Exige S Vs. Cayman R
Discussion
Thanks to Jamie at Bell & Colvill for organising a quick drive in an Exige S yesterday.
The car is utterly epic - super quick, agile and a huge amount of fun to drive. I know that Lotus have been criticised for a poor gearbox, but I had no issues with it whatsoever. The whole experience of driving it is absolutely first class a truly immersive feeling. The steering is incredible, so much feel and the chassis is really communicative. I was also really impressed with the sheer grunt of that engine. If you put your foot down in any gear, the car just takes off like a scalded cat and it makes an incredible noise.
To be honest 20-30 minutes was nowhere near enough time to really enjoy it - I reckon that once you got used to it, it would be all but untouchable on road or track.
I spent most of the time trying to find enough space to give it its head but you really need a lot of space for that, which sadly was not available. I really would love one as a 3rd car -it's perfect and the Gulf blue example of the Cup they have in there is not only mind-bendingly gorgeous, it's also a scarcely credible 100kg lighter than the S - that's the one I want when the time comes - epic, epic car.
So what did the CR feel like after that?
Well, to start off with I just pootled down to East Horsley in the CR, so getting into the Exige S and hoofing it felt like a marked difference. However, having gone into "drive faster" mode in the Exige, getting back into the CR was something of a revelation. The first thing I thought was, "blimey this steering wheel feels large enough to be part of a bus", immediately after that was, "hmmm there's a lot of space in here" followed quickly by "have I got into a limo by mistake, this ride is a lot more cushioning than I recall, doesn't feel very focused at all". And then I gunned it and thought "good grief, it has way more grip than I was expecting and damn isn't it easy to drive?" By the time I got home, I was wondering why I'd felt the Exige S was so good at all!
It's funny - I've no idea why but I've never loved the CR like I loved the GTS - it's mind-meltingly brilliant but for some reason just doesn't tug at my heart strings like the GTS did or more focused cars tend to but every single time I drive it, I'm just so impressed with it. It can do everything, pootle, blatt, motorway journeys, track days - you name the condition, it handles it with aplomb. I really don't know what I'll replace it with, I'm not sure how you can improve upon it, although Parr are going to give it a good go today - I'll let you know if it works!
The car is utterly epic - super quick, agile and a huge amount of fun to drive. I know that Lotus have been criticised for a poor gearbox, but I had no issues with it whatsoever. The whole experience of driving it is absolutely first class a truly immersive feeling. The steering is incredible, so much feel and the chassis is really communicative. I was also really impressed with the sheer grunt of that engine. If you put your foot down in any gear, the car just takes off like a scalded cat and it makes an incredible noise.
To be honest 20-30 minutes was nowhere near enough time to really enjoy it - I reckon that once you got used to it, it would be all but untouchable on road or track.
I spent most of the time trying to find enough space to give it its head but you really need a lot of space for that, which sadly was not available. I really would love one as a 3rd car -it's perfect and the Gulf blue example of the Cup they have in there is not only mind-bendingly gorgeous, it's also a scarcely credible 100kg lighter than the S - that's the one I want when the time comes - epic, epic car.
So what did the CR feel like after that?
Well, to start off with I just pootled down to East Horsley in the CR, so getting into the Exige S and hoofing it felt like a marked difference. However, having gone into "drive faster" mode in the Exige, getting back into the CR was something of a revelation. The first thing I thought was, "blimey this steering wheel feels large enough to be part of a bus", immediately after that was, "hmmm there's a lot of space in here" followed quickly by "have I got into a limo by mistake, this ride is a lot more cushioning than I recall, doesn't feel very focused at all". And then I gunned it and thought "good grief, it has way more grip than I was expecting and damn isn't it easy to drive?" By the time I got home, I was wondering why I'd felt the Exige S was so good at all!
It's funny - I've no idea why but I've never loved the CR like I loved the GTS - it's mind-meltingly brilliant but for some reason just doesn't tug at my heart strings like the GTS did or more focused cars tend to but every single time I drive it, I'm just so impressed with it. It can do everything, pootle, blatt, motorway journeys, track days - you name the condition, it handles it with aplomb. I really don't know what I'll replace it with, I'm not sure how you can improve upon it, although Parr are going to give it a good go today - I'll let you know if it works!
J-P said:
It's funny - I've no idea why but I've never loved the CR like I loved the GTS - it's mind-meltingly brilliant but for some reason just doesn't tug at my heart strings like the GTS did or more focused cars tend to but every single time I drive it, I'm just so impressed with it. It can do everything, pootle, blatt, motorway journeys, track days - you name the condition, it handles it with aplomb. I really don't know what I'll replace it with, I'm not sure how you can improve upon it, although Parr are going to give it a good go today - I'll let you know if it works!
