RE: ErnestM's Lotus Esprit V8 (US)
Discussion
Thanks! This was taken on the actual day that I took delivery from the dealer, at the dealer here in Florida. The car is quite a looker, however I think that the lovely Florida weather, especially the sun, added just the right "spark" to the picture. Have some others I will be happy to share if you would like...
Ok, I've whipped together a quickie web page with a few other pictures for you.
www.espritv8.com
Sorry about the picture sizes but I was kind of in a hurry. By the way, I do highly recommend ownership. The experience borders on religious! (Ok so I, too have had the Lotus bug for a while - since 17 - I am 38 now!)
cheers
EM
>> Edited by ErnestM on Saturday 9th July 22:07
www.espritv8.com
Sorry about the picture sizes but I was kind of in a hurry. By the way, I do highly recommend ownership. The experience borders on religious! (Ok so I, too have had the Lotus bug for a while - since 17 - I am 38 now!)
cheers
EM
>> Edited by ErnestM on Saturday 9th July 22:07
They are pretty rare (took me six months of a nationwide search to find one that I liked).
Most "car guys" over here know what an Esprit is. However, the V8 really takes them by surprise as the Esprit is famous over here as "the most powerful 4 cylinder".
Most non car people actually think it is a Lambo. No doubt because of the color. I imagine that people owning red or yellow Esprits probably get Ferrari quite a bit.
Did have a truck driver ask me (at a rest stop), "hey that's a nice car, what's that in the back seat?" (direct quote).
Most women know the car as "the Pretty Woman" car (which is usually were the interest in the car stops)
I think the US is primed for a Lotus rennaisance. With the entire US auto industry focusing on SUV's, us true driving afficianados are out of luck finding true sports cars. The M250 would have sold in the thousands (as the new Elise will). Also if Lotus can gain a foothold prior to the demise of the SUV (anybody remember station wagons? - that's what SUV's will be in a few years)they will be at the top of desirable sports cars.
If GM were smart (ok so that's an oxymoron) they would ferderalize the VX220 and ship it over in droves. The Elise and the VX220 together would completely eliminate the Honda S2000, MR2 and the Boxter from the US auto scene (IMO).
(I am actually a little prejudice concerning british cars as I was born in Dunure, Ayrshire, Scotland. Must be a genetic inclination from my mother's side. The horsepower desire comes from my Dad's american side probably)
If you ever get over to this side of the pond, look me up and we will go for a spin. They actually let you scoot around on the interstate at 70mph now (although most people stretch it to 80)
cheers
EM
Most "car guys" over here know what an Esprit is. However, the V8 really takes them by surprise as the Esprit is famous over here as "the most powerful 4 cylinder".
Most non car people actually think it is a Lambo. No doubt because of the color. I imagine that people owning red or yellow Esprits probably get Ferrari quite a bit.
Did have a truck driver ask me (at a rest stop), "hey that's a nice car, what's that in the back seat?" (direct quote).
Most women know the car as "the Pretty Woman" car (which is usually were the interest in the car stops)
I think the US is primed for a Lotus rennaisance. With the entire US auto industry focusing on SUV's, us true driving afficianados are out of luck finding true sports cars. The M250 would have sold in the thousands (as the new Elise will). Also if Lotus can gain a foothold prior to the demise of the SUV (anybody remember station wagons? - that's what SUV's will be in a few years)they will be at the top of desirable sports cars.
If GM were smart (ok so that's an oxymoron) they would ferderalize the VX220 and ship it over in droves. The Elise and the VX220 together would completely eliminate the Honda S2000, MR2 and the Boxter from the US auto scene (IMO).
(I am actually a little prejudice concerning british cars as I was born in Dunure, Ayrshire, Scotland. Must be a genetic inclination from my mother's side. The horsepower desire comes from my Dad's american side probably)
If you ever get over to this side of the pond, look me up and we will go for a spin. They actually let you scoot around on the interstate at 70mph now (although most people stretch it to 80)
cheers
EM
Love the picture. I used to work at a Lotus dealership and never grew tired of driving (or just looking at!) the Esprit or Elise. However I've just turned 22 and will have to wait a while! I hope the Lotus push into America goes well. Where do you live in the states, it looks nice and sunny 
?
