S2 Exige S - Slap me with a kipper and call me Lesley!
Discussion
....I like it!
Well, last Saturday at around midday, the Boggy's and I took a trip to Wilsons to try out the newest beast from the Hethel stable - the S2 Exige S.
Ben from Wilson's was kind enough to let us drool all over the cars on the forecourt with a coffee in hand, and allow us one-by-one to sample the engine variant that Lotus should have put in the Exige from day 1.
I was the last in the car (deferring first to beauty [Mrs B] and then age [Boggy]
) so it was nicely warmed up and ready to go.
Ben took me on the 'out' lap and within seconds I knew I was in a 'yota engined car which finally made sense to me. Gone was the lacklustre low-end and barmy top-end, HELLO SAILOR! to the broad spread of supercharged torque and power that comes with the new blower.
The push in the back that only torque can give you was instantly evident as Ben pulled away from the dealership. We both laughed like kids and agreed that it's going to be almost impossible for him to sell any 'normal' S2 Exiges now. Anyone who doesn't think this clearly hasn't driven the car and needs to... NOW! Any Lotus salesman who lets a punter walk off his forecourt having only tried a new standard Exige when there's an S there to sample is denying himself commission on a few grand more, yes it's that simple a choice.
So, cut back to the drive. A short route, plagued by Saturday snotters, but still enough to open the car up and play with the torque. To say that it is quick is an understatement, it's borderline supersonic and the power is relentless. Unless you're on a very long runway or the Nardi test facility, you will either take-off, shit yourself, hit something, get nicked or run out of road before the car stops accellerating. Well done Lotus, on the engine front, you finally you got it right
As regards the general set-up, the car feels heavier than I remembered, largely due to the fact that compared to mine it is, and also the geo, wheels and tyres obviously makes the steering heavier at slow speeds, that said, I'm sure it's as deft at speed as it ever was. I still feel it's overdamped and undersprung, but that could be sorted out if you're willing to cough-up. I'm also of the opinion that I'd get pissed off with not being able to see out the back, BUT it's a price you have to pay so no point in wailing about such trivialities. Overall it's very planted on well kept roads and on a roundabout where we did a few 'grip tests' it was solidly stuck fast. You'd probably fall out of the door before you span it in the dry.
Now, the inevitable comparision... to an NA Honda'd car. Well, in sprinting terms I reckon there's fractions in it. The Honda engine is much more raw and I feel has the edge in outright screaming viscereal sense of speed terms, but I fully believe that the S wouldn't be far off it's heels. To me it boils down to weight - the Exige S is a heavy car when compared to a Honda'd S2 Elise for instance, and that extra penalty is going to see it left behind. On track I think the Exige S will be a formidable weapon compared to it's predecessor, but again I think it'll be slower than a Honda'd car. Next to the Pimp'er or an SC'd Honda though I'm afraid it will be monstered... but then you'd expect that.
I'd be interested to see how it compares in a shoot-out between a Honda'd S2 Exige (weight being similar) and an S2 Exige with a Bemani kit. EVO, here's a group test you can't not do!! PLEASE!!!
Were I in Cayman territory I'd be trying this car - I can't believe that the Cup is THAT much quicker, looking at the stat's it's not.
Final summary - for me, it's incredibly tempting, but only really because finally the engine makes sense. However, the price I can't resolve to be honest (and believe me since Saturday afternoon I've pretty much struggled with the
on one shoulder saying "go on, it's a beaut, you love it, you can afford it, GO ON!!!" and the 
on the other being sensible and saying "well, it's nice, it's quick, but it IS still too much when you spec it up, AND you don't have a nice safe place to keep it at night"
, at 30K plus options it'd be tempting, but when you put the bits on you're looking at 36/7k and that's Noble territory, or if you're smart, used 240R time.
Also as noted, the fact that I'm just not keeping a car which is that good on an urban street, the fact that the (lack of) rear view does irritate me and that I can't have the roof off sadly precludes me from calling Ben and saying sod it I'll have one new. I'm going to have to wait until I get a house with a garage or drive and for them to be priced a little more keenly new or available around 30k as a used option.
To be honest though I can't see anyone wanting to let one go once they've purchased an S. The love affair will be a long one.
