Topless Exige

[08sag]

Hi guys

Returning to Lotus (partly because I love the whole roof off, back road blasts) and about to source a Elise SC (now definite on Chrome Orange)with a few personalised tweaks!

However the only possible fly in the proverbial ointment is the Exige and the threads I have seen about taking the roof off! The dealer says not a good idea on the 'S' as it impacts performance etc etc. I just think they both look awesome, but the Exige marginally has it!

I know there have probably been lots of posts but if somebody can put my mind at ease re performance and looks! (any pictures of an Exige topless would be really helpful) as it may be that it just doesnt look right!

I would try and get the dealer to sort me the softtop roof for emergencies, but generally try and run open.

Thanks for any help. particularly if any piccies are available.

[21TonyK]

I think it's pretty much accepted that taking the roof of makes no difference to an Exige in terms of performance. However, as for looks....??? Thats a personal choice

[bogie]

yep - its a personal choice...personally i think the S2 Exige looks a bit odd with the roof off, maybe due to the rear design being that for a closed car. The Elise looks much better roof off IMO, being designed that way from the start...same with a hard roof - the Exige looks better, the Elise looks like....errmm...an Elise with a hardtop

In the old days, one would go Elise for roof off motoring fun, and Exige for a more track orientated tool....but now there is confusion in the range and its as clear cut anymore as they are so similar cars, apart from looks, you can even get same power cars, so not even a differentiator there.

I went halfway, as I liked a few things about the Exige look, and some about the Elise so off I went and built my own ...Exige front clam with splitter, replace all plastic grilles with mesh, fit Exige side pods, de-seam the clams, with a slight re-style around the lights = sorted ..well for me anyway, it was the perfect Elise/Exige hybrid .

[08sag]

Wondered about having an Exige front clam on the SC Elise, but thought the different aerodynamics would upset the handling! Do like the idea, particularly with the meshes!

[bogie]

the splitter works just fine on an Elise ...lots of pics of my old car here on my webshots...but its not cheap to do im afraid

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/560135980KLyy...

[screem]

Found these on the pc.

[kambites]

I can quite believe that it would have a significant effect on performance on the S because you'd get significantly less airflow over the intercooler with the airflow over the top of the car all messed up.

[Gooby]

If you notice the pictures make it look like and elise (from the front) or like a 'zige from the rear. In reality a roofless zige is an ugly dog. BUT the zige was never a pretty car, it is not about pretty.

The liz is the good looking one and if you are clever during the order process it is actually faster in most respects (cos it is lighter).

[joaovc]

I actually wrote Lotus about this. They emailed back saying there would be no harm to the engine and that there would be "some loss in top end performance"

[Dodgey_Rog]

I'm trying to convince her indoors we should get one, so i was also wondering if they all had removable roof panels as i've not actually looked at them close up before.

Also, anything to look for in terms of one to avoid and ones to go for? I was thinking of just the normal Exige, probably a 2006 MY, as long as its got A/C, but i wanted something fun for the odd track day and also for Le Man trips. Not been reading too much into them as yet, but what are fundamental differences between a Touring and an S?

Thanks.
________________________________________________________________________________
ETA:
Just did some research about the Touring & Sport Packs, now it all makes sense......

Edited by Dodgey_Rog on Tuesday 24th June 19:34

[08sag]

Thanks guys. Very helpful

[08sag]

In fact everbody so helpful, been and done the deed.

Ordered Exige S in Chrome Orange and a soft top! so best of both worlds. Plus a few other tweaks to make a little special.

Now cant wait.

[Stu_00]

Very Nice order - how much is the soft top (just a rough idea would be nice)

[08sag]

Difficult to tell as hidden in the whole deal pricing, but I suspect around £500.

[siw06]

Are you getting Lotus the drill the holes for the soft top support bars on the roll bar cover? Or will you be tackling that yourself?

[08sag]

Not something Lotus will do, so having to sort myself. No doubt I will get somebody professional to do for me, as I wont be able to bring myself to set about a new car with a drill! Cant think it will cost much.

[Stu_00]

Very tempting as one of the reasons I like the Elise i.e. Roof. But Exige looks so much better when there side by side.

The Orange is amazing - Had a good in one about a month ago at the Walshy activity day, and not been the same since !

Enjoy it when you get it !!

[Tango7]

08sag said:

Difficult to tell as hidden in the whole deal pricing, but I suspect around £500.

New genuine one is around double that. I have my Black Exige soft topped at the moment and I reckon it still looks the business

Edited by Tango7 on Friday 27th June 21:31

[Orb the Impaler]

Tango7 said:

08sag said:

Difficult to tell as hidden in the whole deal pricing, but I suspect around £500.

New genuine one is around double that. I have my Black Exige soft topped at the moment and I reckon it still looks the business

Any pics of this? I'm having an Elise/Exige dilemma - I prefer the Exige but I want a convertibubble!

[Tango7]

Sorry that they are links rather than being displayed automatically but at least you get the picture, 'scuse the pun

Edited by Tango7 on Saturday 5th July 21:49