[gooberschnot]

Many are surprised when I tell them my Elise is from 2005. Mainly because they've never seen it before it would cause them to think it is new. But like all cars, there's a point where it starts looking dated (but still awesome of course). Sort of like Countach's and Testarossa's now. Do you think it has reached this point or will soon?

 

[yellow99s]

I think the slats look pretty 1980's. Toss those for some quality mesh and the cars look fairly modern, the base model wheels have go though too.

 

[Allan Gibbs]

They look old to me but ONLY because I've been staring at them since 2003 but the design is still very fresh and unique. Probably the only tell tales sign that it's not a 2013 car is the lack of LEDs on earlier U.S. Elise/Exige.

The Elise/Exige and practically any other car will look dated when the next generation is released. I think the 430 looks dated next to the 458.

 

[lotuscupcar]

To me the S1 look seriously dated. The rear tails being LED it doesn't look too dated.

But at the end of the day, I don't really care, as long as I like looking at it.

Its like women I saw who look dated, but their husbands are perfectly happy with them.

Most Elige owners look more dated than their cars...

 

[gooberschnot]

Most Elige owners look more dated than their cars...

lol, i think you're pretty right about that

 

[Akatedjonez]

I think it will look dated to me when people stop looking at me like I'm crazy when I say it's a 2006. It's a gorgeous car and I think it will always be considered one - dated or not. Shiny paint helps too.


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[<@¿@>]

The S2s are timeless...just like the Ferrari Dino 246GTS... They both could have been built 40 years ago...they could have been built yesterday...timeless...or classic.

 

[jbs986]

The S2s are timeless...just like the Ferrari Dino 246GTS... They both could have been built 40 years ago...they could have been built yesterday...timeless...or classic.

+1, I agree totally, timeless design-in four years of owning mine,never had a single person asked me what year the car was.

 

[good2go]

I think it has the timeless look with all the curves resembling the classic Ferrari - just exotic.

 

[Akatedjonez]

And tonight, coincidentally enough, I'm inside the gas station buying a drink (because i am a bad lotus owner who has a cupholder and enjoy the occasional refreshment while driving) and a guy comes sprinting in yelling "who's brand new ferrari is outside?!?!" He was driving an older audi and was by far the most excited interaction I've had since owning it. He didn't believe it was a 2006...until he sat inside of it haha.


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[sturgeongeneral]

People still think my 2005 is brand new! As far as era dating I still think they look with the times. Timeless beauty!!!!

 

[Joegnsx]

Most people think my 2005 is a new car. I can't believe some think it looks dated??

 

[moorparkian]

The S2s are timeless...just like the Ferrari Dino 246GTS... They both could have been built 40 years ago...they could have been built yesterday...timeless...or classic.

+2

 

[rsamani]

had a S2 pass me by on the freeway while driving my truck. I does look sharp and timeless. Makes easier for me to justify keeping my 05 Elise; As impractical as it is.

 

[shay2nak]

I've had the exige 7 years. Hard to believe that. Still looks current and probably will for quite a time as well. It's the unique, sort of futuristic design.

 

[4380r]

The S2s are timeless...just like the Ferrari Dino 246GTS... They both could have been built 40 years ago...they could have been built yesterday...timeless...or classic.

A lot of folks say they see a lot of the Dino in the Elise. I just don't see it in the S2, the similarities are a stretch to me.

Now, it IS easy to tell that the designer of the Elise S1 owned a Dino. The similarities there are quite striking.

 

[good2go]

A lot of folks say they see a lot of the Dino in the Elise. I just don't see it in the S2, the similarities are a stretch to me.

Now, it IS easy to tell that the designer of the Elise S1 owned a Dino. The similarities there are quite striking.

Dino, ditto!

An Interview with once Lotus Head of Design – Julian Thomson | Lotus Drivers Club

Future Classic: Lotus Elise-News & Reviews-Unique Cars

 

[komiko]

Regardless of the "old factor" , the "classic factor" is alive and well in all our cars. I think the quirkiest looking are the older S2's , and are destined to be classics much like the older Europas are classic. Quirky looking, and classic Lotus.

 

[Andy811]

I get asked all the time what year mine is. After telling them, the responses are split. Some thought it was way older than that. Some thought it was brand new. So I'm going with the 'timeless design' conclusion.

 

[4380r]

had a S2 pass me by on the freeway while driving my truck.

That's impressive...an S2 that can drive a truck!