At sub $40,000, Elise is amazingly affordable for what it offers.

0-60 mph: 4.8 sec
1/4 miles: around 12 sec

All that is achieved by an unbelievable 190 hp Toyota/Yamaha engine, which is less than 200hp JWC MCS. :smile: :smile:

 

Looks like it would be fun to try out, and there sure would be little risk of people calling it "cute", but I think there is some degree of apples and oranges going on at least due to price class. This reminds me of an earlier (probably repeating thread) as to whether Minis are "real BMWS". At their price they are not supposed to be but Minis sure have some nice BMW characteristics.

Call me a metrosexual* if you will, but I'm with Laurie. The front end looks menacing and kind of like the occasional drunk at the bar who keeps staring at people hoping for a fight. But that is probably part of the design intent. Cool car, yes, but it looks like an ex-con with additude.

*metrosexual = guys who are secure enough with their manhood that they don't
fear traits traditionally thought to be female. E.g. liking "cute"
cars that they also name. Of course, for gals this would be the
revers: e.g. likes the Elise and enjoys working on her own Mini:
Mini gals like Clover

 

Those of you comparing hp numbers between the mini and the elise are forgetting one thing...the elise weighs only 1700lbs!!!!
That's a HELL of a lot lighter than the mini.

 

Just my thoughts. I hyave to agree with wantmyMINI......AND im a guy. The car looks.......diffrent. I like different, but its too odd. And the rear end is too large in my opinion. I think the cooper has a VERY deceptive elegent look I perfer over the futuristic look of the lotus. I was in Germany when i first saw one in 2000. My first thought was "Dang.....thats a fugly car!" and knew it was a lotus without checking the badges first..............allthough the specs are incredible, id still take the MINI.

 

>>*metrosexual = guys who are secure enough with their manhood that they don't
>> fear traits traditionally thought to be female. E.g. liking "cute"
>> cars that they also name. Of course, for gals this would be the
>> revers: e.g. likes the Elise and enjoys working on her own Mini:
>> Mini gals like Clover

inioway,

So, what is the "correct" term for a female metrosexual car buff? We need to coin a new term! To date, I have been happy to be known as a MINIac, but am always open to new ideas, tee hee!

 

I have wanted one of these for 10 years. Now they are finaly getting around to building them for the USA. I would have to get a red one cause I do not care much for black with gold stripes.

I would like one of these also but oh well.
http://members.roadfly.rog/dacrema/SP, WVA, Lotus n paddock.jpg

 

this time with the picture of a the Lotus in the lot before its race...