My (very) first impressions of the S2s
Discussion
I got back from hols earlier & fresher than planned yesterday, got all the jobs planned for today done last night and early this morning. So with some tme on my hands, I bribed the misses with a shopping trip for new carpet to get over to the new Lotus garage in Swindon. I arrived to find Matt, the only guy that works in the showroom, has Tuesday off to make up for working Saturdays!
Not to be dishartened I snuck over the courtyard into the Farrari garage and one of their guys let me in as both places are really the same company with different cars (I hopped into a couple of their cars while I waited for the alarm to be turned off :D)
Once inside I saw they had a couple of 111Rs - one in black, the other in dark blue (not sure what that colour is called) - a standard S2 in ardent red and 3 exiges (black, BRG with Yellow stripes and titanium).
Jumped into the blue 111R and was pleased to see some small but welcome changes over the S1 interiors I've been in since I started looking for an Elise. I was amazed by the level of visability provided - comapred to say a Ginetta G4 - you could see a lot more ahead & behind and the windscreen frame didn't obsucre the view as much as I expected. All in all I very much liked the inside of the S2 Elise, quite a lot more excited about getting one now (when I finally get round to it) than ever.
It's also the first time I've seen an Exige in the flesh - they are very (very very very) nice!
I had a little play around inside all of them. I noticed it was slightly, but not much harder getting in than the Elise, but it felt more secure inside - like if I ever binned it I would have more to keep the tree/deer/lampost/lorry and myself apart.
I really wanted a decent harness rather than namby-pamby seat belts - like in Davey S1's Exige.
The only problem was getting out! How the hell do you owners do it? I'm not that tall - about six foot - but I had to struggle... It didn't require a shoehorn, but it was pretty ungainly!
So now I just need to have a test of their S and R to see which I think I'm more suited to, get a price list for the harness and try to keep away from the Exiges that are there ;) Can't wait!
Not to be dishartened I snuck over the courtyard into the Farrari garage and one of their guys let me in as both places are really the same company with different cars (I hopped into a couple of their cars while I waited for the alarm to be turned off :D)
Once inside I saw they had a couple of 111Rs - one in black, the other in dark blue (not sure what that colour is called) - a standard S2 in ardent red and 3 exiges (black, BRG with Yellow stripes and titanium).
Jumped into the blue 111R and was pleased to see some small but welcome changes over the S1 interiors I've been in since I started looking for an Elise. I was amazed by the level of visability provided - comapred to say a Ginetta G4 - you could see a lot more ahead & behind and the windscreen frame didn't obsucre the view as much as I expected. All in all I very much liked the inside of the S2 Elise, quite a lot more excited about getting one now (when I finally get round to it) than ever.
It's also the first time I've seen an Exige in the flesh - they are very (very very very) nice!
I had a little play around inside all of them. I noticed it was slightly, but not much harder getting in than the Elise, but it felt more secure inside - like if I ever binned it I would have more to keep the tree/deer/lampost/lorry and myself apart.
I really wanted a decent harness rather than namby-pamby seat belts - like in Davey S1's Exige.
The only problem was getting out! How the hell do you owners do it? I'm not that tall - about six foot - but I had to struggle... It didn't require a shoehorn, but it was pretty ungainly!
So now I just need to have a test of their S and R to see which I think I'm more suited to, get a price list for the harness and try to keep away from the Exiges that are there ;) Can't wait!
Sounds like my kind of window shopping mate.
Regarding the harnesses I went out for 2 blasts tonight. The first one was through some nice long twisty lanes and I had the harnesses on and on tight.
They really make a huge difference to the cornering. I think a lot of it is down the the increased confidence they give you when you are strapped in solid as a rock.
I went out again later on for a more leisurely drive and just used the normal belts which feel really weired after the harnesses. It feels like your not wearing one at all.
If you do get the harnesses you need the normal belts as well. The harnesses can be a bit of a pain as when they are on tight I cant reach any of the controls for the CD player and looking out at junctions can be very tricky.
Happy shopping.
BTW the dark blue is Nightfall Blue
>> Edited by Davey S1 on Tuesday 31st May 22:05
Regarding the harnesses I went out for 2 blasts tonight. The first one was through some nice long twisty lanes and I had the harnesses on and on tight.
They really make a huge difference to the cornering. I think a lot of it is down the the increased confidence they give you when you are strapped in solid as a rock.
