November issue of Lotus reMarque>>> - Page 2 - LotusTalk

wallabyguy · 11-21-2003, 01:38 PM

A word from talking with LCU............

The sport suspension will only be offered to 300 buyers the first model year. The package will be available as a dealer installed accessory, but if their are only 300 sets for the first years production, don't expect your dealer to get any for the 1st year. The package from the delaer will cost up to $1,000 more than the factory installed kit n. inc. installation! The sport package can not only be installed but removed from a car and thus if you find it too rough, you can remove it for less than it would cost to put the package on. If you think you may want it, get it while you can. But if you don't, take solace that it can be added later (at a cost).

I have an early position and plan on getting the package. I'd hate to get my car and find that after a few months I wished I had ordered it and be faced with a 2 year wait for the parts. If I need to remove the package, I'll be able to get parts much quicker. Besides, my wife wants it and I like sleeping in the house.

zvezdah1 · 11-21-2003, 04:05 PM

HI All,
Andrew drove the Star Midnight car the same day I took the aztec bronze car out. His car had the bulge on the drivers side on the access panel, the aztec bronze car had the recontoured access panels which appears to be the standard federal config.

Also, FYI, Andrew mentioning the license plate plinthe on the front, that is unchanged from the 111S, he was comparing to an S1 in that regard which had no plinthe. So the nose will look just like the 111S.

Chris

mikester · 11-21-2003, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by zvezdah1
HI All,
Also, FYI, Andrew mentioning the license plate plinthe on the front, that is unchanged from the 111S, he was comparing to an S1 in that regard which had no plinthe. So the nose will look just like the 111S.

Chris

Thanks. I was wondering about that, hoping the plinthe wasn't going to be any more pronounced than on the 111S. More good news !

Randy Chase · 11-21-2003, 04:56 PM

Word for the day. Plinth.

plinth ( P ) Pronunciation Key (plnth)
n.
A block or slab on which a pedestal, column, or statue is placed.
The base block at the intersection of the baseboard and the vertical trim around an opening.
A continuous course of stones supporting a wall. Also called plinth course.
A square base, as for a vase.

mikester · 11-21-2003, 05:02 PM

Everyone, together: "plinth"

very nice !

Eyelise · 11-23-2003, 05:25 PM

I agree I think the LSS is overkill. You should all just forget it. You don't really want it. Just a waste of money. After all there are only 300 the first year

zvezdah1 · 11-23-2003, 06:07 PM

If the LSS ride is similar to the Sport 190 ride (I assume it's probably pretty close), it definately would make an LSS-equipped elise not a whole lot of fun to drive on city streets for long distances.
Chris

adamant · 11-24-2003, 08:15 AM

Yes, the LSS is NOT a good idea at all. If you are doubtful then wait for the aftermarket version, please

If it as all like the Sport 190's then I'll be happy, I think the Sport 190 has a better road quality ride than my Boxster with non US version sports suspension. Maybe it is just me, but I want it to feel like the road legal race car that it is supposed to be.

adamant · 11-24-2003, 08:25 AM

Back on subject. Did anyone else feel that the reMarque article was a little too pro the Fed Elise. I am still disappointed by the weight and the engine. the lb/hp rounded would be closer to 11 not 10 (10.52). Weight is the most important factor to me and I was anticipating a lb/hp arounf the mid 8's. The Fed Elise will still be a great car, just not the stunning supercar I was hoping for a year ago.

LarryB · 11-24-2003, 08:53 AM

Given the need to change power trains, add sound dreading, A/C, etc the weight creep has been kept down. It makes it a better all around car. One Lotus is more likely to keep selling the full production volume after the die-hearts pick one up. If weight is a big issue, we can always strip 50-100lbs out of it.

Besides the light weight, we've still got a very stiff chassis and a well tune suspension along with the extra hp & closer ratio 6-speed tranny. Add in the LSS package and for the low $40k price tag Vs the performance it's a steal. Never really thought of it as a supercar, they usually aren't so small and light weight or "cheap".

