My Lotus Evora 400 & Video Diary
Discussion
Do it Grant! Apparently the 400 is just as quick around Hethel as an Exige, but I think the Exige should still be quicker with a mortal driving, really.
Speaking of which, I managed to get out on track - at Hethel. I found a track day where they were doing passenger rides in a 400 as part of the proceedings so I pointed out they couldn't have a problem with the car's noise level and they agreed.
Speaking of which, I managed to get out on track - at Hethel. I found a track day where they were doing passenger rides in a 400 as part of the proceedings so I pointed out they couldn't have a problem with the car's noise level and they agreed.
Shnozz said:
Shmee150?
Well, PH can't exactly say I don't do my bit for them. Here's my car at the Kimbolton show last week. Photo thanks to Gretchen.
One thing to note is in many photos the car appears really orange, but it's actually quite a pale yellow in the flesh. When the sun starts to go down it becomes a little bit orange-y, but otherwise it's very much yellow!
Interesting you mention the black alloys. I personally don't like black alloys, but I think this car just about gets away with them as it has the "black pack" (black roof, mirrors, under door). There are quite a few 400s out there now with silver wheels, which also look cool.
The AP racing brakes do generate a fair bit of brake dust though! Especially at the front.
The AP racing brakes do generate a fair bit of brake dust though! Especially at the front.
A minor update. My car is back at Hethel for some more work, most notably the seat creak. They are replacing the whole seat unit, apparently changes/improvements have been made to the seat in its life already.
My car was built in September 2015, which makes it earlier than I expected, so there is a possibility I am experiencing issues because of that.
My car was built in September 2015, which makes it earlier than I expected, so there is a possibility I am experiencing issues because of that.
240Cup said:
Great thread, and motor.
Just picked up on your list of things to rectify.
I completely concur with the annoying brightness of the start button at night if it is anything like my old 2008 Exige - can't believe there is no facility to dim/turn it off..!
Also I seem to recall there being a thread on TLF (might have been by Bibs) on how to set up Evora hi fi systems which apparently makes a world of difference ...
Cheers,
240
240 - yes I used the official Lotus setup guide, it's actually poorly written and doesn't help sound quality in some regards. I am working to improve it but fundamentally you'll never get great sound out of it. Hopefully a few easy improvements will sort it, but for now it's quite low on my list.Just picked up on your list of things to rectify.
I completely concur with the annoying brightness of the start button at night if it is anything like my old 2008 Exige - can't believe there is no facility to dim/turn it off..!
Also I seem to recall there being a thread on TLF (might have been by Bibs) on how to set up Evora hi fi systems which apparently makes a world of difference ...
Cheers,
240
I did a tiny little "mod" to the car the other day. I changed the rear indicator bulbs for LEDs. My OCD didn't like the fact that the front and side were LED, but the rears were not.
This being a low volume, hand-made British car I was fully prepared for half an hour of sweat, blood and tears with a lot of swearing. As it happens, easiest bulb change I have ever done. Less than two minutes for the pair. Happy days!
I also attended the Helmingham Hall show with PHEA and had a very nice moment. We gathered at a local pub ready to go down there. PHer AndrewD turned up with his magnificent Carrera GT. A childhood icon of mine (well, adolescence) I couldn't resist and asked if I could have a sit in it. He obliged, properly nice chap, and I got to finally sit in one of my hero cars. I've sat in an Enzo before, so that just leaves a MacMerc and I've sat in the holy trinity of hypercars circa 2004.
The family that owned the pub came out to look at the cars (very nice people) and their young (seven/eight) son came up to me, whilst I was stood next to the Porsche and said "excuse me, can I sit in your car?". I said "Well, that depends which one you think is mine" and he points to my Lotus and says "That Yellow one!" I was shocked, of course I let him have a sit in it. I did want to try and explain to him how much better the Porsche was than my car, but I'm not going to ruin a young lad's day like that
This being a low volume, hand-made British car I was fully prepared for half an hour of sweat, blood and tears with a lot of swearing. As it happens, easiest bulb change I have ever done. Less than two minutes for the pair. Happy days!
I also attended the Helmingham Hall show with PHEA and had a very nice moment. We gathered at a local pub ready to go down there. PHer AndrewD turned up with his magnificent Carrera GT. A childhood icon of mine (well, adolescence) I couldn't resist and asked if I could have a sit in it. He obliged, properly nice chap, and I got to finally sit in one of my hero cars. I've sat in an Enzo before, so that just leaves a MacMerc and I've sat in the holy trinity of hypercars circa 2004.
The family that owned the pub came out to look at the cars (very nice people) and their young (seven/eight) son came up to me, whilst I was stood next to the Porsche and said "excuse me, can I sit in your car?". I said "Well, that depends which one you think is mine" and he points to my Lotus and says "That Yellow one!" I was shocked, of course I let him have a sit in it. I did want to try and explain to him how much better the Porsche was than my car, but I'm not going to ruin a young lad's day like that
So in my quest to see how usable the car is, enlisted my Dad to see if his golf clubs would fit in the boot. I've been told they do fit, but I wasn't certain. Turns out a medium sized bag fits easy. Just take the drivers out and then lay them on top of the bag. Even room for shoes and an overnight bag in the back.
The rear seats in a 400 are flat too, unlike a 911, so I am not quite sure how some people take the Porsche to be more practical. Certainly not if you're a golfer!
The rear seats in a 400 are flat too, unlike a 911, so I am not quite sure how some people take the Porsche to be more practical. Certainly not if you're a golfer!
So, I've had the car on a couple of event days in the last fortnight.
First was a go at Carlimits' activity day at North Weald. It was soaking wet, so was pretty interesting. Mostly an exercise in managing throttle application!
Then yesterday it was off to RAF Woodbridge for a chance to find out how fast the car really is in a straight line - I've never been that impressed with its performance in that regard.
There was a huge mix of machinery, with the predictable German barge and 911 Turbo brigade all at the pointy end of things. I achieved my own personal goal of going faster than I ever had before (with me at the wheel).
My previous GPS verified record was 160mph on the Autobahn in a 996, my later Z4 M having been stuck at its 155 limiter. Yesterday however I beat that with two runs of 172mph. Not bad for a totally standard car.
First was a go at Carlimits' activity day at North Weald. It was soaking wet, so was pretty interesting. Mostly an exercise in managing throttle application!
Then yesterday it was off to RAF Woodbridge for a chance to find out how fast the car really is in a straight line - I've never been that impressed with its performance in that regard.
There was a huge mix of machinery, with the predictable German barge and 911 Turbo brigade all at the pointy end of things. I achieved my own personal goal of going faster than I ever had before (with me at the wheel).
My previous GPS verified record was 160mph on the Autobahn in a 996, my later Z4 M having been stuck at its 155 limiter. Yesterday however I beat that with two runs of 172mph. Not bad for a totally standard car.
Hitch said:
I forgive you. 186 seems to be the answer, but I've not read anywhere claiming to have reached that yet.
The manual's top speed is 186, the auto is 174 I believe. The auto is limited to 6,600rpm and the manual is 7,000rpm.Top speed would definitely be reached in sixth, as I was basically on the redline as I crossed the line (in fifth).
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