What Is It?
2005 Lotus Elise
What's Special About It?
Since its debut at the 1995 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Elise has racked up praise from sports car enthusiasts and the European automotive press for its minimalist layout and agile handling. After a long wait, the Elise is finally bound for the States and now it sports a Toyota motor in addition to other upgrades that should enhance its appeal to American drivers. In the U.S. market, the Elise's weight will increase by roughly 200 pounds due to adding features like air conditioning and an airbag system. While the weight has increased by less than 15 percent, the power has been increased by nearly 40 percent. The new power plant is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder sourced from Toyota as is the six-speed manual transmission. Lifted from the Celica GT-S, the engine is good for 187 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. That might not sound like a lot, but take into account the Elise's 1,965-pound weight and even a high school auto shop student can tell you that power-to-weight ratio is very impressive.
Adding extra weight but increasing the likelihood that you can live with the Elise everyday are such features as two airbags, ABS, climate control, carpeting, a Blaupunkt stereo and power-locking doors. For the sports car purist, there is a lightweight version which deletes the A/C and stereo and knocks $500 off the price. Speaking of price, the U.S. Elise will have a base price of just under $40,000. That's a little pricier than the Rover-powered version outside the U.S., but all those creature comforts don't come cheap. For the serious weekend racer, there is a $2,500 sport package while those who prefer a bit more refinement will want to check out the touring package that adds sound-deadening material, a leather interior and an upgraded stereo.
What's Edmunds' Take?
If you're looking for the ultimate sports car in terms of handling and balance plus the added benefit of owning something that truly stands out, better get your order in now. Lotus says it already has more than 2,000 orders and expects more by spring when it's expected to hit U.S. shores. — Brian Moody
2005 Lotus Elise
What's Special About It?
Since its debut at the 1995 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Elise has racked up praise from sports car enthusiasts and the European automotive press for its minimalist layout and agile handling. After a long wait, the Elise is finally bound for the States and now it sports a Toyota motor in addition to other upgrades that should enhance its appeal to American drivers. In the U.S. market, the Elise's weight will increase by roughly 200 pounds due to adding features like air conditioning and an airbag system. While the weight has increased by less than 15 percent, the power has been increased by nearly 40 percent. The new power plant is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder sourced from Toyota as is the six-speed manual transmission. Lifted from the Celica GT-S, the engine is good for 187 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. That might not sound like a lot, but take into account the Elise's 1,965-pound weight and even a high school auto shop student can tell you that power-to-weight ratio is very impressive.
Adding extra weight but increasing the likelihood that you can live with the Elise everyday are such features as two airbags, ABS, climate control, carpeting, a Blaupunkt stereo and power-locking doors. For the sports car purist, there is a lightweight version which deletes the A/C and stereo and knocks $500 off the price. Speaking of price, the U.S. Elise will have a base price of just under $40,000. That's a little pricier than the Rover-powered version outside the U.S., but all those creature comforts don't come cheap. For the serious weekend racer, there is a $2,500 sport package while those who prefer a bit more refinement will want to check out the touring package that adds sound-deadening material, a leather interior and an upgraded stereo.
What's Edmunds' Take?
If you're looking for the ultimate sports car in terms of handling and balance plus the added benefit of owning something that truly stands out, better get your order in now. Lotus says it already has more than 2,000 orders and expects more by spring when it's expected to hit U.S. shores. — Brian Moody
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