In Vietnam, there are some sports car brands that are not well-received due to their high prices, lackluster performance, and limited convenience. Lotus, as a prominent British sports car manufacturer, is a perfect example with only a few models being imported through private importers, such as the Evora GT, Exige Sport 420, Exige Cup 430 Final Edition.
One of the most notable examples is this 2005 Lotus Elise S2. The car was brought to Vietnam in 2010 but remains the only one in the country. Recently, according to a well-known car dealer in Ho Chi Minh City, the car was purchased by Mr. Dang Le Nguyen Vu. Therefore, in February 2024, the coffee tycoon bought two sports cars at once.
According to Autodaily’s research, the car has been owned by many wealthy individuals in both the South and the North. Novaland Group once owned this Elise S2 before liquidating it during the financial crisis. After changing hands, the car underwent upgrades including a body kit consisting of a front lip, side lip, rear wing, and a new set of black multi-spoke wheels.
Originally, this unique Lotus Elise S2 in Vietnam was painted in yellow. After being owned by different owners, the striking yellow color was changed to moss green. The license plate number 51A-013.13 has remained the same since its initial registration. Some black details create highlights such as the grille, air intakes, diffuser, etc.
When it first arrived in Vietnam, the car was equipped with two-tone 16-inch multi-spoke wheels. The brake calipers inside were painted in a more striking yellow color.
The interior of the Lotus Elise S2 primarily features a black color scheme, with premium leather and suede upholstery. The car does not have basic amenities such as an entertainment screen and is simple with mechanical gauges behind the steering wheel. The steering wheel itself is a racing type without any buttons.
The Elise S2 originally came with two engine variants: 1.8 liters and 2.0 liters. The car in Vietnam is a 1.8 version, powered by a 4-cylinder 1.8L engine produced by Toyota, delivering a maximum power of 190 horsepower and a peak torque of 181 Nm, combined with a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. The car can accelerate from 0-97 km/h in 4.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 240 km/h.
About a year ago, the previous owner of the car listed it for sale with an estimated price of no less than 1 billion Vietnamese dong. It is possible that Mr. Dang Le Nguyen Vu had to spend a similar amount to own this compact sports car. Despite its affordable price and not-so-impressive performance, according to car enthusiasts around the world, the Lotus Elise S2 provides the same driving experience as Ferrari or Porsche.
Mạnh Hà (Forum.autodaily.vn)
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