Lotus....111R......britains best kept secret!!!
Discussion
Well after years of trialling different cars from 911's/Cerberas/Boxsters/M6's and finally an AM V8 vantage, I decided to downsize (literally) and buy a Lotus. After much deliberation I went for the 111R..... All I can say is for years I have been missing out on what is without any shadow of a doubt the best drivers car in the world. I have never ever smiled so much at the sheer enthusiasm of a car, it wants to get to the next bend and prove it can go around it more than I do! It is legendary, and I absolutely love it. Not sure if fuel gauge broken but I also seem to be getting over 35mpg while creating this madness. I am sure this is nothing new to you long time Lotus fans but to me, a revelation and I love it. So to all of you, I am thrilled to be part of Team Lotus and look forward to many corners and smiles ahead. 
MGJohn said:
Yes indeed. What a hoot to drive! Superb little cars.
The first time I drove my son's S2 Elise ( 1.8 K-Series ) I had a bit of a shock trying to emerge from it with the hood not lowered. He had purchased it and before he could arrange Insurance, asked me to collect it for him under my Insurance. A seventy mile trip. So, pulling up at a filling station as it was low on Petrol, that first exit I had to emerge on all fours much to the mirth of other car drivers filling up. Those massive sills provide much needed strength but my seventy year old joints are nowhere near a flexible as they once were so getting out that first time was quite a task...
Worked out how best to enter and emerge since. Not too bad once that is sorted .. 
There is only one other negative driving the car for me, the rest is all positive all the way. It is that those massive Brake Discs are not servo-assisted! You have to make a conscious effort to remember that when driving the car after using cars with servo assisted brakes. Forget to do that and that first brake application feels like the brakes have packed up until you quickly adjust your pedal pressure.
Fuel consumption is exceptional as you have found. 40mpg not driven for economy.
Yours is a very nice colour too. enjoy..
Thanks for that, loved the colour - was lucky enough to find it with 12k miles on so to be fair its like new and a great dealer in Sytner specialist cars in Warwick - highly recommended! Getting in, fine...gravity takes care of that but even though I consider myself a fit, thin(ish) chap...getting out with roof on, I look like a spider getting out of a matchbox. Mine is the pampered option with servo brakes but to be honest drove both and just loved the Toyota engine.....plus the aircon.....I have been spoilt!The first time I drove my son's S2 Elise ( 1.8 K-Series ) I had a bit of a shock trying to emerge from it with the hood not lowered. He had purchased it and before he could arrange Insurance, asked me to collect it for him under my Insurance. A seventy mile trip. So, pulling up at a filling station as it was low on Petrol, that first exit I had to emerge on all fours much to the mirth of other car drivers filling up. Those massive sills provide much needed strength but my seventy year old joints are nowhere near a flexible as they once were so getting out that first time was quite a task...
Worked out how best to enter and emerge since. Not too bad once that is sorted .. There is only one other negative driving the car for me, the rest is all positive all the way. It is that those massive Brake Discs are not servo-assisted! You have to make a conscious effort to remember that when driving the car after using cars with servo assisted brakes. Forget to do that and that first brake application feels like the brakes have packed up until you quickly adjust your pedal pressure.Fuel consumption is exceptional as you have found. 40mpg not driven for economy.
Yours is a very nice colour too. enjoy..
otolith said:
John, I think I may have to quote you every time someone whinges about getting in and out - 70 years old eh, they should be ashamed the fat unfit sods 
The 111R is the 189bhp Toyota engine - it's a bit less economical than the Rover, and it does have a brake servo and ABS. I must admit, the brake feel is one of the things I prefer about the Rover engined cars.
OP, are the exhaust and induction standard? 2bular exhaust, Toyota TRD airbox and a reflash to lower the cam change point
I agree I will be one happy man if I am still jumping in at 70!!!The 111R is the 189bhp Toyota engine - it's a bit less economical than the Rover, and it does have a brake servo and ABS. I must admit, the brake feel is one of the things I prefer about the Rover engined cars.
