English
Italian
Elisa Artioli: I Am Lotus Elise | Interview
ELISA ARTIOLI | I AM LOTUS ELISE
Interview edited by Alessandro Marrone / Photos courtesy of Elisa Artioli
Elisa is a special girl and not only because she’s a proper petrolhead who actually loves to drive, but because she is the one who gave the name to the car that more than any other embodies the ultimate driving pleasure, the Lotus Elise. We should point out that it was her grandfather Romano Artioli, who at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show revealed to the world that small and very light 2-seater that would forever change the driving concept for all those who would have been lucky enough to get at the wheel. 25 years have passed and the legendary “less is more” recipe that made Colin Chapman’s philosophy famous continues with models that feature the most visceral reactivity as their strongest point. And precisely this vision of a car intended as an object of fun has done nothing but make the little Elisa a young woman with so much passion, great humility and the desire to carry on the vision of her grandfather Romano, driving her Elise on epic roads around the world. We took the opportunity to have a chat with her and find out more about the little girl who gave her name to one of the best sports car mankind has ever witnessed.
Hi Elisa, how are you? Where are you now?
Hello, everything is fine here (apart from the Covid-19 situation). Right now I’m at home in Bolzano, and it’s Sunday. Probably the first Sunday I’ve been home since lockdown has been lifted off. For those who know me, during the “driving” season, on Fridays after work, I prepare my backpack for the weekend ready to escape. Nevertheless, this season I managed to drive about 15,000 km of mountain passes.
Your story is unique. Your destiny has written an exciting tale. What are your earliest memories of that fantastic car called Elise?
When my grandfather bought Lotus, we moved to Norwich in England. The Lotus Elise project began the very year in which I, the first granddaughter, was born. Not speaking much English at the age of 3, I never wanted to go to kindergarten and so my grandfather occasionally took me with him to the factory. Already at the young age of 2 and a half, my grandfather gave me a very important task: to present what would be the new sports car for the English company at the Frankfurt Motor Show. In fact, on September 12, 1995 the Elise was revealed to the world, but under the cloth there was an unexpected surprise. A little girl with a T-shirt that said “I am Elise”. My mom was worried because I stayed under the cloth waiting for the moment for the car to be revealed to the press. I was so proud of my role, I did not even want to leave. Exactly 25 years have passed since that day, but even now when I get into the driver’s seat of my Elise I stay there as long as possible.
How does it feel to represent what in the world of cars better embodies the purest driving pleasure?
Lucky! Besides, I really am the number one fan of this car. The reactions are direct, because of its lightness and as soon as you push on the gas it really rewards you. You also feel connected to the road due to the somewhat stiff steering and also the very low sports seat. The moment you sit in the Lotus Elise you know it’s a sports car and it’ll ask you to push.
It is not a question of going fast, because it is definitely not a car you would have fun with on the Autobahn. But its rawness and reactivity make driving fun, not by chance they call it a gokart for the road. It is a car that gives you driving emotions, especially when cornering. Sports driving enthusiasts can only like it. I can sound obious, I know, but for me the Elise is much more than just a car.
By taking part in various Lotus meetings, you will have tons of anecdotes to tell us. One in particular?
I have really traveled everywhere for Lotus rallies, a lot in Europe but I have also been to the USA and Australia. I met great people who I consider friends and I have had unforgettable moments in each of them.
Certainly a particularly important event for me was the one for the 25th anniversary of the Lotus Elise which took place this year at the Stelvio organized with Delightful Driving. Seeing about 80 Lotus, of which most were Elise, climbing the Stelvio pass was a great thrill. I hope I can have a 2021 full of drives as well.
Tell us about your S1.
It was born on August 26, 1997. It was a gift from my grandfather, even though at the time I was just 4 years old, I waited for the big day to be able to drive it. New aluminum color, blue leather interior and most importantly the MMC discs in composite material. If I had to define it with a word I would say essential. What I like is that it’s spartan and pure. It always has a smile and is also contagious. Sometimes it is a bit moody and doesn’t like being in traffic. There is no radio, but on the other hand it offers all kinds of noises. However, the Elise is difficult to explain in words, you have to drive one in order to understand it.
Tell us what it was like the first time you drove your Elise S1.
Terrifying. I remember the moment I got behind the wheel and everything was so different from the car I spent time during my driving lessons. I had already been a passenger in the Elise or had obviously been sitting inside one pretty often. But when for the first time I had to start it and get out for a drive, my legs were shaking, it took me a lifetime to move fearing to scratch it given the poor visibility to which I was not used to. However, after the first moments – no need to say that – I fell in love with it. Now all the other cars seem strange to me, too big, too heavy, too technological. When I get into a modern car I look like a novice driver, not to mention how I brake …
If your car could talk, what would it tell you?
“Come on, Elisa, you know we can do better than this!” Or “Thank you for all the places you took me, I can’t wait to leave and explore the next destination together”.
How do you imagine your life if the (Lotus) Elise never existed?
The Elise had a great impact on my life, since I was a child I played with toy cars, there were cars even when I was playing with Barbie. Growing up, driving became my passion.
I often wonder what my life would be like without it, maybe I would have other passions, but I’m glad the question doesn’t arise. A few years ago I started posting my travels on Instagram @iamlotuselise and also the memories of my past. Being able to share these moments with the community is a really nice thing, in particular I love to meet new fans around Europe.
Do you have a dream to realize behind the wheel?
Many, among them I would like to take sports driving courses, have the opportunity to do some sports car test drives and even do one of those reckless feats that are never forgotten … maybe I could go around the world with an Elise.
Thanks for your time Elisa and … see you on some nice curvy road!
Thank you guys, looking forward to that!
Related tags to article