I went out again later on for a more leisurely drive and just used the normal belts which feel really weired after the harnesses. It feels like your not wearing one at all.
If you do get the harnesses you need the normal belts as well. The harnesses can be a bit of a pain as when they are on tight I cant reach any of the controls for the CD player and looking out at junctions can be very tricky.
Happy shopping.
BTW the dark blue is Nightfall Blue
>> Edited by Davey S1 on Tuesday 31st May 22:05
Test drive the Exige Ninja!!!!!
You won't be able to leave the shop without tying yourself into a finance deal they're that addictive, ha ha ha...
I am about 5'10" and have no trouble getting in and out now, it's easier for the driver 'cos you can lean on the steering wheel, one leg at a time... The best tip is to slide the seat all the way back first, makes exit and entry much easier!
You won't be able to leave the shop without tying yourself into a finance deal they're that addictive, ha ha ha...
I am about 5'10" and have no trouble getting in and out now, it's easier for the driver 'cos you can lean on the steering wheel, one leg at a time... The best tip is to slide the seat all the way back first, makes exit and entry much easier!
Davey S1 said:
... The harnesses can be a bit of a pain as when they are on tight I cant reach any of the controls for the CD player and looking out at junctions can be very tricky.
...
I'd not thought of that - I guess that's why you have both installed.
Waiting on a call from Matt to organise a test drive.
Ninja D,
If you are a 6 footer you should be fine with just the harnesses.
I am 6'2" and can easily reach all controls. A few blind junctions can cause problems but I have
developed a "quick release" technique to free my shoulders in such situations if they arrise (which is not very often).
I agree that harnesses give you a lot more confidence when pressing on. Leaving you free to drive the car rather than have to "hang on" as well!
Regards getting out with the roof on, it's right leg first, then backside onto sill, then left leg. Simple (almost!)
Happy shopping!
Dunc
If you are a 6 footer you should be fine with just the harnesses.
I am 6'2" and can easily reach all controls. A few blind junctions can cause problems but I have
developed a "quick release" technique to free my shoulders in such situations if they arrise (which is not very often).
I agree that harnesses give you a lot more confidence when pressing on. Leaving you free to drive the car rather than have to "hang on" as well!
Regards getting out with the roof on, it's right leg first, then backside onto sill, then left leg. Simple (almost!)
Happy shopping!
Dunc
I don't think any of the demo cars will have the harness installed, which is a bit unfortunate - maybe I need to get over to Castle Combe on a Lotus day to see if anybody will let me sit in one with the harness in (hint hint 
)
Still waiting on Matt
I may just call him up...
>> Edited by ninjadave on Wednesday 1st June 18:24
) Still waiting on Matt
I may just call him up... >> Edited by ninjadave on Wednesday 1st June 18:24
0930 on the 11th June I will be comparing the 111S to the 111R! And possibly the Exige, though I really feel I should just keep away from them as the insurance for them is on a par with what I'm paying now.
I would suggest anybody in the Swindon area stays indoors, just to be on the safe side - and to make sure I have lovely clear roads
Test drive went well.
I was told that the 111S was out for service, but the 135 sport they had just taken ownership of drives very similar, but has a nicer torque curve as it's lighter, and rather than the VVC engine it has a gas flowed and tuned 120bhp engine running at 135. He then told me that "[in a cruel trick I, and fate are playing on you] the 111R isn't in today either, we'll have to go out in the Exige - they're almost the same car anyway". It was almost like God Himself had decided to mock my promise to stay away from them.
To give me time to prepare for the Exige, we decided the 135 would be the first car to test, so we pootled off in the 02 plate 135 sport. I took it very steady; not wanting to break or have to change up through a corner. The steering was light, extreamly responsive, and threw feedback at me in a way that said my senses obviously needs large neon signs as to what's going on; it was bliss. The break pedal was how real cars should be - like trying to push your foot through a brick wall. I guess this makes it ideal for heel and toe work? The gearbox was a lot nicer than I had been lead to belive by some other people. All in all a damn fine drive! I decided I would buy it when I got back to the showroom.
