The Ultimate Palate Cleanser: Lotus Elise -- ISSIMI Drives

[@patricebaumel]

This is the best sounding 4 cylinder car I have heard. Intoxicating.

[@rightwingsafetysquad9872]

Well, it was designed and partially built by Yamaha.

[@RideTheLifeQc]

2zz 🙌

[@richiesworld1]

2ZZ Baby!!

[@Charlie-Charlot]

It almost sounds like a mini flatplane v8, which it essentially is half of

[@rightwingsafetysquad9872]

@@Charlie-Charlot so like 99% of 4-cylinder engines? Funny because when the first Ferrari V8s came to America, the journalists didn't like them because they sounded like high revving economy cars.

[@saikrishnathiwakarrk]

I am a simple man i see Lotus Elise ,i just like the video .

[@unclewilbur8976]

I’m just like you! 😊

[@geigerbuzz816]

Glad to see Lotus' are getting the love they deserve

[@davew5167]

If you haven't owned and driven a Lotus and you're a driver, you're missing out. There is nothing like them. Raw, visceral and completely alive. Every input has an output that you feel, through your feet, legs, bum, hands, etc. Incredible driving machines.

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

Just drove 2 hours back home from Auckland with my 111R after an alignment and fresh rubber. 90% twisty back roads through NZ. Nothing compares.

[@wall1]

I have my chrome orange Elise since 2005 and it still looks timeless and beautiful

[@enigmalex3649]

Best colour for Elise 👍

[@paulelverstone8677]

One of my favourite cars of all time. Of ALL time...

[@Satori-Automotive]

They need to go back thats the type of car for the working class men who doesnt want to miss out on fun, emotion and speed.

[@_red_scorpion_]

As an elise owner, i agree that everyone says they want one but very few ACTUALLY want a truly raw and communicative sports car. Even the California edition in this video is a good bit "nicer" on the inside than a standard elise.

[@ZubesImportAutoSales]

Great video. As an owner of a Aspen White 2006 Lotus Exige with a Katana 265 kit you captured exactly what it's like to drive one of these cars. You can't truly appreciate them until you drive them on a back road and put them through their paces. Nothing compares. They are that good.

[@konkeydong6907]

Still maintains as one of my dream cars of all time. I can live without owning my other dream cars, but i MUST one day own a Lotus.

[@jyexe525]

Lotus Elise, the car who never age

[@StochasticWolf]

I've wanted one for twenty years, I was a 17 year old junior in high school when they first came to the United States back in 2005. I'm going to buy one soon and I can't wait!

[@tofudeliverygt86]

Fantastic cinematography! Great commentary as well, very few "reviews" actually say anything interesting about the car or how it drives. Even here we don't really hear anything about the steering being heavy, pedal feel info, at least a bit about gearbox actuation, but everyone just wants to tell a bit of a story an 99% do not get into how the car actually drives.

[@Jo3man96]

My older brother’s Dad had a S1 Elise in a similar yellow colour when I was about 4 or 5. He took me out in it, and it was one of the things that was instrumental in me becoming the car bore I am today.

[@derekjensen3835]

I’ve owned mine for 6 years and it’s just fantastic. Makes everything else feel fat, filtered, and huge. They say an older M3 or hydro Porsche has steering feel? Well, it’s nothing CLOSE to the manual rack in an Elise/Exige. The car is simply magic to drive and ruins other cars. People buy 911s and M3s because they want a sports car that does everything - fast, refined, livable on a daily basis, good stereo, can impress a date, etc. But all that stuff adds weight and dumbs down the experience. The Elise is a pure toy for some of the best driving you’ll ever find at any price. If that’s what you’re after and not all the other stuff, it’s very hard to beat and they’ll never make anything like it again. I had an S2000 for 3.5 years - I know people love the S2000 but this is just so much better as a driver’s car. Oh, and mine has been dead solid reliable, while appreciating significantly (though I’ll never sell). It’s a car with almost no features and a Toyota 4-cylinder, so this shouldn’t be too surprising.

[@BarringtonRobinsonII]

Ironically these feel fat and bloated compared to an S1.

[@nickvlaanderen]

I own a Honda S2000 since 2010 and i still love it. Last year i wanted something else but i didn't want to sell my S2000. Instead i bought a Elise S2 R with the S2 SC supercharger kit. I know it isn't so light as a Elise S1 but compared to my S2000 the S2 is much more a go-kart.❤

[@aaronfellhoelter]

Loving all this wonderful content!! Keep it coming please.

