New owner Graphite Grey S2

General Owners Cars
1

Hi to all on exiges.com,
I’ve been an owner of cosworths for the past 15 years and have only recently decided to go for Lotus ownership. After 6 months with an S2 111R, it had to be an Exige.
So this is the car I have bought. Not brand new a 2004 S2 Premium Race in Graphite Grey. Stage one exhaust and Ohlins two way adjustable dampers. I have booked the Exiges trackday at Cadwell Park so hope to see you there.

[image]http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z248/lotusgray/exigesidephoto.jpg[/image]

2

nice motor

see you on the 24th

3

Now that’s a very, very lovely colour… looks kind of familiar too…

Welcome!!!

4

Whats it like going from cossies to an NA Exige mate

Lovely car

5

My last cossy was a 350 BHP large turbo Escort, very fast but loads of turbo lag. The big differance for me is how light the Exige is compared to the cossy, still trying to find the limit in the corners.
Graham.

6

nice motor

see you on the 24th

and nice spec !

7

I’m a cossie convert too. Had an Escort Cosworth for about 5 years before getting the Lotus. Best thing i ever did!!

8

Really do like that colour, was torn between graphite and storm titanium myself. Sounds like nice spec. as well.

Now all it needs is some stripes!

9

Welcome to the clan.

Graphite roolz
[image]http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k252/Bob_Corbishley/RHS.jpg[/image]

10

Yup it’s a great colour (brochures never did it justice) had 1 until the beginning of this year but now have Exige S so had to change colours - Chrome Orange with black 7 spoke forged alloys - looks the business. Good luck & enjoy!!!

11

Yes, stunning and Welcome!

12

Hi!

After months of trying to decide what my next car should be I’ve finally decided on a Lotus. Was thinking if not an Exige then the Elise 111R.

After reading your thread I’m intrigued as to why after 6 months you’ve decided to swap your 111R for an Exige!?
Would be really interested as to your reasons…

There are 2 reservations that are currently holding me back. First one being limited owenership time. Quite a few people tend to not hang onto them so long, altho I do see some have them for years. I’m thinking this is due to them being not so easy to live with if you’re use to creature comforts. Not a problem for me!
But obviously this isn’t your reason, so why swap? I’m thinking forget the 111R and just got an Exige!

The other resevation I’ve got is this business of people losing them off round-a-bouts when lifting!?

I learnt to drive in RWD cars and it’s just instinct to lift if losing the back end, just to gather and then plant again to power out.
Apparently the Elise/Exige doesn’t take well to this style of driving!?
People say go and test drive one, but I don’t think I’ll get the opportunity to rag one proper whilst out on a test drive! And wouldn’t want to with a car I’m not familiar with anyway.

So looking for input from any of you guys but especially you lotusgray for why you swapped so soon.

Thanks in anticipation for your input.

Sam

13

After reading your thread I’m intrigued as to why after 6 months you’ve decided to swap your 111R for an Exige!?
Would be really interested as to your reasons…

Ed: I went from a 111S to an S2 Exige - I was considering a 111R too, but the different in price used was imimal, and the Exige just looks so much nicer. Also, the extra downforce makes so much more difference to the way the car handles - especially at speed.

There are 2 reservations that are currently holding me back. First one being limited owenership time. Quite a few people tend to not hang onto them so long, altho I do see some have them for years. I’m thinking this is due to them being not so easy to live with if you’re use to creature comforts. Not a problem for me!
But obviously this isn’t your reason, so why swap? I’m thinking forget the 111R and just got an Exige!

Ed: There is nothing in it from a living poiint of view - slightl more track focused ride, and buggger all view out of the back are the only downsides over the elsie in my view - oh and slightly more “look at me” with the wing…

The other resevation I’ve got is this business of people losing them off round-a-bouts when lifting!?

I learnt to drive in RWD cars and it’s just instinct to lift if losing the back end, just to gather and then plant again to power out.
Apparently the Elise/Exige doesn’t take well to this style of driving!?
People say go and test drive one, but I don’t think I’ll get the opportunity to rag one proper whilst out on a test drive! And wouldn’t want to with a car I’m not familiar with anyway.

So looking for input from any of you guys but especially you lotusgray for why you swapped so soon.

Ed: You have to treat it with respect in the wet - especially if you have track biased tyres. I would say with the extra downforce the point at which it will break would be higher in the Exige - but probably more sudden! Like any car, treat it with respect and you will be fine…

Thanks in anticipation for your input.

Sam [/quote]

14

Hi Sam,
I have to agree with Ed’s reply. My story was I bought my first Lotus the 111r as I liked the idea of the soft top, and had the vvti Toyota engine and 6 speed gearbox like the N/A S2 Exige. But as I am planning to do a few trackdays a year the question of uprating the 111r soon came up. Harnesses, seats, wheels and tyres, oil coolers, dampers etc etc. It just didn’t make sence to spend so much money on the 111r when I could sell and buy an Exige with all the work already done. Also the Exige is so much more stable at high speed. That said the 111r was a great road car just not for me.
Your question about stability round corners, it’s probably more a question of driver training than car abillity.
Your right you should have a proper test drive and a Lotus dealer wouldn’t be best pleased with you hanging his demo car into a roundabout. The best way is to get a kind owner to take you out in his car. I was lucky enough to be taken out round Oulton park and Donnington before I bought mine.
I hope this helps some and good luck these cars are just superb.

Graham.

15

Thanks for your input Graham & Ed!

I originally discounted the Elise due to it being a convertible but didn’t realise there was a hard top option! However given the better stability at high speed and the fact you changed yours Graham after 6 months I’m gonna set my sights on the Exige. No intention to track it, but not discounting that either!

The countdown begins…

Cheers,

Sam

16

Cool. Keep us posted. And get one with AC!

17

You’ve made the right choice. Try and get some one local to take you out in there car. Where do you live?
Do take it on track, it’s the best place for these cars. Lotus on track have very well orgainised days.

18

Yeah my original choice was an Exige and for some reason started to think about an Elise (111R only tho!) Anyway back on track with my 1st choice again now.
I’m in Heysham, Lancs. There was a guy local who drove a silver Exige and was dying to have a chat with him etc. but don’t see him anymore…maybe he’s sold up!?

Probably will end up tracking it, always wanted to rip it up at Oulton Park!

Cheers,

Sam

19

Great choice!