>2) Like many others on the list, I am in awe of the Lotus Elise and
> dream of having one of my own. I saw a yellow one at an AAS event,
> but I'm guessing that it was an Elise 190, not street registered.
> Does anyone have one that is licensed for driving on the street, or
> know anyone who does? How did you/they do it?
Yeah, I'm kinda partial to the Elise too. The yellow one you saw with
strategically placed bits of duct tape was mine. It is a 190 and not
legal on any street in the 50 states - yet. I'm not giving up.
Talking with the head of Lotus sales in US, Lotus is not planning on
homologation of the Elise. In fact, I was told their entire production
run will be 10,000 cars and then stop. Last year they sold 3500 units
across England and the Continent. I've heard several rumors about gray
market Elise's with various engines including an Integra motor. I
suppose this could work and be classified a "kit" car in California. I
don't know. The issues revolve around federal EPA requirements with
OBDII and crash testing. There is a guy in Oregon who has a standard
Elise and does drive it. He was able (in Oregon) to get what is called
a "one trip permit". These are typically reserved for cars in parades
that are rarely driven. California does have these permits available.
They are good for 100 miles and cost $10. You buy them in books of 10.
I'm looking into it. But with the 190, insurance is a problem.
Sigh...
Lotus is working on a new car that is supposed to be homologated for
the states called an M250. This is a bigger car than the Elise with
the latest engine reportedly a 3.0 litre, inline 6.
If you really want to drool on the ultimate Elise (IMHO) take a look at
the Exige:
http://www.pistonheads.com/lotus/exige/default.htm
This is supposed to be limited production (less than 100) and only in
England/Europe. Now, if you can get one of these here, we can talk
about a trade on a slightly used yellow soft top :-)
patrick
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