Now what becomes really interesting is what the aftermarket tuners will do for those of you with S2 Exige's who want a blower as an aftermarket option, and for how much. Now where's that Bemani link again GTRene???
Well, last Saturday at around midday, the Boggy's and I took a trip to Wilsons to try out the newest beast from the Hethel stable - the S2 Exige S.
Ben from Wilson's was kind enough to let us drool all over the cars on the forecourt with a coffee in hand, and allow us one-by-one to sample the engine variant that Lotus should have put in the Exige from day 1.
I was the last in the car (deferring first to beauty [Mrs B] and then age [Boggy]
) so it was nicely warmed up and ready to go. Ben took me on the 'out' lap and within seconds I knew I was in a 'yota engined car which finally made sense to me. Gone was the lacklustre low-end and barmy top-end, HELLO SAILOR! to the broad spread of supercharged torque and power that comes with the new blower.
The push in the back that only torque can give you was instantly evident as Ben pulled away from the dealership. We both laughed like kids and agreed that it's going to be almost impossible for him to sell any 'normal' S2 Exiges now. Anyone who doesn't think this clearly hasn't driven the car and needs to... NOW! Any Lotus salesman who lets a punter walk off his forecourt having only tried a new standard Exige when there's an S there to sample is denying himself commission on a few grand more, yes it's that simple a choice.
So, cut back to the drive. A short route, plagued by Saturday snotters, but still enough to open the car up and play with the torque. To say that it is quick is an understatement, it's borderline supersonic and the power is relentless. Unless you're on a very long runway or the Nardi test facility, you will either take-off, shit yourself, hit something, get nicked or run out of road before the car stops accellerating. Well done Lotus, on the engine front, you finally you got it right
As regards the general set-up, the car feels heavier than I remembered, largely due to the fact that compared to mine it is, and also the geo, wheels and tyres obviously makes the steering heavier at slow speeds, that said, I'm sure it's as deft at speed as it ever was. I still feel it's overdamped and undersprung, but that could be sorted out if you're willing to cough-up. I'm also of the opinion that I'd get pissed off with not being able to see out the back, BUT it's a price you have to pay so no point in wailing about such trivialities. Overall it's very planted on well kept roads and on a roundabout where we did a few 'grip tests' it was solidly stuck fast. You'd probably fall out of the door before you span it in the dry.
Now, the inevitable comparision... to an NA Honda'd car. Well, in sprinting terms I reckon there's fractions in it. The Honda engine is much more raw and I feel has the edge in outright screaming viscereal sense of speed terms, but I fully believe that the S wouldn't be far off it's heels. To me it boils down to weight - the Exige S is a heavy car when compared to a Honda'd S2 Elise for instance, and that extra penalty is going to see it left behind. On track I think the Exige S will be a formidable weapon compared to it's predecessor, but again I think it'll be slower than a Honda'd car. Next to the Pimp'er or an SC'd Honda though I'm afraid it will be monstered... but then you'd expect that.
I'd be interested to see how it compares in a shoot-out between a Honda'd S2 Exige (weight being similar) and an S2 Exige with a Bemani kit. EVO, here's a group test you can't not do!! PLEASE!!!
Were I in Cayman territory I'd be trying this car - I can't believe that the Cup is THAT much quicker, looking at the stat's it's not.
Final summary - for me, it's incredibly tempting, but only really because finally the engine makes sense. However, the price I can't resolve to be honest (and believe me since Saturday afternoon I've pretty much struggled with the
on one shoulder saying "go on, it's a beaut, you love it, you can afford it, GO ON!!!" and the on the other being sensible and saying "well, it's nice, it's quick, but it IS still too much when you spec it up, AND you don't have a nice safe place to keep it at night", at 30K plus options it'd be tempting, but when you put the bits on you're looking at 36/7k and that's Noble territory, or if you're smart, used 240R time. Also as noted, the fact that I'm just not keeping a car which is that good on an urban street, the fact that the (lack of) rear view does irritate me and that I can't have the roof off sadly precludes me from calling Ben and saying sod it I'll have one new. I'm going to have to wait until I get a house with a garage or drive and for them to be priced a little more keenly new or available around 30k as a used option.
To be honest though I can't see anyone wanting to let one go once they've purchased an S. The love affair will be a long one.
Now what becomes really interesting is what the aftermarket tuners will do for those of you with S2 Exige's who want a blower as an aftermarket option, and for how much. Now where's that Bemani link again GTRene???
S Works, nice write-up matey. Must admit to the same craves as yourself, but just can't justify spending (borrowing!) that kind of money at the present. I too have mine sat outside on the road (albeit a quite road in a safe-ish area). I still fancy the whole S2 Exige thing, maybe in a year's time it would be nice to see how much the S is going for and make a decision then. Standard S2 Exige prices may have fallen further and there may be an aftermarket blower available for a decent cost...
Wonderfull post s works
enjoyed it reading and it have some points made!
I agree with you the view through the mirror is...well...euhm...inter(cool)er
And as I was riding the Exige(standard) last week and sit in the Exige S also, I was thinking that mirror sits in the way...its blocking my view outside because its absolutely worthless for a back view...(maby a aftermarket camera can solve that but then it become even more heavy?)
reading your post...thinking of doing a little testride myself in the Exige S...maby next month when they still have that car and when its availeble for testrides...
www.bemani.ch/english/Lotus/lotus_en.htm
Or wait and see what the S3 Lotus Exige/Elise will be next year...my guess is better rearview even more sexy(is that possible?) and a more powerful engine as standard...but I hope it is not more heavy! wait and see...I love the Exige for its looks...but I think that bogies car is best of 2 worlds(Exige/Elise) but such class car also becomes a bit expensive I guess
GTRene
>> Edited by GTRene on Monday 27th March 12:28
enjoyed it reading and it have some points made! I agree with you the view through the mirror is...well...euhm...inter(cool)er
And as I was riding the Exige(standard) last week and sit in the Exige S also, I was thinking that mirror sits in the way...its blocking my view outside because its absolutely worthless for a back view...(maby a aftermarket camera can solve that but then it become even more heavy?)
reading your post...thinking of doing a little testride myself in the Exige S...maby next month when they still have that car and when its availeble for testrides...
www.bemani.ch/english/Lotus/lotus_en.htm
Or wait and see what the S3 Lotus Exige/Elise will be next year...my guess is better rearview even more sexy(is that possible?) and a more powerful engine as standard...but I hope it is not more heavy! wait and see...I love the Exige for its looks...but I think that bogies car is best of 2 worlds(Exige/Elise) but such class car also becomes a bit expensive I guess
GTRene
>> Edited by GTRene on Monday 27th March 12:28
Superb post Tim I'm glad you enjoyed it so much - it's nice to know that Lotus have now got a worthy engine in the Exige.
I'm also glad I didn't eventually buy the 2 year old 'standard' Exige I had a deposit on 3 weeks ago!
What did the Boggy's think?
Is it an S for them or wait for the Europa?
I'm glad you enjoyed it so much - it's nice to know that Lotus have now got a worthy engine in the Exige. I'm also glad I didn't eventually buy the 2 year old 'standard' Exige I had a deposit on 3 weeks ago!
What did the Boggy's think?
Is it an S for them or wait for the Europa?
As a current N/A S2 Exige owner, there is a terrible dilemma:
Do I
1) get out now and part-ex for an S or used 240 R, taking a massive £ hit, or
2) wait for an independent aftermarket S/C to be offered in the UK ....but will it ever be offered?
I agree that essentially the market for N/A S2 exiges has just been destroyed, the prices will plummet over the next month or 2. You'd be mad to get one.
Do I
1) get out now and part-ex for an S or used 240 R, taking a massive £ hit, or
2) wait for an independent aftermarket S/C to be offered in the UK ....but will it ever be offered?
I agree that essentially the market for N/A S2 exiges has just been destroyed, the prices will plummet over the next month or 2. You'd be mad to get one.
I solved the rear view on the 240R with a camera linked into the nav head unit... the whole thing added less than 1kg over the standard head unit and now I know where I'm going and who is behind me... well worth doing if you use the car around town and the latest bullet cams are very small work well in both daylight and the dark and weigh almost nothing...
It's good to hear people are getting a chance to understand just how good the supercharged cars are in reality after the hard time the 240 received when it was launched as there were no demo cars for people to sample!
