Warning - Seats

[arlo]

Just a word of warning to anybody looking to buy a new or second hand S2.

I got mine at the end of last year. It has leather seats with the exception of a strip down each side which is made of an extremely rough canvas-like material. Basically, given the way you have to slide/fall in and out of an elise, I have wrecked two pairs of work trousers where the non-leather bit has roughed up the outside of the right leg through friction.

I can't think why they didn't just make them completely leather; it would probably have cost an extra £10.

Anyway, I'm not saying that it should stop you buying the ideal car; but if you can, and certainly if you are buying one new, try and avoid them.

Cheers

[james24]

Funny you've posted this because I bought an Adidas tracksuit top a few weeks ago, and today I've realised that on the back down each side, the material has worn through where the side of my seat is! Its ruined my top!

I think they look alot better all leather myself and wish it had been!

[rfoster]

The canvas strip is also evident on the S1 model, along the outer edge of the seats and also at the rear of the padding on the chassis that you slide over. I believe this is here exactly due to the way you have to get in & out of the vehicle - the canvas is (supposedly) very tough wearing where leather or cloth on the same areas would wear through (as your clothes have!

[S Works]

Ugh - the nasty subject of chafing rears its ugly head again!

Well fear not! I have the solution, coming to a Lotus Dealers near you soon...


That should sort it !

[arlo]

My initial reasoning behind it was that it was more hard wearing than leather, but there are so many different configurations of elise coverings that don't use it, including alcantara, which must be less hard wearing than leather!

Nice one S Works; can I assume that you are modelling a pair from your own wardrobe there?

[roop]

Odd this should crop up. I have noticed wear on the right side of the Recaros seat squabs/bolsters in my Civic Type-R. These are alcantara and have scuffed up quite a bit. I'd rather wreck a couple of pairs of kecks than the seat though. Well, I guess I do wear cheap trousers though...!

Have you though about having those squabs/bolsters whatever they are called re-trimmed...? If it's only a small bit of material, could be quite low cost and a quick job. Either that or bin the seats for a set of kevlar Recaros

Roop

[arlo]

Not a bad idea; anybody knbow of places that might replace the trim?

If you have to through a whole suit away because the trousers are wrecked, it can soon mount up.

[monkeytaylor]

Alcantara is the fabric of the devil.
I can't work out why Lotus use it - it looks sh*t and soon starts to look a mess. Full leather is much better. Treat yourself to a full leather re-trim Arlo, you deserve it (er..the car that is, not you personally).
Just sent my seats off to Hangar 111 to get re-trimmed in black leather. Surprisingly cheap.
The unbleievable thing is that alcantara is actually more expensive than leather!!!!!

[arlo]

I quite agree with you. However my seats are already leather, apart from the two stupid strips of grade 10 sand paper down the edges. If I can get those bits replaced for a reasonable price it would be worth while.

[james24]

Yep I agree arlo think I might switch from sandpaper to leather if I decide to keep my car

[bogie]

alcantara is used because its non slip...every time I get in an Elise with leather seats without harnesses Im sliding all over the place in the corners !

Alcantara down the middle and leather on the high wear bits has got to be the best option IMO

[DanH]

Don't think I damaged any clothes, but I did wear a hole in my shoulders drifting on an airfield. Hurt for frickin ages!