New Elise

[enzo@af]

So, what do you think of the new Elise? I don't think the changes to the body give it anything it didn't already have, but they did manage to shave off a few extra pounds. Opinions?

[paul]

Being a dedicated Lotus fan for years, I almost have to like it no matter what. I think it got alot nicer, and it is quite different from the older Elise in some respects. I also like the idea of Lotus giving a Sports/touring option on the Elise. It's a good idea to do that since the Elise has been a hot seller for Lotus.

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- Lotus -
For The Few Who Know The Difference

[Dimex]

I think the new Elise is awesome. I love it and would give anything for it.

[matt]

I like the new exterior and it looks like a lot of fun to drive. I want one so bad, too.

[Heep]

I like everything but the back end...it seems to be missing something for some reason.

[crayzayjay]

I actually prefer the original, I was really disappointed with the follow-up.. there was nothing original about it..

cheers
jay

[Chris]

I really like Lotus Elises. They are so light! I love the new one, but we still probably wont get one over here
I prefer the new styling, and I personally like it better overall.

[crayzayjay]

The new design is definitely a step down from the first one. The back is plain ugly (ferrari copy gone wrong) and the front.. well, the front is ugly too.. it's supposed to look meaner, ok, but not uglier! scoops and air intakes are nice on performance cars, but there are just too many... it ruins the shape, which doesnt look anywhere near as pure as the original... the scoops look like a cheap "max power" addition and i dont like the front lights either.. the VX220's are much more attractive and dare I say it the Vauxhall is better looking than the Lotus.. it has a more classy and beautiful look... that shouldnt be the case, so i really think lotus messed it up... just my opinion

cheers
jay

[Chris]

And everyone has an opinion

[crayzayjay]

It wouldn't be as much fun if we didn't

cheers
jay

[Jimster]

I'm with Jay on this one

[dejoux]

I like the looks of both but I prefer the looks of the Old one more, but an Elise is essentailly a drivers car, not a car to stand still so I pick the new one as its supposedly better (although itll be along time before I have a chance to drive either to find out )

[tmr]

I have to agree with Jay. As a long-time Lotus guy, I was really disappointed with the S2 styling. The S1 has a bit of Lotus 23, Europa, Ford GT, etc., but yet is modern in execution. The new S2 has all of those plastic thingies hanging all over it and looks too 'new edge'. I predict that it will look dated in a few years, whilst the S1 will look more timeless.

Just my two cents...

[Scarecrow]

I thought the same about the S2 when I first saw it at the NEC in Birmingham, when they unveiled the new look. However, I have to say that having owned one for a year or so, the looks do grow on you.

Also the other not so obvious changes are a definite improvement - things like the close ratio gearbox as standard, the roof (top) is now a lot easier to put on and take off, optional leather etc.

Ultimately, if people don't like it, they won't buy it. However, I seem to remember reading somewhere that the Elise is still outselling the VX220 by some considerable margin, so Lotus must be doing something right.

[tmr]

I read an editorial the other day in which the author stated that a car's styling should never have to 'grow on you'. He went on to say that it should be attracted to the styling the first time you lay eyes on it. It seems like too many otherwise great cars (WRX, etc.) have this same problem.

I know that it's considered an old car these days, but the Jaguar E-type is a good example. Say what you might about the car and it's problems, but not many will dispute its timeless looks.