It's good to hear people are getting a chance to understand just how good the supercharged cars are in reality after the hard time the 240 received when it was launched as there were no demo cars for people to sample!
aelord said:
As a current N/A S2 Exige owner, there is a terrible dilemma:
Do I
1) get out now and part-ex for an S or used 240 R, taking a massive £ hit, or
2) wait for an independent aftermarket S/C to be offered in the UK ....but will it ever be offered?
I agree that essentially the market for N/A S2 exiges has just been destroyed, the prices will plummet over the next month or 2. You'd be mad to get one.
You'd be mad to get a new one yes, but second hand it would be a bargain surely?
enjybenjy said:
[quote=aelord]As a current N/A S2 Exige owner, there is a terrible dilemma:
Do I
1) get out now and part-ex for an S or used 240 R, taking a massive £ hit, or
2) wait for an independent aftermarket S/C to be offered in the UK ....but will it ever be offered?
I agree that essentially the market for N/A S2 exiges has just been destroyed, the prices will plummet over the next month or 2. You'd be mad to get one.
You'd be mad to get a new one yes, but second hand it would be a bargain surely?
/quote]
Yes you're right but it means current owners will have less in their pockets for the part ex. It is very good news for those in the market for used N/A cars - hitting £20k soon?
Speed - I think the problem with the 240R was a) price and b) that anyone who know's Lotus knows that there was always going to be another version along any minute that made the 45k to get into one simply too much. At 35k-ish now though they look a bargain compared to the S. The irony is not lost here
enjybenjy - the problem is, is that the S now makes the standard Exige engine look like the complete compromise that it is. A standard Exige will be caned by an S. However, I do think that companies like Bemani and others will sort out UK distribution if they can prove that the kits work, are reliable, and are good value.
enjybenjy - the problem is, is that the S now makes the standard Exige engine look like the complete compromise that it is. A standard Exige will be caned by an S. However, I do think that companies like Bemani and others will sort out UK distribution if they can prove that the kits work, are reliable, and are good value.
Yes, I agree that it really SUCKS for those trading in their N/As. I would be well pissed off for sure. I can see that it wouldn't be unrealistic to say that the aftermarket SC kits will start taking a hold - if there are places willing to swap the yota for a different engine AND SC, then surely it's far simpler to guarantee just an SC kit for the Yota?
chris_n said:
Great write up! 
From your previous posts I guess it would be fair to say you went into the test drive definitely needing to be convinced, so such a positive write-up is high praise.
Absolutely Chris. The feeling I got from this car was the one that I wanted and expected to get 9 months ago when I had the money from an insurance claim burning a hole in my pocket and I tried an S2 Exige for the first time.
I also remember the Bemani have a different setup then the 240 or S has...I think you still can look through the rear window because they use a different cooling sytem for the charger...see here the pic of a Bemani Exige...you don't see a big intercooler...
And also on the race Exige Cup(the carbon car)...no intercooler on top of the engine! and still more then 300hp
I was told? it has some sort oh heat exchanger? under the exhaust manifold?? I saw that thing with bemani letters, anyway, a lot of power and a better?? setup also useble in a 111R and still free looking through the rearscreen
Or as someone have done put a small rearcamera on your Exige and combine that with your nav-screen? good thing when your in for a Exige because rearvisebility is very very poor
you cant see the cops coming (in the rear mirror)
GTRene
And also on the race Exige Cup(the carbon car)...no intercooler on top of the engine! and still more then 300hp
I was told? it has some sort oh heat exchanger? under the exhaust manifold?? I saw that thing with bemani letters, anyway, a lot of power and a better?? setup also useble in a 111R and still free looking through the rearscreen
Or as someone have done put a small rearcamera on your Exige and combine that with your nav-screen
? good thing when your in for a Exige because rearvisebility is very very poor you cant see the cops coming (in the rear mirror) GTRene
More sensible words from our Dutch friend. Rene, do you know if you pick the Bemani if you need all the options? Their site shows:
bemani Elise & Exige Supercharger prices*)
Supercharger-Kit (263PS / 250Nm), mounted = CHF16'900.- [£7,390]
bemani LSD = CHF1'985.- [£868]
bemani Gear ratio set = CHF4'475.- [£1,957]
bemani Sintermetal Clutch = CHF1'150.- [£503]
Now, the numbers in square brackets above [], are a conversion to GBP from Swiss Francs at today's rough mid-market rate.