To add more hp, bigger (heavier) motor along with all the little extra's that brought up the weight. They would have to go to more extremes to drop weight Vs the Euro, which would have drove the price way up. Sure, I'd also wish for less weight with the same or more N/A power... think Lotus hit a nice balance with what we're getting.

zvezdah1 · 11-24-2003, 09:19 AM

Well, Adamant,
Lotus ReMarque is a Lotus enthusiast publication. However Andrew can speak from experience owning an S1. I think his opinion carries far more weight than the many "experts" out there who haven't driven the US car.

The Elise is not nor was it intended to be a supercar for cryin out loud. It's s'posed to be a fun lightweight (even at 2000 pounds it's hundreds of pounds lighter than anything else comparable).

The car's priced at around 40k, in comparison to the boxster, it's a bargain.

As has been repeated here multiple times before, those of you who are hung up on the weight issue can always pull off the a/c and other bits, lay off the super size big mac meals, etc yata yata yata ad nauseum...

Chris "who's very pro- Federal Elise"

YELOTUS · 11-24-2003, 10:01 AM

I am not into 0-60 time thing (that is what my SLK32 is for) for the Elise but am into handling and what caught my eye big time was he reference to a neutral handler over the prior much complained about 'snap oversteer' characteristic of the S1 and its variants. I am NOT getting the LLS suspension since if I so desire a firmer track like set up I can add. Would be shame to order the LSS and find out way to hard and thus hate driving this fine auto..better add after evaluating the car IMHO.
Michael

zvezdah1 · 11-24-2003, 10:08 AM

Yep,
I think a lot of the people who opt for the LSS package and intend to use predominantly as a street car will be very disappointed in the ride, car will probably end up a garage queen because the ride is too harsh. If like the S190, you won't see many people doing long drives in it!
Chris

demi · 11-24-2003, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by zvezdah1
Yep,
I think a lot of the people who opt for the LSS package and intend to use predominantly as a street car will be very disappointed in the ride, car will probably end up a garage queen because the ride is too harsh. If like the S190, you won't see many people doing long drives in it!
Chris

Right on Chris, sometimes the testosterone gets to peoples' heads and they feel like they need the most extreme car possible, or else it's all for naught. If you have ever heard the people whining about why the US gets the 996 GT3 but not the RS you might know what I'm talking about. I took a road trip from Indy to Mid-Ohio in a Spec Miata one time... Now that was some hard assed suspension, boy! About every half a second, when we would pass over a road seam, there would be a hard and painful thump. Not fun.

Chill out people, the Elise is going to be powerful, light, and it's going to handle like crazy. If you want to strip out all the luxury parts, feel free! You'll have my infinite respect for your hardcore automotive asceticism, rest assured.

zvezdah1 · 11-24-2003, 02:06 PM

YOu guys want firm suspension, do 200 miles on the interstate in a caterham!! Now that's a firm ride!

Who enjoyed the caterham but is looking forward to that fluffy soft ride of a standard elise!
Chris

MickOpalak · 11-25-2003, 05:32 AM

When I will have to take a long freeway ride in my LSS Elise, I'll just grab a pillow off the couch and put that on the driver's seat before I sit down.

adamant · 11-25-2003, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mopalak
When I will have to take a long freeway ride in my LSS Elise, I'll just grab a pillow off the couch and put that on the driver's seat before I sit down.

Agreed, but I don't think we will ever need that pillow!
Well I won't labor this much as I am not trying to push LSS on anyone, quite the contrary, I hope very few opt for the package. I have tried the LSS on an S1 and I found it very comfortable. Assuming that I am not the testosterone crazed garage queen owner, I will be touring and tracking mine with enthusiasm.

LarryB · 11-25-2003, 08:47 AM

Most of us are experience sports cars owners and know the pros and cons of the LSS package and how we will use the Elise.

Arno · 11-25-2003, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by adamant
I have tried the LSS on an S1 and I found it very comfortable.

Remember! The S1 LSS setup is very different from the S2 LSS and not comparable.

