Lotus Exige Sport 350
Discussion
Yep, it's another one of those Loti with a V6 in the boot.
About 10 years ago, I was very lucky to have a morning driving round Silverstone under the instruction of Barry 'Whizzo' Williams. Barry has sadly since passed away, but my memory of him and that day is just as clear now as it was back then.
I still remember the analogy he gave when trying to teach me to drive smoothly: "Imagine I have a bowl of soup on my lap.....make sure you don't spill any of it!"
The car in question was an S2 Exige S. This was my first time driving something with poke as well as my first foray onto a circuit.
Ever since that day, I've held the Exige in a rather high regard. The answer to the practical-ish performace car question? Maybe...
A snap from the day. Back then I resembled Big Bird from Sesame Street.
When I say "practical-ish", I mean being able to drive long distances in relative comfort without getting cold or wet. Something my old Caterham unfortunately couldn't offer.
Thoughts of hauling up to Scotland to do the NC500 or down to France for some alpine passes are now within reach.
I found this one for sale at a Porsche dealer at what looked like a good price. It's not quite a year old with only 1,500 miles on the clock. And a big plus for me are the Lotus forged wheels.
I had to nip back to work straight after it was delivered on Friday afternoon so play time was put on hold for a few hours.
Into the garage it went next to the MX5 (which has STILL not sold!).
After work, the heavens opened and the sky turned black. Not the best conditions to take an unfamiliar car over Snakes Pass...
It was pretty busy and I didn't really push too hard. I can confirm however that it has loads of grip and the traction control works quite well...
Refuelling on the way back home:
Since then, it's had a wash and been driven to work a couple of times.
Plans:
- Explore roads further afield and continue attending trackdays.
- Anodise black: rear wing struts, filler cap surround and gear knob.
- Wrap/paint side intakes black.
- Paint red; gear linkage surround, window switch surround and heater control surround.
In the long term, I might get an LSD fitted but we'll see how I get on at the track first...
Just dropped it off this lunch at a local wrapping company to stick on black stone guards (like the Cup 430) just in front of the rear wheels.
Was supposed to take it to the Lake District this weekend but that plan has been scuppered by unnecessary luggage. I suppose it isn't that practical afterall! Although, I could make my girlfriend take the train...
About 10 years ago, I was very lucky to have a morning driving round Silverstone under the instruction of Barry 'Whizzo' Williams. Barry has sadly since passed away, but my memory of him and that day is just as clear now as it was back then.
I still remember the analogy he gave when trying to teach me to drive smoothly: "Imagine I have a bowl of soup on my lap.....make sure you don't spill any of it!"
The car in question was an S2 Exige S. This was my first time driving something with poke as well as my first foray onto a circuit.
Ever since that day, I've held the Exige in a rather high regard. The answer to the practical-ish performace car question? Maybe...
A snap from the day. Back then I resembled Big Bird from Sesame Street.
When I say "practical-ish", I mean being able to drive long distances in relative comfort without getting cold or wet. Something my old Caterham unfortunately couldn't offer.
Thoughts of hauling up to Scotland to do the NC500 or down to France for some alpine passes are now within reach.
I found this one for sale at a Porsche dealer at what looked like a good price. It's not quite a year old with only 1,500 miles on the clock. And a big plus for me are the Lotus forged wheels.
I had to nip back to work straight after it was delivered on Friday afternoon so play time was put on hold for a few hours.
Into the garage it went next to the MX5 (which has STILL not sold!).
After work, the heavens opened and the sky turned black. Not the best conditions to take an unfamiliar car over Snakes Pass...
It was pretty busy and I didn't really push too hard. I can confirm however that it has loads of grip and the traction control works quite well...
Refuelling on the way back home:
Since then, it's had a wash and been driven to work a couple of times.
Plans:
- Explore roads further afield and continue attending trackdays.
- Anodise black: rear wing struts, filler cap surround and gear knob.
- Wrap/paint side intakes black.
- Paint red; gear linkage surround, window switch surround and heater control surround.
In the long term, I might get an LSD fitted but we'll see how I get on at the track first...
Just dropped it off this lunch at a local wrapping company to stick on black stone guards (like the Cup 430) just in front of the rear wheels.
Was supposed to take it to the Lake District this weekend but that plan has been scuppered by unnecessary luggage. I suppose it isn't that practical afterall! Although, I could make my girlfriend take the train...
Tickle said:
Very nice!
Forged wheels and exposed gate would be on my list of 'must haves' on a V6.
Will give you a shout in the spring or if there are and dry weekends soon for a blast to North Wales.
Thanks mate. Looking forward to going for a blast - soon hopefully. Forged wheels and exposed gate would be on my list of 'must haves' on a V6.
Will give you a shout in the spring or if there are and dry weekends soon for a blast to North Wales.
I'll be doing a track day at Anglesey in December, but can't imagine the conditions on the mountain roads will be ideal at that time of year. Would be good to squeaze something in before the gritters show up!
