specifically interested in high-performance sports cars bordering on supercars, there are other choices in the market likely to be more useful, accommodating and appealing. Keep in mind many of these alternatives are likely to cost more, or perhaps a multiple more. As a normal sports car, the tiny Elise looks a stretch at $50,000. As a supercar, it's an absolute bargain.
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| Engine | 1.8L I-4 |
| MPG | 21 City / 27 Hwy |
| Seating | 2 Passengers |
| Transmission | 6-spd man w/OD |
| Power | 190 @ 7800 rpm |
| Drivetrain | rear-wheel |
