i have a red one... it was the demo
California Edition Owners (CEO's)
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I owned an 05 Ardent Red Elise before getting the yellow California. I jokingly refer to myself as a former Lotus owner, since the California has carpeting and a cup holder. 
I loved the exposed raw aluminum interior of the first car. However, I like the California's interior much more. I respect that this trim package is not for everyone. Yet, I can assure you that every person who sees my new California MUCH prefers the interior to my former car.
I loved the exposed raw aluminum interior of the first car. However, I like the California's interior much more. I respect that this trim package is not for everyone. Yet, I can assure you that every person who sees my new California MUCH prefers the interior to my former car.
Cali's
I agree with Todd; the painted vents and silver grillwork are definitely an "acquired taste." I thought about painting them too orginally. Now I wouldn't change them for the world. They just take a bit of getting used to in relation to the original paint scheme. People who are unfamiliar with the original Elise appear to prefer the Cali color scheme without prejudice. I've had several people comment on my KG '05 rebuild project asking me if I planned to redo the interior to make it "as nice as the yellow one." There were two Saffron Yellow Cali's at LOG 29 and I'm sure that Todd would agree that they were by far the best looking Elises there. :nanner2: JK, I really like all these cars (special editions and standards) and I find the design & appearance sexy, and the performance breathtaking.
A.J.
I agree with Todd; the painted vents and silver grillwork are definitely an "acquired taste." I thought about painting them too orginally. Now I wouldn't change them for the world. They just take a bit of getting used to in relation to the original paint scheme. People who are unfamiliar with the original Elise appear to prefer the Cali color scheme without prejudice. I've had several people comment on my KG '05 rebuild project asking me if I planned to redo the interior to make it "as nice as the yellow one." There were two Saffron Yellow Cali's at LOG 29 and I'm sure that Todd would agree that they were by far the best looking Elises there. :nanner2: JK, I really like all these cars (special editions and standards) and I find the design & appearance sexy, and the performance breathtaking.
A.J.
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Here's Todd's in some very good company.
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The grills on the hood and sides needs to be painted black. It looks very dull with same-color - atleast IMHO. Sorta ruins those details that really show of the curves and flow of the body.
However, the interior I like. Looks very nice.
However, the interior I like. Looks very nice.
We've all heard the complaints. However, there are no aesthetic imperatives here. In fact, there is actually a fair amount of precedent.
Ferrari has dealt with the grillwork both ways. For example, can you tell us that the hood grillwork on these 308s looks better in black? Also, note the silver grill.
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How about the grillwork on the rear lids of these Testarossas?
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Very little black grillwork here.
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And I don't recall silver front grillwork causing a fuss on these cars.
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I'm don't mean to suggest the California design is better. But, I do suspect that part of the reason it has been rejected by some is because they are so used to the former style.
Ruin the details that show the curves? Granted, the black accents do help show the curves in photographs (2D). But, in person (3D) they can stand out just fine.
Like the others here, initially I wasn't keen on the silver front grills. However, now I can't imagine what other color they should be. Matching yellow would seem too much. Black exists nowhere else. And the silver seems to compliment the wheels.
For some, it may be too much bling. I'm comfortable with this.
Ruin the details that show the curves? Granted, the black accents do help show the curves in photographs (2D). But, in person (3D) they can stand out just fine.
Like the others here, initially I wasn't keen on the silver front grills. However, now I can't imagine what other color they should be. Matching yellow would seem too much. Black exists nowhere else. And the silver seems to compliment the wheels.
For some, it may be too much bling. I'm comfortable with this.
Besides, it goes well with my garage.
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What happened to the girl? It disappeared in the second picture
anic: rotfl
The difference on the front grills to me on the Ferraris is that they are metal, not painted plastic, so it looks different somehow. But hey, if your comfortable with it.:huh:I'm don't mean to suggest the California design is better. But, I do suspect that part of the reason it has been rejected by some is because they are so used to the former style.
Ruin the details that show the curves? Granted, the black accents do help show the curves in photographs (2D). But, in person (3D) they can stand out just fine.
Like the others here, initially I wasn't keen on the silver front grills. However, now I can't imagine what other color they should be. Matching yellow would seem too much. Black exists nowhere else. And the silver seems to compliment the wheels.
For some, it may be too much bling. I'm comfortable with this.
How 'bout this?What happened to the girl? It disappeared in the second picture
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