We got back to the showroom, but I thought I'd better give the Exige a chance - why should I turn my back on it out of fear alone? The first thing to worry about was that the engine was being run with just 130 miles on the clock, so I was changing up at 4,000 and that seemed to be every half second or so. The level of grip was phenomenal even over the 135, let alone when compared to my current excuse for transportation. I was overtaken by a chav in a Nova, I'm sure I made his day, and he will forever be telling anybody that will listen how he once did an Exige... damn the new engine!!!!! On the little section of dual carrageway back to the showroom Matt said I could open her up to see how the powerband felt. I stuck it to the floor, but my mechanical sympathy kicked in before the change light on the dash came on. Even so at 6,000 you get pushed back into your seat with a jolt I didn't excpect. Oh how I loved this car - the visibilty was a lot better than I had thought it could be, the drive was so supple, the cabin had more room than mine. Why didn't I own this car?
This obviously has lead to a dillemma. I now want an Exige. This is exactly what I knew would happen, and exactly why I had made myself promise never to get in one.
I am currently warring with myself over the 111R and the Exige.
So I need to know from you guys:
Does the Exige need AC installed to make it possible to sell on later? I'm not a fan of the ideal of installing the extra kgs into the car, but does it need it to keep out the heat soak?
Is the Touring Pack a must have in the 111R? Again the extra weight is something I don't like the idea of and the electric widows still don't allow me (I think) to adjust the passenger window from the drivers side. I don't really care about the stereo - I listen to Radio 2 and a CD or two, dependant on mood.
Is the 1,500 quid worth it for fitting the 4 point track harness to both seats in the 111R (I'd get the performace pack in the Exige)?
Finally - can anybody tell me how the Exige is in the winter? Matt said he's driven it on snow and it was ok, but I'd like an non-sales person to verify.
Just have to wait to get back from NZ in November to get my order in now - I think I will probably burst whilst waiting!
I was told that the 111S was out for service, but the 135 sport they had just taken ownership of drives very similar, but has a nicer torque curve as it's lighter, and rather than the VVC engine it has a gas flowed and tuned 120bhp engine running at 135. He then told me that "[in a cruel trick I, and fate are playing on you] the 111R isn't in today either, we'll have to go out in the Exige - they're almost the same car anyway". It was almost like God Himself had decided to mock my promise to stay away from them.
To give me time to prepare for the Exige, we decided the 135 would be the first car to test, so we pootled off in the 02 plate 135 sport. I took it very steady; not wanting to break or have to change up through a corner. The steering was light, extreamly responsive, and threw feedback at me in a way that said my senses obviously needs large neon signs as to what's going on; it was bliss. The break pedal was how real cars should be - like trying to push your foot through a brick wall. I guess this makes it ideal for heel and toe work? The gearbox was a lot nicer than I had been lead to belive by some other people. All in all a damn fine drive! I decided I would buy it when I got back to the showroom.
We got back to the showroom, but I thought I'd better give the Exige a chance - why should I turn my back on it out of fear alone? The first thing to worry about was that the engine was being run with just 130 miles on the clock, so I was changing up at 4,000 and that seemed to be every half second or so. The level of grip was phenomenal even over the 135, let alone when compared to my current excuse for transportation. I was overtaken by a chav in a Nova, I'm sure I made his day, and he will forever be telling anybody that will listen how he once did an Exige... damn the new engine!!!!! On the little section of dual carrageway back to the showroom Matt said I could open her up to see how the powerband felt. I stuck it to the floor, but my mechanical sympathy kicked in before the change light on the dash came on. Even so at 6,000 you get pushed back into your seat with a jolt I didn't excpect. Oh how I loved this car - the visibilty was a lot better than I had thought it could be, the drive was so supple, the cabin had more room than mine. Why didn't I own this car?
This obviously has lead to a dillemma. I now want an Exige. This is exactly what I knew would happen, and exactly why I had made myself promise never to get in one.
I am currently warring with myself over the 111R and the Exige.
So I need to know from you guys:
Does the Exige need AC installed to make it possible to sell on later? I'm not a fan of the ideal of installing the extra kgs into the car, but does it need it to keep out the heat soak?
Is the Touring Pack a must have in the 111R? Again the extra weight is something I don't like the idea of and the electric widows still don't allow me (I think) to adjust the passenger window from the drivers side. I don't really care about the stereo - I listen to Radio 2 and a CD or two, dependant on mood.
Is the 1,500 quid worth it for fitting the 4 point track harness to both seats in the 111R (I'd get the performace pack in the Exige)?
Finally - can anybody tell me how the Exige is in the winter? Matt said he's driven it on snow and it was ok, but I'd like an non-sales person to verify.