A quick update...
I picked the car up from the wrappers yesterday having had some stone guards applied. Not 100% sure I like them - might take a bit of time to get used to I suppose.
A towing eye arrived through the post today...
I know some track day organisers require one to be fitted during track time so thought, why not. Also, I'd be fibbing if I didn't admit I wanted one because it's looks cool or "race car" as everyone says these days.
The Exige does already have a factory fitted towing post/hoop but it requires removal of the front grill to gain access to. This one needs a slat cutting in the grill for it to protrude just above the number plate.
Off up to the Lakes via the North Yorkshire Moors this weekend... Should be fun!
Here's a snap from the last week where the two toys came out to play. MX5 still for sale....
I know some track day organisers require one to be fitted during track time so thought, why not. Also, I'd be fibbing if I didn't admit I wanted one because it's looks cool or "race car" as everyone says these days.
The Exige does already have a factory fitted towing post/hoop but it requires removal of the front grill to gain access to. This one needs a slat cutting in the grill for it to protrude just above the number plate.
Off up to the Lakes via the North Yorkshire Moors this weekend... Should be fun!
Here's a snap from the last week where the two toys came out to play. MX5 still for sale....
Looks great! I think with a few styling mods from the Cup cars or whatever they are called will really add to it.
Interested in hearing how they handle daily duties and longer trips, as they look a bargain compared to the GT3s. Modern GT3s are so usable they are like owning a Carrera, with virtually no downsides. But there is the small of them being - what - £50k+ more on the second hand market?
Interested in hearing how they handle daily duties and longer trips, as they look a bargain compared to the GT3s. Modern GT3s are so usable they are like owning a Carrera, with virtually no downsides. But there is the small of them being - what - £50k+ more on the second hand market?
ECG1000 said:
A towing eye arrived through the post today...
I know some track day organisers require one to be fitted during track time so thought, why not. Also, I'd be fibbing if I didn't admit I wanted one because it's looks cool or "race car" as everyone says these days.
The Exige does already have a factory fitted towing post/hoop but it requires removal of the front grill to gain access to. This one needs a slat cutting in the grill for it to protrude just above the number plate.
Off up to the Lakes via the North Yorkshire Moors this weekend... Should be fun!
Here's a snap from the last week where the two toys came out to play. MX5 still for sale....
Loving the Lotus!! Before I get shot down in flames, I'm a big MX5 fan and the mk3 is a cracking car. But, that picture of them side by side reminds me of those pictures you see of a really fit, skinny girl, stood next to her porky, not so attractive friend..... I know some track day organisers require one to be fitted during track time so thought, why not. Also, I'd be fibbing if I didn't admit I wanted one because it's looks cool or "race car" as everyone says these days.
The Exige does already have a factory fitted towing post/hoop but it requires removal of the front grill to gain access to. This one needs a slat cutting in the grill for it to protrude just above the number plate.
Off up to the Lakes via the North Yorkshire Moors this weekend... Should be fun!
Here's a snap from the last week where the two toys came out to play. MX5 still for sale....
573 said:
Nice choice Charlie. A few friends have V6s in various specs and I've driven a few of them. They're definitely in my consideration for next fun car.
Thank you mate 
Definitely a fun car. Still getting used to it but the more I drive it with intent, the better it gets!
hondansx said:
Looks great! I think with a few styling mods from the Cup cars or whatever they are called will really add to it.
Interested in hearing how they handle daily duties and longer trips, as they look a bargain compared to the GT3s. Modern GT3s are so usable they are like owning a Carrera, with virtually no downsides. But there is the small of them being - what - £50k+ more on the second hand market?
Thank you :-)Interested in hearing how they handle daily duties and longer trips, as they look a bargain compared to the GT3s. Modern GT3s are so usable they are like owning a Carrera, with virtually no downsides. But there is the small of them being - what - £50k+ more on the second hand market?
I'm toying with getting the front bumper part-wrapped like a cup car. Just makes it look a bit meaner.
I wouldn't recommend one for daily duties to be brutally honest. They a bugger to get in and out of, and they're low, so speed bumps/driveways need extra caution. Plus, it's frustrating creeping in traffic when you've got the performance under your right foot. Having said that, I'm used to commuting in a big comfy Discovery so it's a stark contrast.
Although, once you're in, the cabin is fairly comfy so long journeys shouldn't be difficult. I'll report back after this weekend's events.
I’ve done a fair bit of driving in a manual 991.2 GT3 over the last few months. This is what planted the seed for me to get an Exige - it's the nearest thing to it (performance-wise) I could stretch to without selling my teeth/liver etc.
Yep, they are very useable day-to-day. Easy to get in and out of, infotainment etc, quiet-ish when needed and you can even jack the nose up to nip over nasty bumps.