I think you're hitting the issue a couple of people (me included) have with the CR: it is a very accomplished clinical tool that is so easy to rationalise and makes a lot of sense for various reasons. Technically balanced, honed, etc. It's a Porsche carefully calculated and rationalised by the head. For some, this is all the reason one needs and they will ardently fight the rational corner.But for many, the heart will always desire something beginning with '911'
spareparts said:
J-P said:
It's funny - I've no idea why but I've never loved the CR like I loved the GTS - it's mind-meltingly brilliant but for some reason just doesn't tug at my heart strings like the GTS did or more focused cars tend to but every single time I drive it, I'm just so impressed with it. It can do everything, pootle, blatt, motorway journeys, track days - you name the condition, it handles it with aplomb. I really don't know what I'll replace it with, I'm not sure how you can improve upon it, although Parr are going to give it a good go today - I'll let you know if it works!
I think you're hitting the issue a couple of people (me included) have with the CR: it is a very accomplished clinical tool that is so easy to rationalise and makes a lot of sense for various reasons. Technically balanced, honed, etc. It's a Porsche carefully calculated and rationalised by the head. For some, this is all the reason one needs and they will ardently fight the rational corner.But for many, the heart will always desire something beginning with '911'
Interesting video of the new Cayman S and an Evora S on track at Blyton by Auto Express
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYvr38OOAOE
Must admit the result was a surprise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYvr38OOAOE
Must admit the result was a surprise.
HokumPokum said:
so which is better in your opinion after the back to back drive? If you didn't have a CR already.. what would you buy?
Great question! Really, really hard to answer but I'll give it a go. If I did more track days and didn't ever use my car for work, then I'd almost certainly go for the Exige Cup - it's just a way more focused and exciting car. Everything about it screams focus - and as such I believe it could be a bit of a hassle on a motorway jaunt. It's much more like a GT3RS than any Cayman in the way that it drives.But for the way I use my car now, the CR is the better bet.
It is funny J-P I totally agree with you. I had a Cayman R and loved it, it is a fantastic car, I loved the two boots for storage, the handling, but for some reason it left me a bit cold. I bought a GTS in November with 3,000 miles on and every time I drive it I love it. Not sure why, but then I loved my 993 so maybe there is a 911 argument. I drove the 991 as well but there is something about this car that I just like, who knows what but that is what it is all about. You just have to like it.
It is funny J-P I totally agree with you. I had a Cayman R and loved it, it is a fantastic car, I loved the two boots for storage, the handling, but for some reason it left me a bit cold. I bought a GTS in November with 3,000 miles on and every time I drive it I love it. Not sure why, but then I loved my 993 so maybe there is a 911 argument. I drove the 991 as well but there is something about this car that I just like, who knows what but that is what it is all about. You just have to like it.
I currently own a Cayman R and also a modified S2 Exige (Nitrons, 300bhp etc). I’ve also driven the New Exige V6 several times…
Biggest let down for me driving the Exige V6 was the gearbox/engine. The engine felt prehistoric, gearchange horrific and the ratios far too long. Although the steering is very communicative, the chassis really is starting to show its age (20 years old now).
The Cayman R in comparison is just perfect to drive, although I am a little surpised by ths comments about the Exige being much more exciting to drive...maybe if tramlining and feeling/hearing every crash in the road is classed as exciting. My only criticism would be the super size steering wheel (compared to the Exige), cup tyres as an option, a little bit more weight loss and a further 50bhp…..but then we would have some rivalling the GT3 then
The Exige is generally not that much different from the previous one. This alone is why I don’t think it will sell……spending £60k on a Lotus with the same poor build quality, handling and interior as the last one but with a little bit more straight line speed shows serious commitment to the brand. I really wanted to like the car, but sadly I won’t be buying one anytime soon.
Biggest let down for me driving the Exige V6 was the gearbox/engine. The engine felt prehistoric, gearchange horrific and the ratios far too long. Although the steering is very communicative, the chassis really is starting to show its age (20 years old now).
The Cayman R in comparison is just perfect to drive, although I am a little surpised by ths comments about the Exige being much more exciting to drive...maybe if tramlining and feeling/hearing every crash in the road is classed as exciting. My only criticism would be the super size steering wheel (compared to the Exige), cup tyres as an option, a little bit more weight loss and a further 50bhp…..but then we would have some rivalling the GT3 then
The Exige is generally not that much different from the previous one. This alone is why I don’t think it will sell……spending £60k on a Lotus with the same poor build quality, handling and interior as the last one but with a little bit more straight line speed shows serious commitment to the brand. I really wanted to like the car, but sadly I won’t be buying one anytime soon.
n17ves said:
I currently own a Cayman R and also a modified S2 Exige (Nitrons, 300bhp etc). I’ve also driven the New Exige V6 several times…
Biggest let down for me driving the Exige V6 was the gearbox/engine. The engine felt prehistoric, gearchange horrific and the ratios far too long. Although the steering is very communicative, the chassis really is starting to show its age (20 years old now).
