Discussion
essentially, "dam it's quick, dam it's good, a couple of problems sorted under warranty".
The original text I sent in was the following. Evo added a couple of little things to put the piece into context but the gist is as follows;
The original text I sent in was the following. Evo added a couple of little things to put the piece into context but the gist is as follows;
I said:
"Having owned a series 2 Elise 111S, and used it everyday for nearly 3 yrs, I finally got to the point where I was looking to change. The Elise was so good that I knew I wanted Lotus' "next up". A test drive of both the normally aspirated 190bhp and the supercharged 220bhp Exige revealed a massive difference - mainly in low down torque, as well as outright pace. The decision was made. I was specific on the colour I wanted (white) and after months of searching I found my perfect car. An '06 plate Exige S, in aspen white, with touring pack and air con. 1 yr on the sheer speed still makes me smile. I regularly take the car on hoons around the country (in fact a Betws-y-Coed trip staying at your favourite location just 2 weeks ago) - and am doing a big trip down to Maranello, via the alps and back through Nice, in September. It's momentum and consistent speed across country never fails to impress me - nor the amount of attention it gets!
To make the sound a bit more unique I've put a Larini manifold, sports-cat and exhaust on the car - now the sound is rorty but not booming, making long drives (almost) pleasant.
The engine itself has been bullet proof, but a couple of niggly problems relating to the car's heater and fly-by-wire throttle have all been sorted under warranty.
Come November, and a change of insurance company, I'll be putting the car through it's paces around UK tracks and can't wait to really see what it's capable of!"
To make the sound a bit more unique I've put a Larini manifold, sports-cat and exhaust on the car - now the sound is rorty but not booming, making long drives (almost) pleasant.
The engine itself has been bullet proof, but a couple of niggly problems relating to the car's heater and fly-by-wire throttle have all been sorted under warranty.
Come November, and a change of insurance company, I'll be putting the car through it's paces around UK tracks and can't wait to really see what it's capable of!"
Does the top just lift off an Exige then? Never knew that.
I've been an EVO subscriber for about 6 years, love the Exige as well, but can only afford the NA one so not sure if I could live with the shortage of power.
Is the difference "that" much between NA and supercharged? It's just the supercharged ones are about 25k and that is Noble 3R money.
One of my favourite looking cars though!! Excellent.
Yes and yes, are the answers 
The roof on an exige is identical to an elise with a hardtop - so as simple to lift out also and with the simple addition of two locating holes for the supports struts that go across the centre you can use a bog standard Elise soft top (assuming it's the latest year).
As for the difference - massive. As I said in the piece above, one short drive is enough to show that. I recommend totally getting yourself to a Lotus dealer and having a back to back drive.
The roof on an exige is identical to an elise with a hardtop - so as simple to lift out also and with the simple addition of two locating holes for the supports struts that go across the centre you can use a bog standard Elise soft top (assuming it's the latest year).
As for the difference - massive. As I said in the piece above, one short drive is enough to show that. I recommend totally getting yourself to a Lotus dealer and having a back to back drive.
g? 
Thanks everyone 
Must admit, since I wrote that piece (3 months ago now I think) my plans have changed a little and this time next week you'll probably see an advert for the car. I simply don't drive it enough, ceratinly not enough to warrant having £25k sitting int he garage for months at a time doing nothing. It's frustrating as it's a great great car, but when you don't drive it it's of no value
Ale - thanks very much, I'm so glad they all helped you to choose a cracking (bloody fantastic) car. As RobM77 above says, I really do miss my 111S - I think that's the best car I've ever owned (perfect balance of speed and power with useability for the road. So good in fact, I'm sure I'll own another one at some point! As for going topless - I really thought I'd miss it but - to be honest - this year has been such rubbish weather that I'd barely have had the roof off even if it looked good. That it makes the Exige look a little odd means I've just not even given it a second thought
Must admit, since I wrote that piece (3 months ago now I think) my plans have changed a little and this time next week you'll probably see an advert for the car. I simply don't drive it enough, ceratinly not enough to warrant having £25k sitting int he garage for months at a time doing nothing. It's frustrating as it's a great great car, but when you don't drive it it's of no value
Ale - thanks very much, I'm so glad they all helped you to choose a cracking (bloody fantastic) car. As RobM77 above says, I really do miss my 111S - I think that's the best car I've ever owned (perfect balance of speed and power with useability for the road. So good in fact, I'm sure I'll own another one at some point! As for going topless - I really thought I'd miss it but - to be honest - this year has been such rubbish weather that I'd barely have had the roof off even if it looked good. That it makes the Exige look a little odd means I've just not even given it a second thought
TonyHetherington said:
As for the difference - massive. As I said in the piece above, one short drive is enough to show that. I recommend totally getting yourself to a Lotus dealer and having a back to back drive.
Agreed, but having driven both I actually preferred the normally aspirated 190bhp. I just adore the second cam and the kick up in speed and noise at 6200rpm. However, I will admit the S is probably an easier car to drive on-track. Although I've taken a 'S' scalp (probably driver skill 
) over a timed course, it's surprisingly difficult to stay on the second cam in the 190 on track - choose the wrong gear and you find yourself either changing down or waiting for the power. Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff