Lotus Elise Diary - March 2007

First impressions are difficult given the poor surface but the steering is quite light with good feedback. The quick rack is very noticable. After a decent number of runs to bed the brakes in, they were working very well. I need a clean surface and the opportunity to get some heat into the tyres but, first impressions are that the brakes will outperform those on my old Elise. They should do, given the money spent on them though! The fact that the car weighs about half that of an Elise also helps.

I've yet to really push the car hard and use all of the 11,500rpm rev range but the acceleration is simply brutal. I can see how this car should be capable of sub 3.5s to 60mph. I've got a bit more testing to do prior to the SVA test, which is now very close. Then it's time for the first track day and a proper assessment of the performance and handling. I'm pretty sure I haven't wasted the last 18 months spent in the garage.