My Car
My car is a 1999 Lotus Elise S1 111S.
Noteable extras on the 111S over the standard S1:
- VVC version of the K-series engine
- Close-ratio gearbox
- 6-spoke wheels
- Wider 225 section rear tyres
- Spoiler
The previous owner of the car updated it a little over the 5-6 years he had it with the following:
- Stainless steel exhaust (one that's relatively quiet on the spectrum of S/S exhausts)
- Yokohama Advan tyres
- Sport 160 spoiler raisers (subtle adjustment of spoiler, gives a little more rear downforce but the effect is still fairly small)
- S2 suspension (helps improve stability and refine ride quality by utilising the improved Bilstein suspension units from the S2 version of the Elise)
- S2 windscreen wiper (takes standard wiper blades!)
- Quick shifter (shorter throw, very positive feel to the gear change)
I've not had the car long, so I haven't gotten around to writing much about it yet! My previous car, a black Mk1 MX-5, was a well balanced rear-wheel drive car that was fun and involving to drive and fairly pretty and elegant to look at. The Elise is more raw and even more fun to drive, although a little less comfortable and practical! The Elise isn't quite as elegant to look at as my mx-5 was, with a busier look, but as soon as I first saw one years ago I loved the look - it looks stunning in its own way and has a lovely poise and the lines and curves work very well. I much prefer the styling on the S1 version of the Elise - the newer S2 version looks a bit too brash to my eye!
