I reckon the S2 will be worth 2secs/lap on a fast track, just by bein’ able to keep the soddin’ windows closed
Wonder if the times any closer in the winter???
Wonder if the times any closer in the winter???
What, when the tyres don’t warm and remain plastic!?
Uldis, I agree a good driver in a 111R is going to beat an average S2 Exige driver (or even S1 Exige driver, perish the thought!) but surely with like-for-like drivers the Exige is going to take it? Or are you really suggesting the Exige is fundamentally flawed?
Ian
Surely what he is saying is that the S2 exige has so little downforce advantage over the 111R (only 20kg ffs) that its extra weight and drag will count for more if they are both on the same tyres and suspension.
Strikes me that it entirely a marketing/posing exercise.
Exactly, and besides just a tad heavier.
Better wait for the 250BHP one, as this is like Bill said, a marketing excercise.
Hi Guys,
Bell & Colvill have an Exige S2 in yellow. It’s the first one I have seen outside of the various pictures. It didn’t excite me in any way and looked very similar to an S2 Elise they have there with a hardtop in the same colour. As for the wing, very Mickey Mouse and very wobbly. The wheels are nice though.
I’ve been running and original for a year now and don’t think we have anything to worry about, they’re different cars for different markets.
Regarding the S2 Exige, I am dubious over
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the effect the rear wing is going to have mounted where it is and can see space for an after market alternative
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the fact that electric windows, aircon etc are even an option. This ditracts from the entire point of the car (elise too)
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that it has the same power as the 111r, which makes choosing between the two a matter of wheels, tyres, suspension and the more raw experience of the exige, and loosing the ability to take the roof off.
However, I cant help but think theres a bit of sour grapes, in much the same way as many S1 Elise owners didnt like the S2 elise(me included) and have heard it all before.
If I already had an exige I doubt I’d upgrade. But I dont, so I’ll probably buy one soon. Its a great car. You should drive it and decide for yourselves.
Ruggs you have a point I’m very protective of my S1 Exige , must admit tho’ that after seeing the S2 at Donington am looking forward to testing one then at least I can derive a balanced view. My main prob with the S2 is the substantial weight gain over the S1 to gain creature comforts which appears at odds with Lotus philosphy
However, I cant help but think theres a bit of sour grapes, in much the same way as many S1 Elise owners didnt like the S2 elise(me included) and have heard it all before.
True, we love our cars but I really did want to want the S2.
It’s not a racecar for the road, it’s a roadcar for the track.
I honestly believe that the S1 is the end of an era. All new cars, that can run on the road, and are produced in any numbers (and are therefore a resonable price), are going to be forced to have things that effect their purity (eg. ABS). That doesn’t make them worse or less fun, just less pure.
I didn’t like the S2 Elise because of the way it handled. Sure you could do more with it, chuck it about, but all that understeer was a move away from Lotus ethics. But I guess if that’s what you’ve got to do sell cars and stay in business, so be it.
Anyway, what have us S1 Exige owners really got to complain about. Can you IMAGINE how mad the Elan owners were when a FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE car was named after their classic!
Ian
ha haa VERY good point.
I test drove the S2 Exige about a week ago. Didnt go mad as it was very wet but I did enjoy it.
I feel the same way about the S2 Understeer.Thats why I got out of mine and am looking for something more like my S1. The turn in on the Exige s2 is much better, but pushed int he wet there is a little understeer still.
The ABS REALLY is last minute. THis isnt something that kicks in at the first sign of trouble. i got it to slightly come in almost standing ont he pedal, in the rain.
I believe its a great car, with wonderful power without needing wringing out.
The ABS REALLY is last minute. THis isnt something that kicks in at the first sign of trouble. i got it to slightly come in almost standing ont he pedal, in the rain.
You may have been using it more than you thought. Apparently the Lotus test drivers had to have the system checked because they thought it wasn’t working, it had, six times!
I have absolute faith in Lotus to engineer first rate solutions to problems they turn their attention to, it just the ones they don’t that are the problems!
What did you make of the brake pedal though, that’s the thing that’s been getting all the complaints (travel too long, hard to heel’n’toe, etc)?
Ian
I had a good look at the black S2 Exige at Donington yesterday, and I’m still unimpressed.
The rationale for the styling seems to be thus:
- It’s an Exige, so it can’t have a removable roof
- If the roof is fixed, we need to show a reason for this.
- OK, lets carry over the roof scoop that the S1 had.
- Let’s make it smaller + aerodynamic.
The hood scoop just just silly and pointless.
The rear wing is flimsy in the extreme. The S1 wing was a relatively rigid affair, but even with a single finger you could bend the S2 wing considerably… I’m not sure that purpose the wing will serve.
Front wing airvents are still there… and while the originals did nothing, they looked like they did… on the S2 they just look silly.
The Max-Power/Halfords screw-on intakes on the rear wings look silly too.
The only thing going for it is the engine… but that’s shared with another model anyway, so there’s no gain to be had there.
All in all, very very disappointing. Since I don’t have a track car currently, I was hoping the S2 Exige was going to be an option (what with S1 warranties expiring around now)…
It’s truly a great opportunity missed.
I’d be very interested to know whether the designers hand on heart think they’ve made a great road-car-for-the-track, or whether it’s as I suspect, just a cynical marketing exercise.
Bell & Colvill have an Exige S2 in yellow. It’s the first one I have seen outside of the various pictures. It didn’t excite me in any way and looked very similar to an S2 Elise they have there with a hardtop in the same colour. As for the wing, very Mickey Mouse and very wobbly. The wheels are nice though.
I also dropped in to have a look at B&C and had exactly the sane reaction - underwhelmed… My ‘meaningful other’ commented that the S2 was more like a proper car ,…nuff said.
I still get a sense of excitement on a Saturday morning when I take the cover off my shiny black S1 and go out for a noisy blast. Guaranteed to put a smile on my face after a shitty week - could be termed ‘rolling prozac’
Has to be said it looked better in the flesh and if I could only have one car I would prolly be tempted, but since I don’t,…I’m not.
Seems like criticism of the S2 continues unabated.
Me, well I’ve promised gonein60seconds to keep my mouth shut on the matter.
Well, at least until I’ve test driven it!
How important is all this anyway.
I mean, apart from a few lucky guys here, how many of you are loaded?
I wouldn’t be able to buy one anyway, so why bother wondering how good or bad is it?
For all I know, Admin is the only one (between us old owners) that could be in the market for one, and he’s not even keen on it.
A little bit like watching Mrs Universe, yes they’re young and beautiful with the promise of so many untold adventures
But remember your wife was once young and beautiful and you had lots of un with her.
So, stop daydreaming guys, you’re already married!
PS - unless you do like Faithful Mike (L), that’s doing refreshing her by giving her a giant pair of hooters!
I’m not re-entering the debate Uldis but I think everyone’s entitled to their say on the issue.
I’ve made my feelings clear, now I’ve stopped those posts. I suspect others are still getting their views out of their systems.
Like it or not, able to afford it or not, the S2 is HUGE news for Exige owners.