The Cayman R in comparison is just perfect to drive, although I am a little surpised by ths comments about the Exige being much more exciting to drive...maybe if tramlining and feeling/hearing every crash in the road is classed as exciting. My only criticism would be the super size steering wheel (compared to the Exige), cup tyres as an option, a little bit more weight loss and a further 50bhp…..but then we would have some rivalling the GT3 then
The Exige is generally not that much different from the previous one. This alone is why I don’t think it will sell……spending £60k on a Lotus with the same poor build quality, handling and interior as the last one but with a little bit more straight line speed shows serious commitment to the brand. I really wanted to like the car, but sadly I won’t be buying one anytime soon.
Have you driven one recently? I found the gearbox a engine a real highlight of the Exige S, so much so that I really couldn't understand all of the negative comments about it - also interior quality of the Cup is miles ahead of the Evora I tried just 2 years ago.Biggest let down for me driving the Exige V6 was the gearbox/engine. The engine felt prehistoric, gearchange horrific and the ratios far too long. Although the steering is very communicative, the chassis really is starting to show its age (20 years old now).
The Cayman R in comparison is just perfect to drive, although I am a little surpised by ths comments about the Exige being much more exciting to drive...maybe if tramlining and feeling/hearing every crash in the road is classed as exciting. My only criticism would be the super size steering wheel (compared to the Exige), cup tyres as an option, a little bit more weight loss and a further 50bhp…..but then we would have some rivalling the GT3 then
The Exige is generally not that much different from the previous one. This alone is why I don’t think it will sell……spending £60k on a Lotus with the same poor build quality, handling and interior as the last one but with a little bit more straight line speed shows serious commitment to the brand. I really wanted to like the car, but sadly I won’t be buying one anytime soon.
J-P said:
n17ves said:
I currently own a Cayman R and also a modified S2 Exige (Nitrons, 300bhp etc). I’ve also driven the New Exige V6 several times…
Biggest let down for me driving the Exige V6 was the gearbox/engine. The engine felt prehistoric, gearchange horrific and the ratios far too long. Although the steering is very communicative, the chassis really is starting to show its age (20 years old now).
The Cayman R in comparison is just perfect to drive, although I am a little surpised by ths comments about the Exige being much more exciting to drive...maybe if tramlining and feeling/hearing every crash in the road is classed as exciting. My only criticism would be the super size steering wheel (compared to the Exige), cup tyres as an option, a little bit more weight loss and a further 50bhp…..but then we would have some rivalling the GT3 then
The Exige is generally not that much different from the previous one. This alone is why I don’t think it will sell……spending £60k on a Lotus with the same poor build quality, handling and interior as the last one but with a little bit more straight line speed shows serious commitment to the brand. I really wanted to like the car, but sadly I won’t be buying one anytime soon.
Have you driven one recently? I found the gearbox a engine a real highlight of the Exige S, so much so that I really couldn't understand all of the negative comments about it - also interior quality of the Cup is miles ahead of the Evora I tried just 2 years ago.Biggest let down for me driving the Exige V6 was the gearbox/engine. The engine felt prehistoric, gearchange horrific and the ratios far too long. Although the steering is very communicative, the chassis really is starting to show its age (20 years old now).
The Cayman R in comparison is just perfect to drive, although I am a little surpised by ths comments about the Exige being much more exciting to drive...maybe if tramlining and feeling/hearing every crash in the road is classed as exciting. My only criticism would be the super size steering wheel (compared to the Exige), cup tyres as an option, a little bit more weight loss and a further 50bhp…..but then we would have some rivalling the GT3 then
The Exige is generally not that much different from the previous one. This alone is why I don’t think it will sell……spending £60k on a Lotus with the same poor build quality, handling and interior as the last one but with a little bit more straight line speed shows serious commitment to the brand. I really wanted to like the car, but sadly I won’t be buying one anytime soon.
The gearbox is terrible....pretty similair throw to the S2 infact, but the ratios on the S2 were much better. Also the non linear throttle pedal is extremely annoying for heel and toe which takes some getting use to. An extended testdrive would probably highlight some of these faults, including the build quality which is probably the biggest failing for Lotus.
J-P said:
Fair enough - there must be a marked difference between models then.
I don't think the interior looks that bad... I like it.
