As I mentioned in an earlier thread, I ran into an owner that lives about a mile or so from my place. He called me up today and asked if I wanted to go for a drive since we had a break in the clouds. I wasn't about to say no to that, to I grabbed my camera and off we went for a drive. He pulled up to my place and after talking with my wife and I for a bit, handed me the keys. We took off for some back roads around my place. What an amazing little car the Elise is. His was an 07 Elise with the touring pack. It drove great. I could see myself in it. That's the bad news for my wife. Definitely missed the torque of my car, but I'm sure I'd get over it.
Here are some pics we grabbed just on the side of the road. I love this color and if I end up with one, I think it'll be either this color, or perhaps red or blue.

 

One more:

 

wow james! great pictures and i LOVE the color of the elise! that's the one i'd pick if it was me and i'd name the plate "vitamnc". hehe!

edit...

and/or "sunkist"

 

The Torque issue is easily solved with Forced induction

 

Great pics, James! Sounds like a fun way to spend the afternoon.

If I could do it all over again, I'd probably have a nice Exige S in my garage instead of my M3.

Shhh... Don't let my M3 know I said that.

 

It's going to be a hard decision when it comes time for my next car. I loved driving the Elise today, but would love to get back into an E46 M3 or maybe even a 911 turbo if the 997 prices continue to fall.

 

Hmm M3 or 996 Turbo, practical or performance???

I love the Elise but my work out program hasn't made on possible at this point

Did you take it into the switchover point?

 

Yup did on the way home. It wasn't as pronounced as I thought. Not like the vtec in Honda's twin cam motor.....

 

I hear its much better in the Elise, it was an utter piece of thrashy junk in the Celica GTS I had for a demo..

 

If you liked that, don't drive my Exige.

You'll buy two.

You may know this but the Lotus has two suspension options. The one you drove has the base suspension. There is also a Sport Suspension (LSS). The sport suspension includes lighter wheels and Bilstein coilovers. There is a third option only available on the Exige (IIRC) called the Track Pack. It is ride hieght adjustable and has an adjustable front sway bar.

The stock air box holds back the cam change significantly. My airbox is no longer stock, so you are welcome to check that out at one of our events.

On a photography note, I am meeting with Robbie Montinola to lay down our plans for that private instruction day we talked about. I'll be lining up the resources (Track rental, insurance, etc) at the end of the summer. I want to make sure that we have a great photography plan.

Cheers,

 

I've still got your PM from the last time we talked. Thanks for the info.

 

With all the talk about Lotus Elise/Exige lately, I admit that I'm intrigued. Anybody want to let me try theirs out? I promise to be gentle, really. Seriously aside, I'd love the opportunity to do so.

 

i keep hoping that we'll talk larry into a boxster since he seemed to enjoy them so much at porsche driving school. i told him....he needs a fast car for the straight aways and then a boxster for those twisty road days. hahah!

jason, i let you drive mine before. you wouldn't like to get a nice, little boxster so mine has a buddy? she's lonely. she misses josh's and carlos's. lol!

 

I already offered 400 bucks but free for close friends so 400 for you sir . Not sure if you can handle the power though jk

 

Jason, feel free to grab me the next time we see each other. I never been in a a 997 Turbo before if you'd like to give me a ride.