Just have to wait to get back from NZ in November to get my order in now - I think I will probably burst whilst waiting!
From what little knowledge I have of Exiges, air con is a must and if you're worried about residuals then even more so. It adds about 25 kilos, I think, so not a huge amount, although there's the power loss when it's running to consider.
A few guys I've met have foregone the Touring pack on the R, it's not essential, just depends how noisy you want the car to be. Electric windows are actually lighter than the manual ones (really!), although you can't operate the passenger one from the driver's side.
As for the harness, I've heard there's an issue of having harnesses and inertial reels using the same anchor points. As my car's my daily driver I've installed a CG-Lock, worth trying out as it holds you down in the seat and gives more stability in the corners, not a bad compromise.
A few guys I've met have foregone the Touring pack on the R, it's not essential, just depends how noisy you want the car to be. Electric windows are actually lighter than the manual ones (really!), although you can't operate the passenger one from the driver's side.
As for the harness, I've heard there's an issue of having harnesses and inertial reels using the same anchor points. As my car's my daily driver I've installed a CG-Lock, worth trying out as it holds you down in the seat and gives more stability in the corners, not a bad compromise.
Air-con is a must in the car, but the touring pack isn't. I have air-con as the only option and the car is fine for the daily commute. I don't think the touring pack reduces noise by that much to be honest, I just see it as extra weight. I also stayed with manual windows as the elctric ones look a bit out of place, and are one other thing to go wrong...
Go get it !!
Go get it !!
kevin ritson said:
As for the harness, I've heard there's an issue of having harnesses and inertial reels using the same anchor points. As my car's my daily driver I've installed a CG-Lock, worth trying out as it holds you down in the seat and gives more stability in the corners, not a bad compromise.
what is a CG-lock? (centre of gravity??) and how much do harnesses cost to retro fit?
thanks!
Yes - the CG lock is a centre of gravity lock.
Have a look at my website www.ragtoproadsters.com for a little more information.
Regards
Have a look at my website www.ragtoproadsters.com for a little more information.
Regards
From waht I was told on Saturday they are a dealer fit upgrade ONLY - the factory don't do them - but still comply to factory spec which means they are not a modifcation as far as insuanrce is concerned (though I would still check with your insurer first).
The cost is done per seat, for £650. This is because you need different seats units (with holes in by the shoulders), a cross bar fitting to anchor them too (so they pass MOT as not interfering with the inertia seatbelt) and the actual harness unit (this is the 4 point 'safty device', and not the 6-point 'racing harness').
I had an estimate of 1500 for the both of them to be done, but I don't think you can get just the driver side for half that, as the cross-bar still needs fitting.
Another point to not is that the cross bar may run across the top of the parcel shelf hehind the seats, so would reduce luggage space a fair old bit.
I have been in road legal cars with just the harnes, and no inertial reel restraint system. The Dare UK Ltd Ginetta G4 for instance. So I know you can have them in without a normal seatbelt, not sure I'd want to have just he harness though.
The cost is done per seat, for £650. This is because you need different seats units (with holes in by the shoulders), a cross bar fitting to anchor them too (so they pass MOT as not interfering with the inertia seatbelt) and the actual harness unit (this is the 4 point 'safty device', and not the 6-point 'racing harness').
I had an estimate of 1500 for the both of them to be done, but I don't think you can get just the driver side for half that, as the cross-bar still needs fitting.
Another point to not is that the cross bar may run across the top of the parcel shelf hehind the seats, so would reduce luggage space a fair old bit.
I have been in road legal cars with just the harnes, and no inertial reel restraint system. The Dare UK Ltd Ginetta G4 for instance. So I know you can have them in without a normal seatbelt, not sure I'd want to have just he harness though.
jitsukadave said:
I had an estimate of 1500 for the both of them to be done, but I don't think you can get just the driver side for half that, as the cross-bar still needs fitting.
Harness bars are only about 100 quid and easy to fit:
www.spydercars.co.uk/pg1_elise.htm
www.hangar111.com/shop/limited/products/listharnesses.htm
That's where it get's expensive...
Have a look at:
www.eliseparts.com
www.hangar111.com/shop/limited/products/listnewstuff.htm
Have a look at:
www.eliseparts.com
www.hangar111.com/shop/limited/products/listnewstuff.htm
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