A&Q about Lotus
Q:
I did a search, and it looks like no poll has been taken on this.
Is the Lotus Elise an Exotic Car?
Many claim it's not an exotic car because it's too cheap, or a number of other reasons, such as it's only 4 cylinder, too little power, cannot be compared to the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghinis.
Some say it is. After all, some exotic car dealership carries them. It even looks exotic, with it's lightweight materials, bonded aluminum chassis, and fiberglass body.
What is your take?
A:
Yes, it is deemed an "exotic" by most car magazines.
I think the owners are the true exotics...
A:
sure ain't no chevy aveo.
A:
I wouldn't consider anything with a Toyota 4 cylinder exotic, but it sure is a lot of fun.
A:
Hand Made
Semi-Rare
Provacative Styling
Good performance
High Door sills
Impracticle
I'd say its exotic
A:
Of course its bloody exotic!
Im feeling like a pop star in a traffic jam all the time. And you want to tell me its not exotic? lmfao
A:
Exotic
Definitions:
1. From another part of the world; foreign
2. Intriguingly unusual or different; excitingly strange
A:
I believe I can guess many of the reasons people here would describe this car as exotic. Can anyone list reasons this car shouldn't be considered exotic?
A:
Originally Posted by Moto44
Exotic
Definitions:
1. From another part of the world; foreign
2. Intriguingly unusual or different; excitingly strange
Take the Nissan NX2000. It's from another part of the world. It's foreign. It's quite unusual and different. It's strange looking too! Does that make it an exotic?
A:
It's erotic.
A:
I think if you ask Lambo, Ferrari or dare I say the P guys you will get a big NO
A:
Originally Posted by sndesign
I think if you ask Lambo, Ferrari or dare I say the P guys you will get a big NO
I think a number of the P guys don't consider their cars to be exotic unless they are much more exclusive. A similar question came up once on the Boxster board. Of course, Boxster owners never get any respect. Less so if you have that pinkish Boxster red carpet. Don't ask me how I know such things.
A:
If the reasons for not considering the Elise "exotic" include that it's not expensive or rare enough, then should the Lotus Esprit be considered exotic?
A:
Originally Posted by Moto44
If the reasons for not considering the Elise "exotic" include that it's not expensive or rare enough, then should the Lotus Esprit be considered exotic?
The Esprit is generally considered an exotic, as it's also known as a "supercar".
While I can see the Elise/Exige considered exotic, I'm not certain whether it too is a supercar. To me "supercar" implies exclusive performance, typically raw speed. However, if that extends to handling, the Elise/Exige belongs to very small club indeed.
A:
Originally Posted by cpforyou
Many claim it's not an exotic car because it's too cheap
Yes. "Exotic" implies the masses would have difficulty obtaining the item. Virtually anyone in the US middle class could own an Elise. For that reason it's no more exotic than a BMW M Coupe, IMO.
Originally Posted by cpforyou
Some say it is. After all, some exotic car dealership carries them.
No. The brand is considered exotic due to the Esprit. Is a Mustang exotic because it's sold at the same dealership as the Ford GT? Also, many "exotic" dealers carry Saab, Peugeot, and/or Audi... does that make those brands exotic?
A:
it is the world's most affordable exotic-
Owners of more expensive "exotics" don't like to call it an exotic because it cheapens the stature of their car
A:
just the name alone ......and people who knows expensive cars..... you
A:
Originally Posted by sndesign
I think if you ask Lambo, Ferrari or dare I say the P guys you will get a big NO
You'll also get a big NO from the same people when you ask if they have driven their car at the track or even an autocross.
A:
Originally Posted by transio
Yes. "Exotic" implies the masses would have difficulty obtaining the item. Virtually anyone in the US middle class could own an Elise. For that reason it's no more exotic than a BMW M Coupe, IMO.
I disagree. Many Americans could also afford an Ariel Atom, or an "exotic" motorcycle, yet they don't buy them because they're too extreme, or impractical.
The same is true about our cars. They have exotic looks and exotic performance. They're just not practical for 99.9% of the population's every day use. If they were, Lotus would be selling more than just 2-3 thousand a year.
I say, EXOTIC!...
Man law!
P.S. Where is it written that exotic means expensive? It's all about looks, performance and rarity. I see more Lambos, Ferraris and Aston Martins on a daily basis than I ever see Elises or Exiges.
A:
I vote yes, it's exotic.
The motor and the price tag are the only things that might possibly prevent it from being lumped together with the Ferraris and Lambos (or Esprits for that matter) of the world. But I don't think those items prevent it from being exotic, they just make it an atypical exotic -- an exotic that does something a bit different. They don't all have to be stamped out of the same mold.
On the other hand. . . The other poll asked if the Elise is a "supercar", and I had to laugh. The concept of a supercar has become so inflated that they are rapidly going into self-parody. When you get into that realm, dollars and horsepower numbers are all that matter anymore, and the Elise falls far short in both.