OP, are the exhaust and induction standard? 2bular exhaust, Toyota TRD airbox and a reflash to lower the cam change point
No modifications, all absolutely standard. Im guessing the airbox,2bular exhaust and lowering cam point worthwhile mods?? Any idea of cost v benefit??
HarryFlatters said:
Lucky fellow
It's top of the list for my next car, the wife likes them, and had given me the green light with the only stipulation being that I can't have a yellow one
Go for it. The only thing I couldn't believe is how close you are to passenger....test drive with a man is quite intimate!!! Great with the wife though ....although better on your own!!!It's top of the list for my next car, the wife likes them, and had given me the green light with the only stipulation being that I can't have a yellow one
Bebee said:
'it wants to get to the next bend and prove it can go around it more than I do'
Great quote!
I got bit in 2009, before then I didn't get the Lotus thing, only after dropping my TVR's did I try the Elise variants and land on the SC, I won't be without it, now six years on. I'd like other motors but along side the Elise.
Enjoy your best kept secret.
Haha I mean it....one of us has a limit....I just don't know yet who's is higher Great quote!
I got bit in 2009, before then I didn't get the Lotus thing, only after dropping my TVR's did I try the Elise variants and land on the SC, I won't be without it, now six years on. I'd like other motors but along side the Elise.
Enjoy your best kept secret.
Think I am in for the long haul too......LOVE IT!!!
Ok well I am going to go for the airbox and the remap soon - will let you know what I think as soon as I do. I am not sure on the exhaust, I had an S2000 and put a buddyclub exhaust on it....it was awful
I drove around everywhere with a drone and terrible cabin noise...It lasted a week! Would be lovely to hear one with the 2Tubular on - Do you have it?? Is it good??
I drove around everywhere with a drone and terrible cabin noise...It lasted a week! Would be lovely to hear one with the 2Tubular on - Do you have it?? Is it good??AyBee said:
Got a Larini backbox on mine which I really like. As long as you're on constant throttle, it doesn't drone. It'll drone a bit if you back off but that's soon sorted with a prod of the right pedal I also enjoy the times when at least 2 people come to the windows of the flats when I start it up in the garage
I also enjoy the times when at least 2 people come to the windows of the flats when I start it up in the garage 
Sounds perfect......I know I will end up with one although I will try and convince myself its unnecessary!! Hopefully someone at the Lotus day in May at Castle Coombe has one and can hear it first hand. Have to say everyone seems very friendly who has a Lotus! Going for a blast when I get home and very excited!!!!! 
otolith said:
Yeah, I like it. The nice thing about 2bular is that they are pretty much built to order, so you can phone Jim Valentine up and explain what it is that you are after and he will guide you to the right solution. The downside to that is that he's one man and bloody busy, so he can be hard to get hold of and the lead time can be long. Works of art, though.
This was just the exhaust;
https://youtu.be/SElDf3sDY3I
(ignore the poncey editing and audio, I was learning some video editing software)
This was with the TRD added;
https://youtu.be/q9tQLwjeAZ0
This is a very, very boring video with just the exhaust, and was just making a point about the thing being fairly flexible just punted along in the higher gears, keeping up with the traffic, but you should get an idea of how intrusive the exhaust noise is. Elises are pretty noisy anyway, but I never found the exhaust noise annoying.
https://youtu.be/HvexB1K8v6k
Well fair play that does sound absolutely superb and some great video footage there from the Gopro !! You really have me thinking now! Def airbox first and go from there I reckon. Thanks heaps for the links This was just the exhaust;
https://youtu.be/SElDf3sDY3I
(ignore the poncey editing and audio, I was learning some video editing software)
This was with the TRD added;
https://youtu.be/q9tQLwjeAZ0
This is a very, very boring video with just the exhaust, and was just making a point about the thing being fairly flexible just punted along in the higher gears, keeping up with the traffic, but you should get an idea of how intrusive the exhaust noise is. Elises are pretty noisy anyway, but I never found the exhaust noise annoying.
