I originally had my heart set on a 997 911 but after test driving a number of cars I was left completely cold. Compared to the vx the Porsches felt like driving a bus - very wide and not particularly quick. After researching a few Porsche forums I was also shocked by the various reliability problems the 911 can suffer.
So my attention switched to a Lotus. After visiting various dealers in September I had the pleasure of test driving the entire range:
Exige S S2
Great looking car - especially in burnt orange. However prices are sky high at the moment so I found it hard to justify spending close to £30k on a car which shares so much in common with the vx
Exige S3
In a word superb! Like a vx on steroids! The 50 / 50 deal was very tempting but even after using my best man maths it still difficult to justify spending £50k on a weekend toy. Definitely on my to do list but I will wait a couple of years for values to drop below £40k
Evora
A Good compromise i.e. Supercharged values now sub £40k and 4 seats. However build quality on the early cars is questionable and I'm not sure I could live with a tin top as a weekend car
So what did I buy?
Well it's a lotus but none of the above. In fact its a model which was not even on my radar until I chanced on one during a visit to a Dealer down in Southampton
My wife hates it and is already referring to it as my Mid Life Crisis!
I have now owned my 2 Eleven for 3 months - initial impressions
Positives
Looks amazing in yellow - lost count of how many time I have had my photo taken
Super Car performance - 700kg and 260 bhp make it feel like an f1 car on the road
Handling - I thought the vx was good but this is in a different league. Adjustable traction control means you can have fun or play it safe depending on the conditions
Aero screen - below 70mph the buffeting is surprisingly limited (helps being short!). Makes you feel like you are going twice as quick!
Negatives
Still can't get use to wearing a helmet - I tend to revert to sunglasses and cap most of the time
Definitely a fair weather motor - when it rains you get very wet!
Front splitter grounds out on the slightest bump (thankfully it's made of wood)
Overall I'm really enjoying the Lotus and I'm really looking forward to my first track day I the Spring
Sat in one at a motor event in the summer, but just couldn't imagine NOT wearing a helmet in case something flew up off the road and hit you in the head.
