Anybody got a S2 Exige yet?
Discussion
It's the Toyota engine (190 bhp) with variable valve timing (just like a Honda Type R) and I hear it has the same kind of kick higher up in the rev range as the Honda lump. I've been offered a Chrome Orange one that looks stunning. I was originally looking for a S1 but once running costs are put into the equation it kind of bridges that initial price gap between the two. I can't really imagine that reliability will be an issue with this Toyota lump which alas cannot be said of the highly strung K-series (lovely though it is)!
pley, have you had the chance to drive one yet? I'm itching to get behind the wheel but work has thus far stopped me getting a drive in one. As 'Evo' mag said it is one of those cars that once you've seen it you just have to drive it! Currently looking at the Exige or an R400 at the moment - tough call!
Phoenix said:
I may be looking to buy one very soon, enquired at the local dealer yesterday to be told that if I place an order today the earliest delivery date would be November. Still very tempted to put down a deposit.
Mail me... I can help!
your not far from us! >> Edited by mustard on Sunday 4th July 12:07
Westover Sports Cars in Bournemouth kindly gave me their demo for the day, whilst my 111S was being serviced. I was due for the 111R, but they sold it. Overall I was impressed. The Toyota drivetrain is excellent. Very tractable, easy to live with. It comes alive at around 6000 rpm when it snarls round to it's 8400 red line in the same time it takes the driver to do his best Cheshire Cat impression.
Handling was superb, although to be fair you'd really need to put it on a track to actually use the superiority it has over a standard Elise.
A few minor "drawbacks" - You really can see sod all in the rear view mirror, due to the sloping engine/boot panel. Price: £29995 basic. Add in the metallic paint, and the near obligatory pack which has the sound deadening, stereo, driving lamps, leather seats etc... and it tips in circa £33500 OTR. Which is too much IMO.
But overall it really is a superb car. They will sell many more than they did of the S1 Exige, as the VVTi engine allows it to have the best of both worlds. It can be economical, comfortable and quiet, or you can be an out an out hooligan!
I agree that it needs a power differential from the 111R. Whether it arrives or not I don't know. Personaly, I'll be considering the 111R as it has the same road performance and is considerably better value.
Handling was superb, although to be fair you'd really need to put it on a track to actually use the superiority it has over a standard Elise.
A few minor "drawbacks" - You really can see sod all in the rear view mirror, due to the sloping engine/boot panel. Price: £29995 basic. Add in the metallic paint, and the near obligatory pack which has the sound deadening, stereo, driving lamps, leather seats etc... and it tips in circa £33500 OTR. Which is too much IMO.
But overall it really is a superb car. They will sell many more than they did of the S1 Exige, as the VVTi engine allows it to have the best of both worlds. It can be economical, comfortable and quiet, or you can be an out an out hooligan!
I agree that it needs a power differential from the 111R. Whether it arrives or not I don't know. Personaly, I'll be considering the 111R as it has the same road performance and is considerably better value.
I've been lucky enough to had possesion of an S2 Exige for the weekend. I would agree largely with what xxplod said - you do have to work at it to get the best performance, but once you do the sound and the rush is fantastic. He is right that there is really no rear central vision, and the side mirrors are flat. This is one car which REALLY needs curved mirrors. Merging into traffic can be very dangerous if the junction is not so good.
I'm not an expert, but I found the handling to be superb, as long as there aren't too many bumps. Down some of the country roads around Henley it could feel like you were going to be popped off, ditto with some expansion strips in the right [wrong] circumstances. This could also make hard braking an exciting affair. I'm sure ont he track it's even better, and of course I didn't dare to push it on the road, so I don't know what the top end of the handlingis like.
Build quality (apart from the engine) is pretty shocking. Enough said.
All in all I loved it, and was very sorry to have to take it back this morning. If I had the money I would definately consider buying one, after I had driven a 111R.
I'm not an expert, but I found the handling to be superb, as long as there aren't too many bumps. Down some of the country roads around Henley it could feel like you were going to be popped off, ditto with some expansion strips in the right [wrong] circumstances. This could also make hard braking an exciting affair. I'm sure ont he track it's even better, and of course I didn't dare to push it on the road, so I don't know what the top end of the handlingis like.
Build quality (apart from the engine) is pretty shocking. Enough said.
All in all I loved it, and was very sorry to have to take it back this morning. If I had the money I would definately consider buying one, after I had driven a 111R.
Dcw is right, there were a few rought edges on the demo car, especially round the edges of panels that kind of thing. ALthough it felt pretty well screwed togther. As for residuals, once things have all calmed down, I don't think there will be a great deal in it between the Exige and the 111R.
I will be having a back to back test of the Exige & 111R this week and will make a decision on which one to get. First thoughts are that the 111R would be best for an everday vehicle, better rearward visibility, roof off option.
Exige looks meaner & I love the roofline as it extends over the engine.
Regarding price, If I apply the same spec to both & add in a hardtop for the 111R there isn't that much difference.
I don't expect to feel a great/any difference on a short test drive. So don't really know which one I will end up with yet.
I took Mrs P with me to look at them at the weekend to see which one she prefered thinking that it would be the 111R but she loves the look of the Exige, so that's the hard work done How many of you spend months working on you partner to get what you want?
Hopefully I will be able to make a decision later this week
Have fun
Exige looks meaner & I love the roofline as it extends over the engine.
Regarding price, If I apply the same spec to both & add in a hardtop for the 111R there isn't that much difference.
I don't expect to feel a great/any difference on a short test drive. So don't really know which one I will end up with yet.
I took Mrs P with me to look at them at the weekend to see which one she prefered thinking that it would be the 111R but she loves the look of the Exige, so that's the hard work done
How many of you spend months working on you partner to get what you want? Hopefully I will be able to make a decision later this week
Have fun
my lease (£27K 02 Type 72) is £530 a month, fully maintained (inc road tax etc) for 20K miles (80K miles total lease) ...and no you cant get one as they realised they cocked up with the maintenance figure estimate so dont do Lotus any more ! ...must have had over £4K in 2 years already spent just on servicing and consumables !
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