https://youtu.be/HvexB1K8v6k
I think I'm definitely going to hold off on the remap. Went for my first long drive yesterday, and just loved the change at 6,200rpm, it just enhanced the experience. That kick is mesmerising and it's a challenge (and slightly abusive it feels) to stay in that zone. I could probably see the point if I was going to use it more as a daily driver but for weekend/sunny use, bring on the revs!!! I also have to say that this was the best drive I have ever had, it was UNBELIEVABLE, the grip, the shear fun, I loved it. I do need more noise though!!! Best picture of the day 
AyBee said:
Where are you based? Your profile says Gwent but you mention Castle Combe. I imagine you'll find someone at Castle Combe with a Larini but if not, I'm based in London but am quite often in Bristol so if either of those suit, give me a shout.
I'm based just on the Welsh side of the bridge in Magor, so literally 10 mins from Bristol. If you are ever in the area let me know, would be great to hear it before making the switch! piers1 said:
BTW there is a Lotus On Track day at Angelsey on 24th May, we will all be there if you can do it, head over to www.lotus-on-track.com
Ah the Castle Combe day is the 23rd (and still wrestling over whether to take it on track) but going to go along to this....would be too far to get up there day after or would have been a great first weekend away. Has anyone been to the Castle Combe lotus day, and is it any good??Ha glad it isn't just me, I am on the verge of becoming obsessed after another brilliant weekend in it. Have decided on my first mod which is to get wheels powder coated in gloss black - think it will look brilliant so have it booked in this week for that while I decide on whats next!
It does need new brake pads so thank you for the tip on that, will get that sorted next I think.
Excuse my ignorance but what is a CG-Lock? not sure what it is but now want one!!!
It does need new brake pads so thank you for the tip on that, will get that sorted next I think.
Excuse my ignorance but what is a CG-Lock? not sure what it is but now want one!!!
MarkyP72 said:
I have had my 111r for about 15 months now (my 1st Lotus). Absolutely love it!
I have recently put new brake pads all round (Pagid Blue RS42) + brake fluid change to DOT 5.1 and the difference is amazing.
Another cheap upgrade I'd recommend is a CG-Lock (from Demon Tweaks). If you don't have harnesses, this is a small step towards them. It really does work.
Enjoy
Mark
I have recently put new brake pads all round (Pagid Blue RS42) + brake fluid change to DOT 5.1 and the difference is amazing.
Another cheap upgrade I'd recommend is a CG-Lock (from Demon Tweaks). If you don't have harnesses, this is a small step towards them. It really does work.
Enjoy
Mark
Ha you must be a much better driver than me if you are slipping out of those seats !!!
kambites said:
The CG lock is a little device that attaches to the seatbelt at the point the belt goes through the buckle unit. Basically it hold the lap portion of the belt solidly in place so your hips can't rotate when you're cornering.
Glad to entertain, and thanks for comments. I think that's great advice and all will be reversible. Picking car up later from having wheels done so cant wait for that!!!
Alan09 said:
Hello. Your combined positivity about our car has put a huge smile on my face... So thanks for that!! I own a 2006 Sports Racer with every conceivable ''reasonably'' priced modification added to it over time. I now own the best car I have ever owned (2x S1 Elise, 1x S1 Exige, 1x111R plus my current car). Everyone has their on route to take on modification and the parts bin is endless. Remember to keep the original parts and don't do any mods you can't reverse. Happy to share my experiences/learnings offline if it helps.
jimmy_b said:
I know I'm late to the party here but wanted to share my experience. I have an 06 111R which replaced a K Series S2 about 4 year ago. My car was purchased absolutely standard, with no modifications.
Here are the mods I've done and some notes (obviously subjective!)
Larini Sports Exhaust - absolutely transformed the nature of the car. Standard pipe is far, far too quiet and 'tame'. Larini is absolutely perfect for everyday use, is not too boomy and is nice and quiet at an 80mph cruise. Give it the full minerals though, and I gives a properly raspy sound. Its never going to be classy like a 6 or 8 cylinder engine, but it still sounds exotic and a million times better than standard, especially on the second cam.
TRD Airbox - relatively inexpensive and easy DIY install, so could see no reason not to fit one. TBH I struggled to notice any discernible increase in induction noise. Looking back, I would now probably go for a Hurricane induction kit, though I am aware that some induction kits (not the TRD) can cause issues with the MIL engine light coming on.
Upgraded brakes (grooved discs, braided hoses, Pagid RS42 pads and good quality fluid) - these were upgraded simply due to general maintenance. Again, if I'm brutally honest I failed to notice any massive improvement over the standard setup (in feel or performance), which I never had an issue with. That said, ZERO brake fade or braking issues at a recent track day.
HID headlight upgrade - again relatively cheap and relatively easy to do. However, since installing, I've realised how little I actually drive my car at night - would probably not bother with this now.
Regarding the lowered cam point, which lots of R owners rave about. I can appreciate the benefits of this but I personally like the effort required to get onto the second cam, and the 'kick' it gives. Your opportunities to do this are limited, which IMO only adds to the smile when you do get the chance.
All mods (except the brakes) easily reversible!
Superb comments and notes so thanks for that. I'm set on the larine exhaust now as agree exhaust is a bit tame. Did you go for just the back box or the decat straight pipe too? Someone else had recommended the Hurricane Induction kit too so will probably go for that at same time. Wheels being done today so will post picture when collected. Its in next Friday for new brake pads but will probably stay standard as I certainly cant complain at stopping power in the thing . Here are the mods I've done and some notes (obviously subjective!)
Larini Sports Exhaust - absolutely transformed the nature of the car. Standard pipe is far, far too quiet and 'tame'. Larini is absolutely perfect for everyday use, is not too boomy and is nice and quiet at an 80mph cruise. Give it the full minerals though, and I gives a properly raspy sound. Its never going to be classy like a 6 or 8 cylinder engine, but it still sounds exotic and a million times better than standard, especially on the second cam.
TRD Airbox - relatively inexpensive and easy DIY install, so could see no reason not to fit one. TBH I struggled to notice any discernible increase in induction noise. Looking back, I would now probably go for a Hurricane induction kit, though I am aware that some induction kits (not the TRD) can cause issues with the MIL engine light coming on.
Upgraded brakes (grooved discs, braided hoses, Pagid RS42 pads and good quality fluid) - these were upgraded simply due to general maintenance. Again, if I'm brutally honest I failed to notice any massive improvement over the standard setup (in feel or performance), which I never had an issue with. That said, ZERO brake fade or braking issues at a recent track day.
HID headlight upgrade - again relatively cheap and relatively easy to do. However, since installing, I've realised how little I actually drive my car at night - would probably not bother with this now.
Regarding the lowered cam point, which lots of R owners rave about. I can appreciate the benefits of this but I personally like the effort required to get onto the second cam, and the 'kick' it gives. Your opportunities to do this are limited, which IMO only adds to the smile when you do get the chance.
All mods (except the brakes) easily reversible!
Edited by jimmy_b on Friday 1st May 13:16
I am the same wont really use in dark so will stick with the lights and campoint staying where it is.
Just need some stripes now (why do I have a fascination with stripes!!)
Thanks for all comments
Well first thing done - Wheels complete and if I do say so myself I think it looks bl**dy awesome!!!! 
Took it for a loooonnnngggggg drive yesterday, and I am sure the mean looking wheels have made it even more fun, now its just nasty!!
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Know I am not meant to go on it about it too but put £30 of fuel in it a few weeks ago and its still not empty!!! Belive me after driving a Vantage for the last year this has me cartwheeling around the hardly roomy cabin!!!! LOVING THE LOTUS!!!!!!
Took it for a loooonnnngggggg drive yesterday, and I am sure the mean looking wheels have made it even more fun, now its just nasty!![url][img]Know I am not meant to go on it about it too but put £30 of fuel in it a few weeks ago and its still not empty!!! Belive me after driving a Vantage for the last year this has me cartwheeling around the hardly roomy cabin!!!! LOVING THE LOTUS!!!!!!
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