[@anthonydietmeier6524]

Fantastic sounding car. I've got an early 944 thats being morphed into something Colin Chapman would appreciate. No creature comforts, no power or assisted anything, no insulation or radio. The goal is 1000kg and I'm not too far off. I love the raw experience, but most people that claim to be fans of a stripped down sports car end up realizing that they just like the idea of it.

[@Boemel]

i looked for an affordable 944 in my country but now they are 15-20k...

[@anthonydietmeier6524]

​@Boemel they've definitely gone up here also. But if you like a challenge you can still pull one out of the weeds where it's sat for 20 years like I did. You'll get the car for almost free and then spend big money over the next couple years instead paying it all up front.

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

There are SOME comforts in the Elise. You get AC/heating, a radio, carpet and the seats are memory foam and quite comfortable. All you you need in a driver's car really. Lotus did design them as primarily a road car. I find mine rides quite similar to hot hatches I've owned, no harder really. But it is loud, even with the stock exhaust (ear plugs are needed on long drives).

[@tommynobaka]

That exhaust sounds so good

[@dielaughing73]

Incredible

[@dharmabenincasa5515]

Greetings I have a 06 Exige which I have had since new 87 k on it now , always a joy to drive !!!

[@dr.mattpavlic305]

Having just sold my Elise after 6 years of wonderful ownership, I think it's an amazing *SECOND* sports car. It is connected, engaging, and a driver's car. But, there's times where you don't want to be as connected and working as hard. Sometimes, you just want to enjoy. A 911 or an M3 does a great job at being sports car number 1, but the Elise is probably the best sports car #2....

[@Nomikeal]

My parents got one right when I got my license and I got to drive it very occasionally growing up, absolutely loved it. Even so I have to agree with you it's not a good second car; it needs to be a second SPORTS car. Driving it anywhere but on a free from traffic twisty road or a racetrack is a punishment. It's why my chosen solution is a miata and a motorcycle instead. The Elise would replace the motorcycle if I had more funds/space

[@dr.mattpavlic305]

@@Nomikeal The elise is basically a four wheeled motorcycle with a box around it. I'd rather be in an Elise than a motorcycle nowadays with the way people drive...

[@jcelliott7377]

Go test drive the new Emira, it's as cushy as anyone needs (minus a back seat lol)

[@Nomikeal]

​@@dr.mattpavlic305 yeah people's driving has definitely taken some of the fun out of two wheels but to be honest I don't think I'd fare any better in an Elise if I get hit by a +6000lb EV or truck. If you drive anything other than one of those tanks I think you're at a real risk if being taken out by one

[@jwb4bb]

I had a 2005 with an exhaust and ecu tune, this vid makes me really miss it! Those roads are amazing!

[@adogmcdizzle]

I grew up not far from the factory in Norfolk, England. I now own an early series 1 car and I love it. Its perfect for a British rural road, and I get up early most Sundays to drive it.

[@levik12]

I very much entertained with the video and audio quality of the most enjoyable and playful Lotus Elise! Thanks.😎👍🏻

[@samwilde595]

I have a 2005 exige, it drives me nuts with its rattles but I LOVE it! Not the fastest car in the world by a long stretch but it’ll have you fall in love with driving like no other car.

[@Razyre]

I wanted to buy an S2 but the cost to finance one was eye watering as it's an older car (even though it's a far sounder investment as they've depreciated as far as they're gonna go) and I was impatient and didn't want to wait to save the cash - test drove an A110 and fell in love. The biggest issue for me with the Elise is just getting in and out. The door entry opening is truly tiny with a huge sill and you don't quite realise until you get into one just how small it is. I'm only 5'11"/180cm and it was just a pain in the ass, even as a youner guy. The A110 isn't the easiest car to get in and out of but it's far, far easier than the Elise. The A110 proved that you could make an uncompromisingly light car, while still making it supremely quiet and comfortable for everyday use. Sure, it's a tad heavier than a later Elise at 1100kg, but IMO it strikes a perfect balance between size, weight, comfort and driving engagement.

[@Satori-Automotive]

The supercar for the working class men one of my absolute favorites. Seing them in person, they look WAY more exotic and extreme then on video. Especially the back view is insane, i couldnt stop looking at it when i saw a parked one. Such an awesome platform to build a pocket sized race car. On the Nordschleife u will see many Lotus Elise and Opel Speedsters that can keep up with the "big" and expensive cars, despite only having minor upgrades. and with a proper engine swap and some aero, u defenitely play with the big names when ur on the track.

