Daddy Like...!!

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by dcporsche99

...So, how did you go about driving those cars on the Lotus Test Track?? You definitely must know the right people (re: to drive a pre-introduction car) ?? I'm impressed! :dance:

Hi,

Don't be. Lotus is a small community and if you're in it for a while, you get to know the players who are all really nice guys.

Our local club used to work the Lotus Display here at the Mpls. Auto Show every year because the local dealer (Downtown Jaguar) really didn't know the cars well and spent their time trying to sell Jags at another display.

We got a pre-introduction Elise for display 2 yrs. before it was released (the Tpyota engine had not been finalized even). We demonstarted the car and actually generated 6 deposits - 2 yrs before they could get the cars. I got to know Arnie Johnson (former CEO of Lotus USA) fairly well through all this and he arranged things for me. Anyone can get a Test Track drive if you take the factory tour at Hethel...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Bavarian Motorist]

I've seen this



I would prefer a Javan r1 personally, although I love this 2-11 as well

[dcporsche99]

Hey Jim,

Very nice! I'm sure knowing the CEO made it just a tad easier? LOL

BTW, generating 6 deposits,.... they should have thrown in a mod or two for the work that you folks did! That's one thing about "stealerships"....I have yet to meet with a dealer / salesperson who actually knows enough about the vehicle that they sell. I just remember growing up as a kid and walking into one of these dealerships with my Dad and the salesperson really tried to do a hard sell. He really put on a show! I don't see that anymore...there's more of the attitude ----you either want to buy it or you don't.

Anyway, I guess the first place I should take a tour of would be the Stuttgart factory. Do they allow for track time as well?? I will have to look into that. BTW, you wouldn't happen to know anyone there? Would you?

[Seubs]

Originally Posted by dcporsche99

Anyway, I guess the first place I should take a tour of would be the Stuttgart factory. Do they allow for track time as well?? I will have to look into that. BTW, you wouldn't happen to know anyone there? Would you?

I studies abroad at school in the suburbs of Stuttgart last year and we went on a "fieldtrip" to the Porsche Engneering Center. They showed us the Crash Test Garage, Prototype Build Area, Motorsports Garage and a few other things. Then to top it all of they brought out a Boxster S, Cayman and 911 and took us on a few laps around their test track. I liked Porsches before then but had no special interest. Well since then I have been obsesed and cant wait to get my first Porsche when i graduate!!!

[dcporsche99]

Seubs,

Very nice!! Good luck with your studies and with getting the Porsche of your dreams!!

I have been wanting to visit the Stuttgart factory for some time now. The closest I have been there was at the Munich airport a few summers ago at a stopover before I headed over to Italy. Unfortunately, I have neither had the opportunity nor have I made the time to do so. It's definitely on my list of things to do!!

[BuffaloBoxster]

I've always loved Lotuses (Loti?).. I've longed for a Turbo Esprit forever, and might have gotten one instead of the Boxster if I was more mechanically inclined. I'd strongly consider an Elise for my next toy, except that I think I drive the Boxster too much for the Elise to be livable..

[Perfectlap]

great cars

but this is the Lotus I always wanted to track (they claim 0-60 in 2.9)

http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/Search/DRauSearchDetails.aspx?itemid=355974



or the original Chapman "Miata"

Elan

[porsche986spyder]

I love the look of that car, but for the price and the fact that the engine is actually nothing more than a 1.8 Ltr 4 cylinder, Toyota Celica GTS engine is very disapointing and over rated. I found out this unfortunate news after I saw one up close. It only has 190Hp! The power to whieght ratio is great, but it still needs more power in my opinion and for the price of a Lotus, they should be able to put a turbo in there.

For those of you who don't belive that its nothing more than a Toyota Celica GTS engine go to this web site.
http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elise/thecar/engine/toyota.html

Or this one.
http://www.autofieldguide.com/articles/060402.html

[dcporsche99]

They are both mean looking rides! I agree that the Exige below...without the steroids (S).... 2.9 sec 0-60 is still crazzzy! But, I still cannot imagine what that would feel like!! Despite the fact that it has a Toyota engine...it's still pretty remarkable!

As far as the little Miata, I am sure that would be a trip to drive as well...but for different reasons!

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by dcporsche99

Hey Jim,

Very nice! I'm sure knowing the CEO made it just a tad easier? LOL

Hi,

Not really. You had to know Arnie, he was really into all things Lotus, even for the years when Lotus was only producing selling fewer than 2000 cars worldwide.

If it weren't for Arnie, the Elise would have never come to America. He had to convince Lotus that adding the Toyota Engine for EPA cert would mean that he could sell this car here. The Elise was introduced in '96, but only came here as an '05 model.

I've even seen Arnie roll up his sleeves and help an owner install some engine parts he bought and picked up in the back parking lot of Lotus USA's Ofcs.

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[dcporsche99]

That's nice knowing the head honcho! You really get a handle of the history and the future, for that matter, of the car from the ground up! Very cool! More suprising to me, is your account of him actually going back to a grassroots mentality-- rolling up his sleeves and helping out! Again, not something you hear about anymore these days! Well, he seems like a guy who earns his respect rather than demands it! I can certainly respect that! Good to hear!!