Elise [Hot!] Lotus Elise and Exige - FINAL EDITIONS!

TopspeedPT · Feb 8, 2021

Lotus Elise Sport 240 Final Edition

240hp
898kg

Lotus Exige Sport 390 Final Edition

397hp
1138kg

Lotus Exige Sport 420 Final Edition

420hp
1110kg

Lotus Exige Cup 430 Final Edition

430hp
1110kg

Saving the best ‘til last: the Lotus Elise and Exige Final Edition cars

Centurion · Feb 8, 2021

Those weight figures defy belief.

Lotus Exige Sport 390 Final Edition for me please.

mihc · Feb 8, 2021

After all these years in production, still really lovely cars. And these final editions look awesome!

martinbo · Feb 9, 2021

I'd be more than happy with the entry-level Elise 240. Never driven one, probably missing out on something very special.

Deleted member 1071 · Feb 9, 2021

I recall when a smaller German firm specialized in Lotus Elise conversions (Brandes & Dschüdow) offered their Lotus Esthi V6 with an Audi 2.7L twin-turbo V6 that pumped out over 420 PS. That must have been almost 15 years ago.

Giannis · Feb 9, 2021

I just had a look at our most popular used car site. Even S2 examples from 2005 sell for over 30.000€!

Centurion · Feb 9, 2021

martinbo said:
I'd be more than happy with the entry-level Elise 240. Never driven one, probably missing out on something very special.

In the past 12 months I have driven the below 2 Lotuses. The Eleven-2 and Exige 350. My overarching conclusion is that any Lotus is a blast to drive.

They are agile, offer exhilarating speed sensation and have suspension that isn't back battering on British roads.

The lack of power steering is only noticeable below 10mph. However the steering on the Eleven-2 feels light because the car is........lighter.

On paper the Elise 240 is the sweet spot in terms of power and weight. My issue with it is that on the used market, the Exige isn't that much more expensive and is more car for the money.

The Exige has greater presence and is more powerful. However unless you track or big circuits or enjoy accelerating hardbetween 70-140mph, the Elise 240 is fast enough.

As much as I am a die hard Porsche fan, I find an Exige much more exciting to drive than a 992. I would rather have the Exige + a daily than a £115,000 992 CS.

martinbo · Feb 9, 2021

Centurion said:
The lack of power steering is only noticeable below 10mph. However the steering on the Eleven-2 feels light because the car is........lighter.

It's actually a 2-Eleven but no matter, I'm just being nitpicky.

Thanks for the insight. I have lots of admiration for what Lotus has achieved with the Elise platform over the years. Speaking to colleagues in the car industry, those who experienced the Elise and Exige were only complimentary in their appraisal of the driving enjoyment.
If I had to choose though, even if the little 240 does come in under a ton, I'd still look to something more premium for that 3rd car weekend warrior. I'd still go for a Boxster 4.0 - even though it's heavier and pricier.

Centurion · Feb 9, 2021

martinbo said:
If I had to choose though, even if the little 240 does come in under a ton, I'd still look to something more premium for that 3rd car weekend warrior. I'd still go for a Boxster 4.0 - even though it's heavier and pricier.

Yupp. I would need need 3-4 cars to cover all bases:

Family SUV: For mounting kerbs and parking on verges at the beach.

Hothatch/compact GT-ish sports car: All rounder

Single minded sports car: Non-mileage sensetive sports car and low depreciating car for out right thrills at all speeds.

Supercar: Because.....supercar. :biggrin.doodle: