Trip to Spa/ Lotus Exige - 20th/21st July 2005
Discussion
I had really been looking forward to this event at Spa-Francorchamps mainly for the reputation of the circuit itself.
When I eventually got out on the circuit at 2pm (after a Ferrari 355 managed to demolish 50m of armco resulting in a 4 hour repair) - the circuit blew me away! The Exige rewards smooth accurate driving (well fairly....) with predictable and precise handling. After a few sessions I didn't know which put the bigger smile on my face the Exige or Spa itself. On the next day (Thursday) I found that the circuit demands respect, but also that whilst so does the Exige it is also beautifully controllable. This was made clear to me when taking my wife out for the first time, I failed to allow for the additional weight (although only 8 stone) of the passenger. At Spa on a certain right hand corner, I think called Bruxelles, it has a pronounced adverse camber and as I turned in it snapped away from me. Luckily, with the relatively low weight and centre of gravity of the Lotus (and I like to think twiddling the steering wheel the right way) it spun neatly across the curb through 360 deg and I was able to select 2nd gear and continue. I had a few more fabulous sessions until I very reluctantly had to return the Exige.
A very memorable experience on a fantastic circuit with a superb car - could it have been any better in the SR3? I relish the opportunity to find out. I suspect different - yes, but better? I doubt it.
When I eventually got out on the circuit at 2pm (after a Ferrari 355 managed to demolish 50m of armco resulting in a 4 hour repair) - the circuit blew me away! The Exige rewards smooth accurate driving (well fairly....) with predictable and precise handling. After a few sessions I didn't know which put the bigger smile on my face the Exige or Spa itself. On the next day (Thursday) I found that the circuit demands respect, but also that whilst so does the Exige it is also beautifully controllable. This was made clear to me when taking my wife out for the first time, I failed to allow for the additional weight (although only 8 stone) of the passenger. At Spa on a certain right hand corner, I think called Bruxelles, it has a pronounced adverse camber and as I turned in it snapped away from me. Luckily, with the relatively low weight and centre of gravity of the Lotus (and I like to think twiddling the steering wheel the right way) it spun neatly across the curb through 360 deg and I was able to select 2nd gear and continue. I had a few more fabulous sessions until I very reluctantly had to return the Exige.
A very memorable experience on a fantastic circuit with a superb car - could it have been any better in the SR3? I relish the opportunity to find out. I suspect different - yes, but better? I doubt it.
Glad you enjoyed spa! very jealous!
yep, the new exige is as good as the last, took it around bedford aerodrome in may.......handling feels a might more spongy, and the lag before 6000rpm (ish, it was a while ago now!) feels a bit odd compared to the S1, but it still goes like hell! (from what i've read the supercharger makes it a little quicker.....I wasn't looking at the speedo much!)
the handling is just as awsome though and just like the s1, if you drive it right, you can push it amazingly fast in the corners! and it's still my favorite of the track club fleet (cheers for gettin the new one steve!!!!) saying that, going round oulton park next week in the csr might sway me......we'll see!
Chris
yep, the new exige is as good as the last, took it around bedford aerodrome in may.......handling feels a might more spongy, and the lag before 6000rpm (ish, it was a while ago now!) feels a bit odd compared to the S1, but it still goes like hell! (from what i've read the supercharger makes it a little quicker.....I wasn't looking at the speedo much!)
the handling is just as awsome though and just like the s1, if you drive it right, you can push it amazingly fast in the corners! and it's still my favorite of the track club fleet (cheers for gettin the new one steve!!!!) saying that, going round oulton park next week in the csr might sway me......we'll see!
Chris
Track Club Forum | Track Club Forum | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff