111R Test-drive

[X-Box]

Hi,

Just thought I’d share my views after some 40mins behind the wheel of a new S2 111R.

Prior Elise experience was limited to a couple of S1 test-drives – a standard car and the then newly launched 111s, so we’re talking a good few years back. I was coming from a Boxster, and unfortunately didn’t get on to well with the Elise. Rather sadly, I decided to close the Elise-chapter, until now. . . . . . . . .

So today, I visited Bell & Colvill for a drive in a 111R. The car looked great, Storm Titanium with black leather. No misty windows, and all very dry inside following its wash - a good start. Of we went:

- Not too-much engine noise
- Quieter suspension than I remember
- Hardly any road noise
- Slight wind noise with the soft-top in place

So we’re still going well. Then I get behind the wheel

- It was great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Lovely tractable engine
- No complaints at low revs/high gear (lazy oops!)
- Nice progressive power delivery, with a useful kick around 6k-rpm
- Great traction
- Nice big-car planted feel

To summarise, I liked it lots and will hopefully be in a position to order with the next couple of weeks.

Very happy !!!!!!!!!

[Bonce]

Now that is EXACTLY the kind of story Lotus were wanting to hear after releasing the 111R... Converting Boxter owners!

Glad you liked the car, keep us posted with your progress. When do you think you'll be taking delivery of your new car?

[u415270]

I sold my 03 reg Boxster after falling for the charms of the 111R. As well as all of your comments I should add that after 2K miles all is still well. The interior is first rate and only one odd rattle differentiates this from the Porka. The car is also far more exclusive and eye catching if that is your thing. Check out my pics.

[scoobybloke]

Interesting reading. I test drove a 111R at the weekend. I'm looking to change my Impreza for something a little different

I've been in quite a few Elise's mostly S1s. Had some fabulous laps around the Ring in a standard S1.

This was my first experience of the S2. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I was seriously impressed. Build quality is much improved and the Celica engine should hopefully mean that the car is nice and reliable.

Performance wise - as soon as the car was rolling you could see what all the fuss is about. Lovely neutral handling, no roll through the corners (made me realise how much the Scoob rolls!). Ride quality was very good. Didn't get to play high in the rev range much, as this was a brand new car. Still very quick at lower revs and the 6 speed gearbox was beautifully smooth and precise.

I'm starting to feel the pull of a 111R in nightfall blue with the touring pack fitted

Thanks to Ian at Castle Lotus who looked after me and answered all my daft questions!

Chris

>> Edited by scoobybloke on Monday 18th October 21:21

[X-Box]

Biggest negative has gotta be the price - not that I'm saying its not worth the money.

£27995, but they strip out all the goodies added to the 111S, above base Elise spec, then £1995 to buy them back in the Touring Pack

Then £1295 for AC, fair enough, £595 metallic.

Before you know it £31880 - gulp!

[jfrf]

i read you could get the basic car and metallic paint for 27k with a bit of haggling

No need for air con. if its too hot, take the roof off.
other stuff is not really necessary. eg eleccy windows.

[DanH]

I'd get the aircon, fair amount of heatsoak with this new engine. If you only plan to use it on sunny weekends then no problem, but otherwise you'd be mad.

When its really hot I found it was cooler to keep the roof on anyway!

[b3ves]

I would definitely go for aircon. It's much better at demisting the screen.

[kal-el]

Christ this thread sounds like a mothers meeting what with all the talk of electric windows and air-con!
It's an Elise with a cracking 189Bhp engine and a six speed box, so who cares if it has air-con?

Go buy a boxster or an MX5 or something.

)

[Scotte]

MX5 !!!

you should be fined for mentioning such a girly car in this newsgroup : ) unfortunately I would also get fined so scrap that idea (and any MX5s) - doh !

[S Works]

kal-el & Scotte

10 press-ups please both of you. And no more talk of that or it'll burpees next

>> Edited by S Works on Wednesday 20th October 17:00

[X-Box]

Horses for courses.

I'd be using the car as my main transport, so....

- AC for demisting the windscreen is GOOD
- Touring pack is also GOOD

Then I can enjoy the cracking 189BHP every day, and not just weekends and track days.

Am I totally missing the point, or am I totally getting the point??????

It struck me that Lotus had positioned the 111R as a genuine alternative to Boxster/TTR/Z4/SLK - for someone that wants a focused hardcore sports car, with just enough comforts for everyday use.

Or am I deluded?


>> Edited by X-Box on Wednesday 20th October 17:41

[b3ves]

X-Box said:

It struck me that Lotus had positioned the 111R as a genuine alternative to Boxster/TTR/Z4/SLK - for someone that wants a focused hardcore sports car, with just enough comforts for everyday use. Or am I deluded?

Yep, that's how I see it. I went for aircon and touring pack as they don't add enough weight to make a difference when going flat out against one without. I know, I've tried...

I then found that I wanted (even) more 'hardcore' handling, so I changed suspension, wheels & tyres for Exige S2 spec.

The only thing I would change with hindsight would be to have specified alcantara and not leather. The leather is not grippy enough when throwing the car around, so now I need a harness...

[jfrf]

£1200 just to demist a screen

Cant say its that bad with my current s2 with no aircon

[X-Box]

jfrf said:

£1200 just to demist a screen

Creased suit is one thing, sweaty b@ll@cks 'n' armpits is something else

[jfrf]

not being argumentative but i dont think u need the touring pack for every day use

from what i can see its mainly carpets, leather, alcantara, electric windows and a few other bits of tat

have had eleccy windows on a courtesy elise and didnt think it was that great. in fact its much less precise

[X-Box]

Touring pack:
Electric Windows - not bothered
Interior Stowage Net - not bothered
Leather Interior or Alcantara Interior - nice not essential
Sound Insulation - yes
Carpet Set With Passenger Foot-Rest - nice not essential
Auxiliary Front Driving Lamps - yes
Blaupunkt Woodstock - yes

They got you snookered - its all or nothing!



>> Edited by X-Box on Wednesday 20th October 22:20

[b3ves]

I was the same re Touring Pack. All I really wanted was the additional sound insulation (which also includes the roof) and a reasonable stereo. It would be nice if you could specify which bits..

[Danh]

Ignoring kal-els worthless comments, you aren't missing the point getting comfort items if it means you can use the car every day and get maximum utility out of it. Turning up at a client sweaty and unkempt isn't going to increase your love or utilisation of the car. Bogie manages it, but hes clearly an exception!

Comparing it with a current s2 isn't a useful comparison either as the yota engine heats the cabin up much much quicker than in my old s2. I'm basing the comment on the s2 exige to be fair, as I haven't tried a 111R but its the same installation. When I test drove the s2 exige, it was a coldish day, and after 15 mins of fairly restrained driving (dealer passenger was nervous as hell!) the cabin was uncomfortably hot.

[Danh]

Oh are they now fitting twin oil coolers as standard on the normal spec cars? There was a rumour they were going to.