[@KJ_XCV]

Had the pleasure of driving a mates Elise recently. He's got the Exige engine in it for a little extra punch. This car is an absolute corner speed demon. You have to be going at jail time speeds to even approach the limits of grip.

[@craigyirush3492]

It’s the same engine.

[@KJ_XCV]

@@craigyirush3492 Well it was swapped to one with the Exige tune. Like physically changed.

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

Extra punch might have been from a supercharger.

[@samwilde595]

@@KJ_XCVit’s the same bud, no Exige tune. Unless it has a supercharger

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

I've owned mine for about 5 years now but I'd never push it hard on the road. The skill limit is very high on the Lotuses. Once you get to the limit of grip they can let go suddenly, they generate some downforce at high speeds too (the flat bottom and diffusor isn't just for show), which exasperates that. When he says in the video that it won't bite if you make a mistake. Yes it will! There are no driver aids except for ABS.

[@jonathankerr4859]

Love to see you do a video on the Lotus Carlton

[@mariogilperez2973]

WOW, what a video man! I loved it!!!!

[@turnerc7]

what an angry sounding little car! I love it

[@kasper.kristoffersen]

Lovely video!

[@shaxentertainment2615]

This guy is unstoppable 😮‍💨📈

[@rmp5s]

That thing sounds hilariously awesome.

[@ratcat7668]

Mine is that colour - Saffron yellow!

[@sonkekoster3105]

I am a big Lotus fan!

[@tomsawyer480]

Nice video! But somehow the question from the beginning is forgotten in the end. All you see is chunky M3 and 911, but maybe there is a reason for this… And then you just go on praising the Lotus. So I assume there isn’t a reason why people buy 911 instead. But this doesn’t become clear, you left us hanging there. Made me crazy 😂

[@TheSpeedyGuidy]

Due to time requirements, some edits had to be made therefore cutting out the “bad”. Happy to share the full script with you if you’re curious 👍🏼

[@volodymyrshoniia2424]

​@@TheSpeedyGuidy better share it all!

[@RideTheLifeQc]

Pretty easy answer, rarer cars, unknown cars, purist cars, people are not focused enough

[@OGBemfa]

The truth is, we all "want" an Elise, but actually spending your own money on a car that realistically cannot be driven every day doesn't make much sense. Also, the Elise is pretty uncomfortable. It is enjoyable to drive every now and then, but actually owning one and driving it often gets old really quickly. At some point, you get used to "feeling everything," and then it's not that special anymore; it becomes more of a chore to drive rather than a joy. What's great about cars like the M3s and 911s is that you are constantly surprised by how well they handle. You usually drive them like normal cars, but every now and then you toss them into a corner and get reminded that this is a sports car. With the Elise, you always KNOW that it's a sports car, and you start to take it for granted. Then it's not that fun anymore. Also, at least for me, the Elise was never a dream car. I never actually wanted it until I started to appreciate the engineering and dynamics behind a car like this. It's not particularly "beautiful," nor does it have any sort of "vibe" to it. Even so, I will always get more excited when I see an M3 or a 911 than a Lotus. And that certainly influences buying decisions.

[@dannyphamous]

Love the old S2 elise

[@williammorris3334]

I have a 981 Boxster S for touring. I’d get one of these for mountain blasts in western NC where I live. I’d even run short errands in it around town.

[@louieb.1564]

best driving roads in CA!

[@shaunfogarty5744]

Fun fact: The turnout where they filmed the car and driver looking out over the fog to inland NorCal is where Neil Young wrote much of "Like A Hurricane".

[@petertimowreef9085]

Such a strong design, Series II was designed in 2000/2001 and still looks like it could've been released yesterday.

[@mikedoddrell5953]

my elise s2 is now 20 years old.......it still turns heads when i take it out...and is the purest sports car on the road...no added electronics or driver aids....nothing like it

[@thijs5931]

What a car!

[@e.c.1025]

I have had my 05 Elise since 06 and have yet to drive anything that communicates better, the steering is telepathic, handling is like a go kart and you forget everything else that is going on around you.

[@diiaa366]

I drive a 96 miata with no roof, 13inch manual steering, no ac and 8lb wheels. All about the add lightness

[@ISpinUWin]

Owner since 2008. I don’t know what I would replace it with. Awesome experience would also be a GT4RS ahahhahahaha to getting one of those without ridiculous markup.