The regular S2 suspension already uses the same spring rates (and superior shocks) as the S1 LSS, so rides about the same, albeit at a higher ride height (120mm for the S2 vs. 100/110 for the S1-LSS)

The S2 LSS is sprung and damped significantly harder and a very different ballgame.

Bye, Arno.

zvezdah1 · 11-25-2003, 10:48 AM

Great info Arno, didn't know that.
Chris

11-21-2003, 01:38 PM	#21 (permalink)
wallabyguy Not Dead Yet Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 5,896	A word from talking with LCU............ The sport suspension will only be offered to 300 buyers the first model year. The package will be available as a dealer installed accessory, but if their are only 300 sets for the first years production, don't expect your dealer to get any for the 1st year. The package from the delaer will cost up to $1,000 more than the factory installed kit n. inc. installation! The sport package can not only be installed but removed from a car and thus if you find it too rough, you can remove it for less than it would cost to put the package on. If you think you may want it, get it while you can. But if you don't, take solace that it can be added later (at a cost). I have an early position and plan on getting the package. I'd hate to get my car and find that after a few months I wished I had ordered it and be faced with a 2 year wait for the parts. If I need to remove the package, I'll be able to get parts much quicker. Besides, my wife wants it and I like sleeping in the house. __________________ former Lotus Sales Robert (aka Sith Lord of LBL) 74 Elite 502 05 Elise (Snuffalupagous..RIP : Laser Blue, Black Leather, Touring Pack, Hardtop ) The Wallaby Will Ride Again

11-21-2003, 04:56 PM	#24 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,174 Images: 761	Word for the day. Plinth. plinth ( P ) Pronunciation Key (plnth) n. A block or slab on which a pedestal, column, or statue is placed. The base block at the intersection of the baseboard and the vertical trim around an opening. A continuous course of stones supporting a wall. Also called plinth course. A square base, as for a vase. __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! 2006 Noble M400. Getrag tranny, Quaiffe LSD, Hinged clams. Duratec dual turbo V6. Hoosier 315-18 tires. 2350 pounds. Over 500hp. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Wing. Black leather/Alcantara with orange stitching. The street car. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle.

11-21-2003, 05:02 PM	#25 (permalink)
mikester Registered Shmoozer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: So Cal Posts: 4,597	Everyone, together: "plinth" very nice ! __________________ Covered in Brandy and Lard

11-24-2003, 08:15 AM	#28 (permalink)
adamant Time to DRIVE Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 1,313 Images: 2	Yes, the LSS is NOT a good idea at all. If you are doubtful then wait for the aftermarket version, please If it as all like the Sport 190's then I'll be happy, I think the Sport 190 has a better road quality ride than my Boxster with non US version sports suspension. Maybe it is just me, but I want it to feel like the road legal race car that it is supposed to be. __________________ 2006 Exige Chrome Orange

11-24-2003, 08:25 AM	#29 (permalink)
adamant Time to DRIVE Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 1,313 Images: 2	Back on subject. Did anyone else feel that the reMarque article was a little too pro the Fed Elise. I am still disappointed by the weight and the engine. the lb/hp rounded would be closer to 11 not 10 (10.52). Weight is the most important factor to me and I was anticipating a lb/hp arounf the mid 8's. The Fed Elise will still be a great car, just not the stunning supercar I was hoping for a year ago. __________________ 2006 Exige Chrome Orange

11-21-2003, 04:05 PM	#22 (permalink)
zvezdah1 eliseaholic! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: georgia Posts: 6,773	HI All, Andrew drove the Star Midnight car the same day I took the aztec bronze car out. His car had the bulge on the drivers side on the access panel, the aztec bronze car had the recontoured access panels which appears to be the standard federal config. Also, FYI, Andrew mentioning the license plate plinthe on the front, that is unchanged from the 111S, he was comparing to an S1 in that regard which had no plinthe. So the nose will look just like the 111S. Chris

11-23-2003, 05:25 PM	#26 (permalink)
Eyelise Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mass Posts: 1,129	I agree I think the LSS is overkill. You should all just forget it. You don't really want it. Just a waste of money. After all there are only 300 the first year

