24 replies to this topic

[JG]

Well, I think I should probably start with the 111R. I have to say straight away that the styling of the 111R leaves me a little cold. Parked up next the vx, I think that the little Vauxhall has aged much better and will continue to do so. Its been a while since I’ve driven an S2 and I still think its ironic that the ‘more practical and easy to live with’ vx is actually harder to get in and out of. The new ‘06’ Led lights are a nice touch though, as is the higher quality finish of the inside. Despite the alcantara and aluminium bezels though, the Lotus steering wheel is not as pleasant as the ‘Lambo’ vx item. It’s easy to get comfortable, and the seating position is very familiar. The view towards the front is also familiar but I prefer the higher wings of the vx that seem to penetrated the field of vision in a more striking manner. This particular car had about 8k miles on it and was totally standard, while it was clear that it was loosening up nicely, the sound at idle is a bitter disappointment. I suppose I aught to make it clear at this stage that I’m not really a huge fan of Vtec and other variable cam engines that come on and off cam. The Honda type R has never really set my pulse racing and in the same vain the 111R has a similar problem. Totally devoid of any torque low down in the rev range the 111R has to be in exactly the right gear to get any really sense of urgency. I felt like I had to constantly thrash it in order to enjoy in it. I think that this for me is its real downfall. The beauty of the vx is that there is often no need to drop a gear to pick up speed, however the 111R disguises part of its problem with a 6 speed box which requires special mention. Slick and very precise for such a short throw, it delights in spades particularly when shifting down the box. The 111R is a genuinely fast sports car, and if it can be kept ‘on-cam’ I can’t see much keeping up with it. But is this really the way a road car should be? It may be a fine car on track where these sorts of revs car be maintained, but on the road I think it just doesn’t really work. Jumping into the electric Blue Exige S is another experience. It feels like an Elise, but there is an overwhelming sensation that this is something very special indeed. There is no view out of the internal rear view mirror, it’s a wonder Lotus actually bother fitting one. The detailing of the exterior is also breathes a little on the standard Exige setting it apart from its lesser sibling. Fire it up, and the disappointment of the Toyota engine is still present, but the very subtle whine of the supercharger makes it slightly more involving. Setting off slowly and working a bit of heat into the 048s, the ride is familiar, but this Exige seems to take the bumps with less complaining than the vx. I would imagine that the 16s with the higher tyre wall helps. It’s a noisy place to be though and we have only hit about 4k rpm, but it’s a very different experience to the S1 Exige I drove 3 years ago, which was a rattling, harsh, head-ache inducing machine. This car has the touring pack and air-con which seem a little out of place on such a racer but never the less makes this a comfortable places to be. 78degrees C comes up on the dash and I floor it in 3rd, a fraction of a second later, shift lights blinking, 4th and its time for the next gear…The rate at which this car thing picks up speed is staggering. More overwhelming still is the sensation of speed, or lack of it. It never feels out of depth, it never feels like its going to fast and the only thing that brings things into perspective is the closing rate on other cars and the rate at which the trees are flying past. Gone is the horrid on-off cam feel of the 111R, the Eaton Supercharger is fully stoked up well before the cam-change, making it seamless. The additional torque provided at low revs brings back the advantages of the vx. And then there’s the supercharger screech. It howls from about 5k all the way to the red line, and the overrun is giggle inducing, with its ear piercing cry. The whole experience is exhilarating and totally addictive. You find yourself slowing just to accelerate again. I can’t explain how fast this car is. Any gear, any speed, the 0-100 Lotus claim of under 10s seems totally believable and almost slightly conservative. The steering has kept it’s helium- message laden feel and the brakes are how the vx should have always been. I had a small moment, having to slow quickly on bumpy tarmac, from fairly high speed and the ABS never triggered. To say this is an awesome car just doesn’t do it justice. The ultimate use of the Elise chassis? I think there is no question about that at the moment. Is this the car on which I can at last spec Aubergine Purple…

Edited by JamesGray, 25 April 2006 - 10:14 AM.

[Purebob]

Excitingly written ! I want a go in an exige now !!

[TheStoat]

Having driven none of the Lotus range but really been interested in the Exige I'm soooooo glad they supercharged it! I just couldn't bear to lose the low down torque of the VX either. Mind you I'm sure I'd miss the open top motoring if I ever swapped Nice review

[christurbo]

I love Vtec [takes a bit of getting used to] ---- bit that coupled with a SC is fantastic!!! BTW - an S2 Exige is my next car!!!! Nice write up.

[wil_scotland]

Top post indeed!!! I now want a go!!!

[speedyK]

Must say I found the 111R not anywhere near as bad as I'd feared wrt torque. Also far less rattles and more solid in all ways on the road than a VX.

S/C is the bee's knees though

Mind you I'm sure I'd miss the open top motoring if I ever swapped

You can remove the top on an Exige – and even fitting a softtop is no problem. Don't listen to those who say you can't and go on about invalidating the warranty – this possivbility is even offered by the biggest Lotus dealer in Switzerland. However, there are those who disapprove on aesthetic grouds or whatever– but I take the attiitude that you can do what you like with your own car. Not bothered with mine, as it has the rollcage and the top is even more hassle to remove than on a VX or stock Exige, but I did miss the Spring feeling on my last outing... still got my Speedster's softtop just in case...