Assuming that the clutch and LSD are nice-to-have's but that the revised gear ratios are needed to make the most out of the power, that's roughly 10 grand to get the car converted. Even if you were able to pick up a very cheap S2, I think I'd go Honda before I went that route.
Starts to make the Exige S look an even better prospect.
bemani Elise & Exige Supercharger prices*)
Supercharger-Kit (263PS / 250Nm), mounted = CHF16'900.- [£7,390]
bemani LSD = CHF1'985.- [£868]
bemani Gear ratio set = CHF4'475.- [£1,957]
bemani Sintermetal Clutch = CHF1'150.- [£503]
Now, the numbers in square brackets above [], are a conversion to GBP from Swiss Francs at today's rough mid-market rate.
Assuming that the clutch and LSD are nice-to-have's but that the revised gear ratios are needed to make the most out of the power, that's roughly 10 grand to get the car converted. Even if you were able to pick up a very cheap S2, I think I'd go Honda before I went that route.
Starts to make the Exige S look an even better prospect.
Guess your right Tim...when you only take the complete SC kit its already around 12.500,-euro according to this website.
www.moto-concept.de/de/autos/lotus/elise2r/artikel_elise2r_detail.php?item_id=15752
For that same money? you can buy yourself a fast screeming Honda engine conversion...
Therefore I think its only sencible when you want to keep your Toyota engine in the back?
And we are talking here about that Toyota engine out the 111R and Exige S2...so, what do you like??
I only would go the Honda route when I could sell my Toyota engine(low milage) and than save some bucks and instal the Honda with SC I think you could do all that instead of taking the Bemani(wich is great though...and water cooled! so no big intercooler on top)
So conclusion so far if you keep the Toyota engine and want torque go Bemani, and if you can sell the Toyota engine for a good price put a Honda conversion in your back of the Exige or 111R...
I would not go the Turbo way...but ofcorse a drive in such car I would like too
GTRene
>> Edited by GTRene on Monday 27th March 14:41
www.moto-concept.de/de/autos/lotus/elise2r/artikel_elise2r_detail.php?item_id=15752
For that same money? you can buy yourself a fast screeming Honda engine conversion...
Therefore I think its only sencible when you want to keep your Toyota engine in the back?
And we are talking here about that Toyota engine out the 111R and Exige S2...so, what do you like??
I only would go the Honda route when I could sell my Toyota engine(low milage) and than save some bucks and instal the Honda with SC I think you could do all that instead of taking the Bemani(wich is great though...and water cooled! so no big intercooler on top)
So conclusion so far
if you keep the Toyota engine and want torque go Bemani, and if you can sell the Toyota engine for a good price put a Honda conversion in your back of the Exige or 111R... I would not go the Turbo way...but ofcorse a drive in such car I would like too
GTRene
>> Edited by GTRene on Monday 27th March 14:41
Or take the cheaper alternative...the Komotec, same power! less money and also good! and nice...but a bit different set-up?
this set up cost 9.900,-euro all in! incl exhaust and inlet stuf testmodel had 275ps! and its 2.600,-cheaper then the Bemani...hm...choises choises
http://komotec.gmsrv07.de/product_inf
GTRene
this set up cost 9.900,-euro all in! incl exhaust and inlet stuf
testmodel had 275ps! and its 2.600,-cheaper then the Bemani...hm...choises choises http://komotec.gmsrv07.de/product_inf
GTRene
I've driven the Bemani a few times already, but haven't driven the S yet. For me the choice is clear (given I own a standard Exige), but I'll be driving the S regardless to gather some thoughts and impressions. I'll most likely drive the Bemani again same day, so I'll be able to make some comparisons. From what I hear though from people that have driven both, the S is somewhat in the middle between the standard Exige and the Bemani supercharged one. That would be roughly in line with the specs and what I'd be expecting when I drive them both.
As for the supercharger; Bemani does have a different setup and is differently cooled. That makes it possible that you still have your rear-view and why Bemani offers that same kit for the Elise 111R.
Happy driving!
Cheers Phil
As for the supercharger; Bemani does have a different setup and is differently cooled. That makes it possible that you still have your rear-view and why Bemani offers that same kit for the Elise 111R.
Happy driving!
Cheers Phil
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