Kind regards James
? Kind regards James
I live in sunny Florida near the town that Mickey built Orlando. Of all the states to live in, this is probably one of the most "car friendly". We get all of the exotics like California without any of the bothersome emissions standards. With little or no vehicle inspections, you may see some complete garbage on the roads, but that is few and far between.
What's really nice about Florida, is because of all the competition, cars are really inexpensive. I don't think I have EVER paid MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price) on ANY vehicle here.
What's really nice about Orlando, we have both a Lambo and a Ferrari dealer in town (along with 1 of every other type sold in the US - except LOTUS, hmmmm could be a business opportunity there
Not to mention Daytona is only about a 40 minute drive away
with all the racing All in all - life is good. The Lotus, however, makes it great.
(Along with the fact that my gorgeous wife
lets me buy whatever car I want. And yes, I realize how rare that is...)OK, no need to rub it in. Some of us still live in Scotland where it is currently pouring with rain and we had 100mph winds yesterday. I am so looking forward to summer, its my favourite day of the year....
The car looks superb though - congratulations. There but for the grace of God (and the bank manager) go I. One day, one day.....
The car looks superb though - congratulations. There but for the grace of God (and the bank manager) go I. One day, one day.....
Thanks Hedgerley. Believe it or not, I do miss Scotland. Haven't visited since I was 17 
I miss Tennents, the castle out behind my Grandmother's house and the perpetual green of the countryside. I'd really like a shot at the road from Dunure to Ayr in the Esprit. Guess I'll have to brush up on my right hand driving and see about hiring out an Elise when my wife and I come over for a visit. Of course, I'll check to see which day is planned for summer before I do.
Cheers
ErnestM
I miss Tennents, the castle out behind my Grandmother's house and the perpetual green of the countryside. I'd really like a shot at the road from Dunure to Ayr in the Esprit. Guess I'll have to brush up on my right hand driving and see about hiring out an Elise when my wife and I come over for a visit.
Of course, I'll check to see which day is planned for summer before I do. Cheers
ErnestM
Only $300 for the service?! I can't believe it!
That's what I'm about to pay for the service of my old dishwasher...
I hope you get opportunities to push your Esprit in its paces...from what I remember of my trip in the US, they drive v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y
>> Edited by thom on Thursday 28th March 20:27
That's what I'm about to pay for the service of my old dishwasher...
I hope you get opportunities to push your Esprit in its paces...from what I remember of my trip in the US, they drive v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y
>> Edited by thom on Thursday 28th March 20:27
quote:
Only $300 for the service?! I can't believe it!
That's what I'm about to pay for the service of my old dishwasher...
That was for the "A" service, the big one comes up at 12,000 miles (cam belt et al)
quote:
I hope you get opportunities to push your Esprit in its paces...from what I remember of my trip in the US, they drive v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y
Actually, it's not so bad any more. They have raised the interstate to 75 (you can do 80-85 with no worries) and because the Esprit is more of a road car, I am currently in the process of video taping some lovely back road drives that I am taking and will post a link to the video on Pistonheads when done. Just want to show everyone that we're not all 8 lane highway over here
Cheers Thom
ErnestM
>> Edited by thom on Thursday 28th March 20:27
That is on my list (Costs $ 850 US, yikes)...
US Law on it is -
(as most auto related law in the States) "the owner may change it/deactivate it, but the manufacturer may not"
I also have the Sport 350 CF Binnacle and am about to order the other Sport 350 trim (also carbon fiber). (So basically, shortly, I will have a Sport 350 without the garish picnic table on the boot)
My biggest complaint to date is the aluminum shift knob. Not because of the looks, but because it was 86 degrees F in the shade here yesterday, and when you climb in and grab a gear .... yeeeeooooow
(My lack of posting yesterday may be attributed to the 2 inches of guaze on my right hand..)
Cheers
ErnestM
US Law on it is -
(as most auto related law in the States) "the owner may change it/deactivate it, but the manufacturer may not" I also have the Sport 350 CF Binnacle and am about to order the other Sport 350 trim (also carbon fiber). (So basically, shortly, I will have a Sport 350 without the garish picnic table on the boot)
My biggest complaint to date is the aluminum shift knob. Not because of the looks, but because it was 86 degrees F in the shade
here yesterday, and when you climb in and grab a gear .... yeeeeooooow (My lack of posting yesterday may be attributed to the 2 inches of guaze on my right hand..
) Cheers
ErnestM
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