11-23-2003, 06:07 PM	#27 (permalink)
zvezdah1 eliseaholic! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: georgia Posts: 6,773	If the LSS ride is similar to the Sport 190 ride (I assume it's probably pretty close), it definately would make an LSS-equipped elise not a whole lot of fun to drive on city streets for long distances. Chris

11-24-2003, 08:53 AM	#30 (permalink)
LarryB Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NorCal Posts: 3,107	Given the need to change power trains, add sound dreading, A/C, etc the weight creep has been kept down. It makes it a better all around car. One Lotus is more likely to keep selling the full production volume after the die-hearts pick one up. If weight is a big issue, we can always strip 50-100lbs out of it. Besides the light weight, we've still got a very stiff chassis and a well tune suspension along with the extra hp & closer ratio 6-speed tranny. Add in the LSS package and for the low $40k price tag Vs the performance it's a steal. Never really thought of it as a supercar, they usually aren't so small and light weight or "cheap". To add more hp, bigger (heavier) motor along with all the little extra's that brought up the weight. They would have to go to more extremes to drop weight Vs the Euro, which would have drove the price way up. Sure, I'd also wish for less weight with the same or more N/A power... think Lotus hit a nice balance with what we're getting. Last edited by LarryB : 11-24-2003 at 08:58 AM.

11-24-2003, 09:19 AM	#31 (permalink)
zvezdah1 eliseaholic! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: georgia Posts: 6,773	Well, Adamant, Lotus ReMarque is a Lotus enthusiast publication. However Andrew can speak from experience owning an S1. I think his opinion carries far more weight than the many "experts" out there who haven't driven the US car. The Elise is not nor was it intended to be a supercar for cryin out loud. It's s'posed to be a fun lightweight (even at 2000 pounds it's hundreds of pounds lighter than anything else comparable). The car's priced at around 40k, in comparison to the boxster, it's a bargain. As has been repeated here multiple times before, those of you who are hung up on the weight issue can always pull off the a/c and other bits, lay off the super size big mac meals, etc yata yata yata ad nauseum... Chris "who's very pro- Federal Elise" Last edited by zvezdah1 : 11-24-2003 at 10:06 AM.

11-24-2003, 10:01 AM	#32 (permalink)
YELOTUS Oh Yes! An Elise Driver Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Reston Virginia Posts: 549	Handling>>> I am not into 0-60 time thing (that is what my SLK32 is for) for the Elise but am into handling and what caught my eye big time was he reference to a neutral handler over the prior much complained about 'snap oversteer' characteristic of the S1 and its variants. I am NOT getting the LLS suspension since if I so desire a firmer track like set up I can add. Would be shame to order the LSS and find out way to hard and thus hate driving this fine auto..better add after evaluating the car IMHO. Michael

11-24-2003, 10:08 AM	#33 (permalink)
zvezdah1 eliseaholic! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: georgia Posts: 6,773	Yep, I think a lot of the people who opt for the LSS package and intend to use predominantly as a street car will be very disappointed in the ride, car will probably end up a garage queen because the ride is too harsh. If like the S190, you won't see many people doing long drives in it! Chris

11-24-2003, 02:06 PM	#35 (permalink)
zvezdah1 eliseaholic! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: georgia Posts: 6,773	YOu guys want firm suspension, do 200 miles on the interstate in a caterham!! Now that's a firm ride! Who enjoyed the caterham but is looking forward to that fluffy soft ride of a standard elise! Chris

11-25-2003, 05:32 AM	#36 (permalink)
MickOpalak Prez: The K.G.B. Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 5,303	When I will have to take a long freeway ride in my LSS Elise, I'll just grab a pillow off the couch and put that on the driver's seat before I sit down. __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter 2002 Jaguar XKR convertible 2000 BMW 528i President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

11-25-2003, 08:47 AM	#38 (permalink)
LarryB Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NorCal Posts: 3,107	Most of us are experience sports cars owners and know the pros and cons of the LSS package and how we will use the Elise.

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11-25-2003, 10:48 AM	#40 (permalink)
zvezdah1 eliseaholic! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: georgia Posts: 6,773	Great info Arno, didn't know that. Chris