[@TheDireWolf97]

Well I updated my top 5 list of dream cars… it’s a rare breed of cars and people who buy for the experience and drive not times and 0-60

[@szabi_nagy]

God dam that sounds so good

[@RolanTHUNDER]

Proudly powered by Toyota 2ZZ-GE (supercharged)

[@acecombatplayer1]

I wish mine had the supercharger :(

[@RolanTHUNDER]

@@acecombatplayer1 I'm sure you do :) It's a great thing to have ;)

[@iburiedpaul9544]

Took my Lotus out for a drive right after this video 🏎️ life’s good

[@eujeniu8527]

It’s very cool apart from the noise)

[@acecombatplayer1]

I disagree that the Elise wont bite you back. Snap oversteer is absolutely a thing in these cars when braking hard, luckily its agile enough to save it when the tail steps out but when I drive mine hard it will definitely let me know when ive gone over the limit.

[@craigyirush3492]

Braking hard in a straight line? Or do you mean trail braking into a corner? In which case you wouldn’t be baking hard, but agree that you might get oversteer (it’s 40/60 weight distribution).

[@tyanaichigovera7308]

Don't understand why Jason Cammissa hates this car when it's really good experience to drive on normal roads and tracks.

[@ThePilotGear]

oh yes. very much yes. If there is one replacement for my NB2 Miata, it isn't a Porsche. It's an Elise.

[@enigmalex3649]

Nothing better than small raw,sports car without stupid distracting touchscreens or other fansy shi*t

[@johnmac609]

i mean it's no daily... but it's perfect to drive in anger a few hours on the weekend.

[@ceciliomartinez2921]

All he sees are chunky M3 and 911 ......" Maybe there is a reason?" Me: in Jeremy Clarkson's voice * pawaaaaaa!!!!!!!* ( I have a 911 myself lol)

[@rightwingsafetysquad9872]

Wait, this isnt Mr. Hyphen

[@bencejones1088]

This channel needs Jason back

[@derekjensen3835]

@@bencejones1088 He owns an Elise, too!

[@BLUNTSCOOTERS321]

Jason sucks balls… literally

[@larrys009]

And DTS

[@larrys009]

And DTS

[@mochabear88]

yup

[@BombDaBass2000]

that sound! dear electric car friends, can you hear it?

[@ksjhong]

Put Matt Farrah in it and tell him you swapped the motor with a Ferrari 4 cylinder from one of the vintage testarossa engines… and just as he sings a praises for the Ferrari engine, tell him it is a Toyota 😂😂😂😂

[@deashunboi]

Just making sure people are not misinformed, it is very confidence inspiring but it will bite back hard if you overcook it on a corner. Elise owner

[@flacjacket]

Aluminum rotors? I didn't think that was a thing.

[@edwardnilges1675]

Floating / two piece rotors with aluminum hats, most likely. Could have been more clear.

[@adamintheoutdoors2119]

@@edwardnilges1675the first gen actually had fully aluminum rotors, I don’t believe that they carried it over to the s2

[@trdjody]

Mmm that 2zz!!!!!! Kind of loud 😂

[@kenxiong6830]

Lotus with Toyota reliability, what more can you ask?!!

[@peterbratu]

*palate

[@justaddafan]

Why spend money on the 2-piece brake rotors (the braking surface is still iron, BTW) while keeping those heavy Y-style wheels? Totally defeats the purpose.

[@ShreN_]

The Elise is old, maybe it just needed new discs so they upgraded

[@edwardnilges1675]

Two piece design also helps with brake fade / temps in addition to being lighter. Probably the bigger benefit.

[@justaddafan]

@@edwardnilges1675 Agreed, if it's a tracked car. On the road, this car is super easy on brakes already.

[@Haulinbassracing]

For those that want to drive around in a giant plastic rental go kart or that horse that just doesnt want to be ridden. Perhaps i dont enjoy driving enough but bruises on the knees and elbows as well as a curved and compressed spine are not positives and do not enhance the driving experience

[@squaregaming8964]

tbf this is a giant plastic go kart

[@haz3004]

Not the cars fault you're too tall

[@tabryis]

That exhaust is waaaay too loud

[@jasoniic]

Do you also watch Formula 1 on mute?

[@ElAmokoLoco]

Is this exhaust legal in the EU?😂

[@BarringtonRobinsonII]

Americans don't realise that this car was starting to get bloated compared to the definitive Elise, the S1. No lightweight Rover engines, no MMC brakes , no sub 700kg kerbweight.