The biggest difference between driving the two is how raw the Exige is in comparison. For a weekend toy is great because it makes being in it an event. The Lotus has NVH everywhere, where as the GT3 has it in just the right places to remind you that you're pedalling a weapon but not getting deafened in the process. I think Porsche have been very clever with this so can totally see the value in the car, even at a "flippers" price to some extent.
Andy_5 said:
Loving the Lotus!! Before I get shot down in flames, I'm a big MX5 fan and the mk3 is a cracking car. But, that picture of them side by side reminds me of those pictures you see of a really fit, skinny girl, stood next to her porky, not so attractive friend.....
Hahaha! I know exactly what you mean. The MX5 looks like a big blob in comparison!CABC said:
why not keep the Mazda? an excellent duo imo. I'd certainly enjoy the contrast of both while you have them both.
My reasoning behind getting the Exige was to combine (close to) the thrills of my recently sold Caterham and somewhere near the practicalities on the MX5. Getting out of the Exige (not gracefully) and into the MX5 makes it feel a bit soft and sluggish in comparison.It gets a bit silly running two toys so the MX5 has to go.
But yes, I did enjoy swapping between the two the other night; especially when a yoof in his sooped up Leon tried it on at the lights. Safe to say the hairdresser got the last laugh
Edited by ECG1000 on Friday 19th October 14:25
ECG1000 said:
My reasoning behind getting the Exige was to combine (close to) the thrills of my recently sold Caterham and somewhere near the practicalities on the MX5. Getting out of the Exige (not gracefully) and into the MX5 makes it feel a bit soft and sluggish in comparison.
It gets a bit silly running two toys so the MX5 has to go.
But yes, I did enjoy swapping between the two the other night; especially when a yoof in his sooped up Leon tried it on at the lights. Safe to say the hairdresser got the last laugh
one of the enjoyments of a 'fleet' is the comparison and contrast over time.It gets a bit silly running two toys so the MX5 has to go.
But yes, I did enjoy swapping between the two the other night; especially when a yoof in his sooped up Leon tried it on at the lights. Safe to say the hairdresser got the last laugh
Edited by ECG1000 on Friday 19th October 14:25
2 toys is just starting
besides, running costs of your 2 is low. and the BBR will keep its value.
btw, is the BBR on std suspension?
CABC said:
one of the enjoyments of a 'fleet' is the comparison and contrast over time.
2 toys is just starting
besides, running costs of your 2 is low. and the BBR will keep its value.
btw, is the BBR on std suspension?
Definitely a lot of man mans going on there! 2 toys is just starting
besides, running costs of your 2 is low. and the BBR will keep its value.
btw, is the BBR on std suspension?
The MX5 is on BBR springs, dampers and adjustable ARBs.
Well, I made it back from North Yorkshire and the Lakes in one piece.
I won't bore you with an account of the drive or how I took such and such a corner at one million miles per hour. All I'll say is I'm now obsessed with the car and find it such an event to drive, even if I’m just trundling along.
Here are some snaps from Friday night up in the moors. Must take more of the front...
G111MDS said:
that's an absolutely lovely Exige - enjoy!
Thank you very much.Andy665 said:
Stunning car - the Exige is becoming almost 911 like in its evolution
Thanks mate. They’re certainly going that way in terms of list price... 
5er said:
Very nice. As someone who is probably going to go forced induction with my Mk3 MX5 and has started to develop a real hankering for a Lotus, I can say I am a little jealous of your current duo.
I imagine the Exige is leagues ahead in the fun stakes. Looks great in white, too.
Thank you :-)I imagine the Exige is leagues ahead in the fun stakes. Looks great in white, too.
A turbo MX5 is certainly a lot of fun. Especially when you get people trying it on expecting to blow you into the weeds, when in actual fact, the boot is firmly on the other foot!
RS Grant said:
Great looking car and some lovely photos too. 
Cheers mate.I've been enjoying your M3 thread too!
Well, I got bored last night and decided to fit my towing eye.
I peered through the grill earlier this week and noticed the bolts that attach the tow bar were looking a bit rusty (on a 10 month old car...), they had also stained the tow bar itself.
So I pulled everything off, gave the bar a fresh lick of paint and bought some new bolts. The shop had some brass ones in that I couldn't resist. I am a tart after all...
A chap over on the Lotus forums thinks that brass might not be up to the job in terms of strength? The bolts look to go into rivnuts which can't be that strong, so I'm hoping choosing brass won't be an issue. Any metal experts who can shed light on this?
The towing eye sits atop the lower bracket of the bar; the same bolts do everything up again.
Fresh paint and blingy brass. Not that anyone will ever be able to look this closely...
I picked up a "Lidl special" dremel the other day which made mince-meat of the grill.
Back together:
I've switched over to my private plates now.
However, I can't use the front one that was on the Caterham because it's tiny. I'd have to butcher the plinth on the Lotus to make it all work. Instead, I've been sensible and ordered a full size one. Waiting for the postman now.
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