I've come to a decision

[nsmitchell]

And it's a convertible, like my old Del Sol or yore... I would love an Elise, and they are starting to become available in the used segment. Since it is basically a bulletproof, no frills body, with a quality Toyota engine, they will be somewhat within our price range. Mid $20Ks in a few years. Talk about a great project car!!!

[sdmf]

the only thing with these cars is the car goes crazy once you start to modify them, check out the lotus forums for more info. i wouldnt mind having one but if i cant afford it i would go for the mr-s tons of possibilities with that car and you can build it to spank elise's for less money.

[NonStopTuning]

Lotus Exige S comes with a supercharged engine from the factory = one pulley away from OMG!!! Can anyone say NST version FTW???

[Black Yaris]

Originally Posted by NonStopTuning

Lotus Exige S comes with a supercharged engine from the factory = one pulley away from OMG!!! Can anyone say NST version FTW???

the A/C, Crank, Waterpump, Alternator, and Idler pulley set-up looks exactly like our 1nz...

[eTiMaGo]

Originally Posted by Black Yaris

the A/C, Crank, Waterpump, Alternator, and Idler pulley set-up looks exactly like our 1nz...

Hmmm doesn't the 1NZ use much thinner pulleys (i.e. 3 grooves vs 6 grooves or something like that?)

Still, it would make sense for Toyota and any other car manufacturer to share parts between engines/cars, as it would lower development costs, stocking cost of spare parts, etc... Look at the AC knobs on the new xB, and several other models, for example

[Black Yaris]

Originally Posted by eTiMaGo

Hmmm doesn't the 1NZ use much thinner pulleys (i.e. 3 grooves vs 6 grooves or something like that?)

Still, it would make sense for Toyota and any other car manufacturer to share parts between engines/cars, as it would lower development costs, stocking cost of spare parts, etc... Look at the AC knobs on the new xB, and several other models, for example

I was talking about placment of the pulleys.... we use a 4 groove belt... I think on the 1nz

[NonStopTuning]

Originally Posted by Black Yaris

I was talking about placment of the pulleys.... we use a 4 groove belt... I think on the 1nz

While placement may be similar, the size, offset, and rib count on these pulleys is not at all similar to the 1NZ. I've worked with these pulleys quite a bit over the past year or so.

Good observation none the less

[Polish0017]

My friend's Jetta VR6 got in a race with one of those. Lets just say... he killed it. Granted, his VR6 is supercharged and is pushing just over 250 HP off the wheels.

[NonStopTuning]

Street racing, highway racing, is not real racing. We all like to do some spirited driving from time to time on our local roads, but that is not the true measure of any car's real performance or ability.

Put me behind the wheel of that Exige S (stock) and bring your friend's modded SC VR6 and lets hit the race track

Please don't be offended, just read it subjectively and consider it

[ChinoCharles]

The Lotuses aren't really straight line cars. TURNS BABY, turns! You know, real racing... not that F&F crap you're talking about with the VR6.

[Nutzoids]

Originally Posted by ChinoCharles

TURNS BABY, turns! You know, real racing...

[PetersRedYaris]

I've wanted the Exige since the day I saw one... You gotta love the roof intake pushing air through the intercooler.

[nqd]

Originally Posted by ChinoCharles

The Lotuses aren't really straight line cars. TURNS BABY, turns! You know, real racing... not that F&F crap you're talking about with the VR6.

[eTiMaGo]

Elise =

The ultimate small sports car indeed. Just don't even think of picking up groceries with it (but then you'll still have the Yaris for that anyway, right?)

[churp]

Charles how about one of these?

T-Rex
Performance: 0-60 mph: 4.1 sec.
Top speed: 140 mph.
Lateral acceleration: over 1 g.
vidios: http://www.go-t-rex.com/videos.asp?nav=en-us

[acrbill]

I was seriously considering buying an Elise 6 months ago. I test drove one and realized it was far too hard core for me. Too many squeaks and rattles.
I don't make enough money to buy a weekend toy of that caliber. It would have been my only car. If your not afraid of a high payment and having to buy a beater for daily duty I say go for it while your still young. Lifes too short to not to have things you want.

The Budget rent a car near me rents Elises so perhaps you can get one from you local budget to try out.

[Shroomster]

Originally Posted by acrbill

I was seriously considering buying an Elise 6 months ago. I test drove one and realized it was far too hard core for me. Too many squeaks and rattles.
I don't make enough money to buy a weekend toy of that caliber. It would have been my only car. If your not afraid of a high payment and having to buy a beater for daily duty I say go for it while your still young. Lifes too short to not to have things you want.

The Budget rent a car near me rents Elises so perhaps you can get one from you local budget to try out.

budget you say?

SCORE!!! I just got a job for cendant (parent company of avis/budget rentals)
and hopefully I'll see one down here in Orlando....
so far the only exotic ( i say exotic cuz they're really not popular at all) is the saturn Sky and pontiac solstices...seen like 3 or 4 of thsoe already....