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[MajorGav]

Finally made time to read this post. Great write-up James Really good to read an unbiased opinion. As the hunt to find my next VX continues, I've found myself lurking around the Elise ads, so it is good to read a review like this. Like you, I'd really only consider the Exige out of the 'EXise' stable. Seeing speedyK's pic in the signature isn't helping the temptation factor!

[TheStoat]

Must say I found the 111R not anywhere near as bad as I'd feared wrt torque. Also far less rattles and more solid in all ways on the road than a VX.

S/C is the bee's knees though

Mind you I'm sure I'd miss the open top motoring if I ever swapped

You can remove the top on an Exige – and even fitting a softtop is no problem. Don't listen to those who say you can't and go on about invalidating the warranty – this possivbility is even offered by the biggest Lotus dealer in Switzerland. However, there are those who disapprove on aesthetic grouds or whatever– but I take the attiitude that you can do what you like with your own car. Not bothered with mine, as it has the rollcage and the top is even more hassle to remove than on a VX or stock Exige, but I did miss the Spring feeling on my last outing... still got my Speedster's softtop just in case...

God damn! All they need to do is sort out that price and I know what my next car is *



















* Obviously I'm assuming a Maserati 250F or an Ultima GTR will still be out of my reach

[speedyK]

Exige S video:

>"probably the purest sportscar on the planet"<

Edited by speedyK, 25 April 2006 - 08:02 PM.

[JimH]

I have a guilty secret. I hope all you people with Exiges enjoy them and find that you value every second you spend with them. It's just that well erm it's just that I think they look bloody awful. I like Elises. I loved S1 Elises and had the VX not been around I would have had an S2 but for all its (considerable) ability the Exige just looks like a dog's breakfast. I've tried to like them, God knows I've tried. I just can't. My name is Jim and I've thought the Exige looks rubbish for fourteen months, three weeks and four days.

[ajussi]

pedigree chum - woof it down!



or maybe some butcher's tripe - delicious!



8 out of 10 ex-vx owners were cool cats and preferred it!

Edited by ajussi, 25 April 2006 - 09:22 PM.

[JimH]

Sorry. I've tried to cure myself by looking at your pictures which show it in the best light possible. But just as some people don't like hairy men's bottoms I just don't like Exiges. I'm not trying to be rude, just honest.

[jules_s]

I looked at on Exige S last week. Didnt drive it mind, 40k is just too much IMO

[ajussi]

Sorry. I've tried to cure myself by looking at your pictures which show it in the best light possible. But just as some people don't like hairy men's bottoms I just don't like Exiges.

I'm not trying to be rude, just honest.

i wasn't trying to change your mind. i was just peckish!

if i had pots and pots of money i'd have a vx220 (na obviously) a 111r and my exige, for whatever mood took me.

[TurboTomato]

I have a guilty secret. I hope all you people with Exiges enjoy them and find that you value every second you spend with them. It's just that well erm it's just that I think they look bloody awful. I like Elises. I loved S1 Elises and had the VX not been around I would have had an S2 but for all its (considerable) ability the Exige just looks like a dog's breakfast. I've tried to like them, God knows I've tried. I just can't.

My name is Jim and I've thought the Exige looks rubbish for fourteen months, three weeks and four days.

How about the S1 Jim (purely on looks?)

[Smiler]

..feel free to swap seats whenever mate

[JG]

I wouldn't sell my na for an exige S. I think they would go very well together though. I've not been a fan of the looks and hate the rear spoiler, but given the capability i could certainly live with it. Jules, 33k is starting price, just need to add air-con to keep some residual at 1.2k The only thing its made me realise is that SC convertion Nitons and 16s are very much on the cards Or as i said earlier an Aubergine Pur.........

Edited by JamesGray, 25 April 2006 - 09:45 PM.

[jules_s]

Seems you are right James...although it seems £34k OTR The one I looked at was £5 under £40k....dunno what upped spec that was though. Presumably everything

[JG]

i think S2 exiges are very sensitve to colour. The crome orange is horrid as are some of the brighter colours. Speedys green just about gets away with it IMO (of course). I think i generally prefer the darker colours, although the electric blue is good looking. Of course in the end though, and i mention it again, Aubergine is

[speedyK]

if i had pots and pots of money i'd have a vx220 (na obviously) a 111r and my exige, for whatever mood took me.

Along with loads of other cars too

As far as the design goes, when the first photos (as opposed to the chrome orange drawings) of the Exige S2 where shown (the black one Autocar tested), I was pretty disappointed. I even commented on here that it looked rather hearse-like. The general stance is fine (as is that of a VX or Elise): low – squat even. I know I have often voiced my dislike of the "squashed Beetle" look of Porkers (even "squashed", they are still faily high and narrow), but the proportions of the high rear cover of the Exige remind me of nothing more than this:

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