[@TerribleUsernameAmirite]

That’s definitely not a stock exhaust, sounds like a V8 that’s crazy

[@ShreN_]

He said it isn't

[@pain.497]

Bro said it wasn't an stock exhaust

[@commasNculture]

This baby is for sale I found it ! Lol

[@maxmeier532]

Isnt a palate cleanser something that neutralizes the taste inbetween? The Elise doesnt seem to fit that description at all.

[@philipcooper8297]

Need for speed Hot pursuit 2.

[@BaddAtom]

i don't get the noise thing, it's too much

[@duketogo666]

The mirrors have to go... surely somebody must make a better looking replacement. It's like a kid with big ears... 5:59

[@scottjohnson4319]

Egg crate grill was a mistake, looked bad on the Ferrari's, looks worse on this. Too small a car and pretty in it's own right, doesn't really need the help.

[@Tomek1001]

This cali edition looks weird.

[@Tomek1001]

The front looks wrong.

[@ouch9326]

gma t5 should've came in option for koenigsegg inline 3 a dn fake sound , smaller car =,pre playspace etc). inline 5 rs3 akrapovic exhaust sound like lambo, put some the engine between passenger driver like connaught 2 ltier v10 was, and itll fit. inline 3 pls. 2 liter inlien 3 high mpg version of alpine a110 . . driving for low emissions is most of the fun besides the more normal fun is escaping danger. why not pretend your in danger driving faster than actually are? youll get bored of 0 to 60 in 2 seconds once it not longer feels dangerous after a coupe times of doing, given the car is so easy to handle. driving efficiently is speeding up especially on more downhill-ish roads at optimal fuel level and engine RPM(RotationPerSecond), steering and braking minimally but smoothly.according to bsfc chart optimal efficiency for toyota 2.4 inline 4 is 2/3 pedal down in 2k-3k rpm, cvt hybrid maintain constant rpm. not sure whats best to do this in: sport mode, fuel level is more, in eco mode its less. if you can keep throttle down 10% less time, then its ok to push pedal down bit more than optimal efficient combustion, less oil burn and possibly more efficient ..............use EV mode if optimal combustion level would speed car too much (often, if car isnt letting you do that without the EV mode, it wont let you us EV mode.) use it a bit from a stop for smooth acceleration then when car is rolling use combustion then maybe use it a bit more. smooth acceleration is part of putting less weight on tires for longveity of tires, less tire emission. even with cvt, you get a more precise control over how much power you want to put down than proper manual (h pattern manual clutch pedal dog leg gear (no movement, just torque). after 50 miler pher hour, aerodynamics exponentially worsens efficiency as speed increases linearly neutral in toyota hybrid prevented regenerative braking from converting momentum into electricity to be used as power again, which is less efficient and power flow in and out battery lowers battery longveity. some auto transmissions are in wrong gear when rolling without power for quicker acceleration when asked for , causing engine pressure to slow down car. downshift to slow down to use less brake longveity too. LOW WEIGHT allows not needing a tight suspension causing bumpy ride, can have car tilt right/left/front/back to get a dramatic and easier reading on how close to grip limit car is. also reduces damages to other cars and makes it cheaper to make crash safe, sporty, etc, with tire help of tire grip, suspension geometry, having weight low to ground, to reduce tire wear including tire wear dust of "endocrine disrupting partially airborne microplastic emissions", and reduce road wear damage.. low weight allows thinner tires and non power steering allowing being able to feel how close to grip limit car is. replace large non efficient engines and speakers with fake engine with a a system not very loud and only for inside car, allowing very personalizable superior musicality etc. for example, torque vectoring can be heard, torque vs rpm can be heard, more quiet can be had, etc. mid rear engine weight distribution (engine is usually heaviest part of car) allows car to not tilt toward front too much under braking so front tires are not overwhelmed by the weight, allowing more brakeing. it also allows more momentum through the turn, which is more efficient than relying on regenerative brakeing. limited slip differential allows one wheel to turn more optimal speed than the other wheel, allowing more momentum through a turn. all wheel steering improves momentum preservation too. rear wheel drive with limited slip differential allows more control against fishtailing of rear end, where suspension compresses and expands left to right of car, making cars rear swing left t right with traction loss.

[@I999-g2s]

Sounds like a turbo-charged hair-dryer. Jokes-aside, nice video of a great car. Thank you