I think the biggest issue for me is the interior is exactly the same as my 2006 Exige. The vaxuhall switch gear, rattles and metro mirrors should have been chucked in the bin with teh new Exige V6. Nothing wrong with this, just notnot right for £60k worth I don't think the interior looks that bad... I like it.
n17ves said:
J-P said:
Fair enough - there must be a marked difference between models then.
I don't think the interior looks that bad... I like it.
I think the biggest issue for me is the interior is exactly the same as my 2006 Exige. The vaxuhall switch gear, rattles and metro mirrors should have been chucked in the bin with teh new Exige V6. Nothing wrong with this, just notnot right for £60k worth I don't think the interior looks that bad... I like it.
This a very interesting topic for me.
Having had a 2010 Exige S with Ohlins fitted (unfortunately not for long enough) the new V6 is a car that I could replace the Spyder with - I feel I have unfinished business with the Exige.
My biggest concern is possibly that the interior is exactly the same as the old model.
£60k is, I feel, way too much money for an old interior. ( I know, not the be all and end all)
I'm also unsure of the engine - does it feel better than the old one ( bigger yes, but better?), heavier surely?
As much as I think it looks an awesome car, it's quite a dilemma!
My other issue is that my local dealer doesn't seem to be able to get a car for me to drive, which doesn't help...
Having had a 2010 Exige S with Ohlins fitted (unfortunately not for long enough) the new V6 is a car that I could replace the Spyder with - I feel I have unfinished business with the Exige.
My biggest concern is possibly that the interior is exactly the same as the old model.
£60k is, I feel, way too much money for an old interior. ( I know, not the be all and end all)
I'm also unsure of the engine - does it feel better than the old one ( bigger yes, but better?), heavier surely?
As much as I think it looks an awesome car, it's quite a dilemma!
My other issue is that my local dealer doesn't seem to be able to get a car for me to drive, which doesn't help...
Zyp said:
This a very interesting topic for me.
Having had a 2010 Exige S with Ohlins fitted (unfortunately not for long enough) the new V6 is a car that I could replace the Spyder with - I feel I have unfinished business with the Exige.
My biggest concern is possibly that the interior is exactly the same as the old model.
£60k is, I feel, way too much money for an old interior. ( I know, not the be all and end all)
I'm also unsure of the engine - does it feel better than the old one ( bigger yes, but better?), heavier surely?
As much as I think it looks an awesome car, it's quite a dilemma!
My other issue is that my local dealer doesn't seem to be able to get a car for me to drive, which doesn't help...
To me, the Exige S feels like a race car - it's very noisy, you can hear stones hitting it all over the place etc and compared to most race cars I've been in the interior is fine. What you're paying for is the experience, which is absolutely first rate (or was for me today). A GT3 is at least £110k with options, when I spec'd one of those up earlier it actually came to £120k - Is the Exige worth half of that? Having had a 2010 Exige S with Ohlins fitted (unfortunately not for long enough) the new V6 is a car that I could replace the Spyder with - I feel I have unfinished business with the Exige.
My biggest concern is possibly that the interior is exactly the same as the old model.
£60k is, I feel, way too much money for an old interior. ( I know, not the be all and end all)
I'm also unsure of the engine - does it feel better than the old one ( bigger yes, but better?), heavier surely?
As much as I think it looks an awesome car, it's quite a dilemma!
My other issue is that my local dealer doesn't seem to be able to get a car for me to drive, which doesn't help...
There is also the thought that one should perhaps compare a GT3 variant at a comparable price point (which the 2013 GT3 is not really)
So...
1. Exige S vs Cayman R vs 6GT3 vs 7GT3
2. Exige V6 vs 6GT3RS vs 7.1GT3 vs 7.1GT3RS vs 7.2GT3
3. All the above!
(Ok, some of the 997s are probably a bit more expensive but within a £10k shout)
So...
1. Exige S vs Cayman R vs 6GT3 vs 7GT3
2. Exige V6 vs 6GT3RS vs 7.1GT3 vs 7.1GT3RS vs 7.2GT3
3. All the above!
(Ok, some of the 997s are probably a bit more expensive but within a £10k shout)
J-P said:
To me, the Exige S feels like a race car - it's very noisy, you can hear stones hitting it all over the place etc and compared to most race cars I've been in the interior is fine. What you're paying for is the experience, which is absolutely first rate (or was for me today). A GT3 is at least £110k with options, when I spec'd one of those up earlier it actually came to £120k - Is the Exige worth half of that?
For me the Exige doesnt feel like a race car, but then I have owned a vx220/Exige for the past 8 years so may have become quite use to the cars. If its more of a track/race car that you want, then surely a 211 or Caterham would a far better proposition.I decided to save the cash and keep my modified Exige but fit GT3 body panels. Each to the own I guess.
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