Sports Racer (Again...)
Discussion
Following on from my previous thread.. I've decided I do infact want a Sports Racer, and am ready to buy.
However.... I have never driven an Elise, and only ever been as a passenger in an S1 once about 6 years ago. I am 99% certain I will get on well with an Elise as I love go-kart type cars. I really need a decent test drive though to satisfy myself that I won't get fed up with it being too basic / don't like the power delivery etc and want to sell after a couple of months of ownership.
I could go to the nearest Lotus dealer (live nr Tower Bridge in London) and ask for a test drive of a 111R, but would feel bad if I had no intention of buying a car off from them. Nearest Sports Racer to me for sale is circa 100 miles away which is a long way to go for a test drive if I don't get on with the car.
So... do I just go and drive a 111R at Lotus and not feel guilty about effectively wasting their time knowing that I do want to buy a car, but just not one that is in their stock??
Definitely want the Sports Racer as its got the hardtop, T/C, lightweight wheels as standard, I like the stripe(!) and also like the fact its a limited edition.
However.... I have never driven an Elise, and only ever been as a passenger in an S1 once about 6 years ago. I am 99% certain I will get on well with an Elise as I love go-kart type cars. I really need a decent test drive though to satisfy myself that I won't get fed up with it being too basic / don't like the power delivery etc and want to sell after a couple of months of ownership.
I could go to the nearest Lotus dealer (live nr Tower Bridge in London) and ask for a test drive of a 111R, but would feel bad if I had no intention of buying a car off from them. Nearest Sports Racer to me for sale is circa 100 miles away which is a long way to go for a test drive if I don't get on with the car.
So... do I just go and drive a 111R at Lotus and not feel guilty about effectively wasting their time knowing that I do want to buy a car, but just not one that is in their stock??
Definitely want the Sports Racer as its got the hardtop, T/C, lightweight wheels as standard, I like the stripe(!) and also like the fact its a limited edition.
The 111R will be identical in all but colour (and possibly spec, air con, that sort of thing) so the driving experience will be identical.
You may not buy a car from them, but you'll have your car serviced there, you'll have your warranty work done there etc. etc. as they're your nearest dealer.
Introduce yourself, and it will be a match made in heaven
You may not buy a car from them, but you'll have your car serviced there, you'll have your warranty work done there etc. etc. as they're your nearest dealer.
Introduce yourself, and it will be a match made in heaven
The SR has the sports pack which includes traction control and stiffer suspension among other things. Having had an SR previously and now have a standard R, I would say the SR is slightly more 'edgy', making it better for track work. The regular R is slightly more comfortable for every day road driving. To be honest though, there really isn't much in it. I went from driving a Fiat Punto to an SR without any problems. Just take your time and get to know it. Not easy to do in central London, I think you'll find...
No, production didn't extend beyond 2006. You could spec up a new elise R to something identical all bar the limited edition plaque and seats (and maybe the perforated leather bits), but it would cost you. The Nightfall blue colour I have is no longer available, but I think lotus do bespoke paint at a price. However, the all up cost of a new one would be north of £35k and you could have an Elise SC for less. The sportsracer engine is identical to the 111r but the suspension on the Sportsracer is different. It has the sports pack as standard (best part of a £2k option on the elise R/111r) so that means lighter wheels and uprated suspension. The result is a different feel and firmer ride. It feels a bit more serious for the wiggly bits but it does come at the expense of some ride comfort. Personally I love it but I can accept that the standard car set up hits the sweet spot for most of the people, most of the time.
I love my sportsracer though. It's great to drive fast or slow and the toyota engine is an amazing little lump and works very well in a light lotus chassis.
I love my sportsracer though. It's great to drive fast or slow and the toyota engine is an amazing little lump and works very well in a light lotus chassis.
Elise FourtyNine said:
EK 993, I would be happy to show you my sports racer and take you for a tour. At least you would have seen the SR before buying one. Mine is a blue/white LHD version. I am based in SW14.
That would be great, thank you very much! Will send you a mail via the site to see what date would be convenient with you. I actually lived in SW14 next to the brewery up till a couple of years ago before moving to Wapping!
Round by City Airport is fun in the SR.
As has been cited above, the suspension is like and Exige not a 111R - it's feels like there's more resistance in the dampers, but the springs are still supple; leads to a good driving style of progressive leaning rather than jumping, makes a difference when you are dialed into it, but pot hole avoidance is a must.
The car also feels very planted come rain or shine.
As has been cited above, the suspension is like and Exige not a 111R - it's feels like there's more resistance in the dampers, but the springs are still supple; leads to a good driving style of progressive leaning rather than jumping, makes a difference when you are dialed into it, but pot hole avoidance is a must.
The car also feels very planted come rain or shine.
Foolish Dave said:
Round by City Airport is fun in the SR.
As has been cited above, the suspension is like and Exige not a 111R - it's feels like there's more resistance in the dampers, but the springs are still supple; leads to a good driving style of progressive leaning rather than jumping, makes a difference when you are dialed into it, but pot hole avoidance is a must.
The car also feels very planted come rain or shine.
Dave, are you ever around Wapping with the SR?As has been cited above, the suspension is like and Exige not a 111R - it's feels like there's more resistance in the dampers, but the springs are still supple; leads to a good driving style of progressive leaning rather than jumping, makes a difference when you are dialed into it, but pot hole avoidance is a must.
The car also feels very planted come rain or shine.
Jonblue said:
The SR has the sports pack which includes traction control and stiffer suspension among other things. Having had an SR previously and now have a standard R, I would say the SR is slightly more 'edgy', making it better for track work. The regular R is slightly more comfortable for every day road driving. To be honest though, there really isn't much in it. I went from driving a Fiat Punto to an SR without any problems. Just take your time and get to know it. Not easy to do in central London, I think you'll find...
Had both and there is no difference in comfort at all.Lotus have never made a comfortable car!! Much prefer my SR to the 111R i had though.Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff