Lotus Exige S2 (using the Speedster Turbo (VXT) as a benchmark).
BTW, they do all their measurements with full tank and two-up which of course does light cars no favours!
Nordschleife Nürburgring lap time:
VXT 8min 34secs = 4 points out of 10
Exige S2 8min 32 secs = 4 points out of 10
They say the Exige is an absolute delight on this curvey course and the cornering speeds are, on the whole, higher than the VXT's (which, in contrast, sets the pace on the straights: Döttinger Höhe: VXT 232km/h, Exige 213km/h) example corners:
Pflanzgarten: VXT 169km/h, Exige 174km/h
Bergwerk: VXT 98km/h, Exige 102km/h
Flugplatz: VXT 150km/h, Exige 153km/h
Galgenkopf: VXT 126km/h, Exige 129km/h
Hockenheim , lap time small circuit:
VXT 1min 17.1 secs = 7 out of 10 points
Exige S2 1min.16.5 secs = 6 out of 10 points
(Exige S1 tested in 2000 was 1min.14.8 secs, so they were somewhat disappointed, though concede that the S1 had 796kg and this Exige had 907kg and VXT 931kg). The 111R tested a couple of months back was identical to Exige with 1min 16.5 secs (!!)
They criticise the behaviour of the Exige at the limit, where understeer and oversteer are in constant competition with each other, which doesn't encourage confidence.
Lateral G Both cars (and Exige S1) generated a maximum of 1.2 = 8 out of 10 points
Windcanal aerodynamic balance tests at 200km/h showed:
VXT: front 23kg downforce, rear 19kg lift = 9 out of 10 points
Exige: front 19kg downforce, rear 26 kg downforce = 10 out of 10 points
Frontal area in square m (A) VXT: 1.61, Exige: 1.70
Cw VXT: 0.38, Exige: 0.42
Index (Cw x A) VXT: 0.61, Exige 0.71
0-200-0km/h Test:
Exige 32.0 secs (0-200km/h 27.2 secs, 200-0km/h 4.8 secs) (Weak clutch criticised and they say the Exige is too highly geared to maximise its potential. But, perfect ABS praised ) = 4 points
VXT 28.0 secs (0-200km/h 22.9 secs, 200-0km/h 5.1 secs) = 6 points
Slalom test (cones at 36m intervals) Vmax:
Exige 133km/h = 9 out of 10 points,
VXT 129km/h = 7 out of 10 points
Lane change test (110m) Vmax:
Exige 150km/h = 10 out of 10 points,
VXT 141km/h = 7 out of 10 points
Result (out of maximum 70 points):
Exige 52, VXT 47
Comment: "The Exige leaves the nominally 8bhp more powerful 2 seconds behind it at the 'Ring by virtue of it's cornering ability. On the straights the lower power and significantly poorer aerodynamics means it looses out to the VXT.Particularly on the Döttinger Höhe, the low top speed was apparent. With 213km/h it was almost 20km/h slower than the VXT (232km/H).
The the incredible pleasure from the superb agility, the joy of millimetre precise corner-devouring and the excitement from outbraking manouvers that are so easy with this car on a track, always turns to frustration when the opponents leave you behind on the straights.
Because the engine cover blocks your rear view, you only have a moment to believe that you have achieved enough distance out of the corners to hold off your opponents." – As an N/A owner, I can only say, "Tell me about it!"
Sport Auto Summary:
"The expectations, which on the basis of the brilliant driving dynamics of the previous Exige model were very high, have unfortunately not been fulfilled. The new Lotus, which in the coming season will have its own race series, cannot – despite its impressive appearance as a top athlete – distance itself from its sister model the 111R. Not really surprising, as they share 100% the same basis. The advantages of the Exiges's aerodynamic kit and the Yokohama A048s make no noticable difference. The closed Exige is simply no quicker than the open Elise "
Must admit I'm a bit surprised that the Yokos didn't help them do better than the 111R times on standard rubber
As getting any mods approved here in Switz. is such hassle and I simply can't see them ever OK-ing the ABS and 16" wheels packet for my Speedster, I've seriously considered going for the 111R or Exige. As my Speedster's market value with about 7,500 miles on the clock is only worth about £10,000 now
and an 111R/Exige would be £30,000, I'm not so convinced that it is worth doing anything yet. But a 111R with factory 250 bhp would probably sway me though 
Surely Lotus must trump the VXT as soon as VXT production ends at the end of 2005? Hopefully with an Elise/Exige S3 with airbag 
Think I'll wait this one out and enjoy my N/A as it is in the meantime.
both cost £30000
