On the topic of the Elise and the rain

[joaovc]

So yesterday I went to pick up my new (to me) Elise S1 in Paris (I live in the North of France). I drove a Caterham for 8 years before getting the Elise. Let me just tell you that if you are worried about the behavior of the S1 in the rain, there is nothing to worry about if you are mindful of what sort of car the Elise is. Went all around the 'Boulevard Peripherique' in very heavy traffic through Paris at night, crossing several 'ponds' in very bad patches of road. The car never missed a beat (I was doing 60km/h in a 70 km/h zone). Got a bit scared when I was taking a sharp left surrounded by cars and saw a warning of high incline (14%). But that was just me, the car was planted.


Then drover up the highway (90 km / h on a 130 km/h highway). Again no probs. It wasn't very pleasant, especially when being overtaken by large trucks who raised lots of spray, but felt that the car was planted. If anything, I felt I could push it a bit more. Did not want to abuse luck though, as there were occasional patches of standing water.

For those who are curious, it is a standard S1 on AD07 tyres.

Brilliant little car, thrilled to be back in a Lotus.

[gareth h]

I've been very impressed with AD07s in monsoon conditions, great tyres.

[kambites]

Yeah the AD07 is a surprisingly capable wet-weather tyre. Appalling on snow, though.

[Sheetmaself]

Found my series 2 fantastic in the snow, 50kg of books in the boot helps.

As for rain they feel scarier than most cars as you can actually feel them move as opposed other cars which move but you cant feel! Worst thing about the series 2 in the rain is the brakes, i used to do a lot of motorway miles in mine and in heavy rain you need to dry the brakes often otherwise there is nothing there should you need them.