Well, it IS mid-engined. Never a light solution.

 

It has nothing to do with where the engine is placed (all Elises/Exiges weight less than 900kg and the S1 less than 800kg) and has everything to do with refinement and the target sector they are aiming this car at.

Adding weight means more sound proofing, more toys and generally more refinement in the ride quality on your average pot holed roads.

 

Short test in todays Autocar by Steve Sutcliffe.

Russ.

 

Cheers Russ.

Sounds like they have got it spot on!

I'd guess it will be high 60's after options though

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-video/lotus-e...s-video-review/

 

Oh dear, that's what I was worried about! does look like it's going to be quite the upgrade! PB racing (Italy) have an SC kit + exhaust / intake but they are pricing it at €16500 which is high but claim 415bhp. Hope Westover will have one in to test soon - if it is significantly better might see what the trade up would cost.... to get similar Spec to mine I am guesing around £65K?

 

............then add £450 for a set of rear tyres every 5K miles!!

 

Hopefully there would be the usual Lotus early offer!

Would you not take a used 997 GT3 at 65k though? That's going to be a dilemma!

 

I would take a used M3 personally.
And go around the tracks of europe with the balance.

But that's just me.

 

I guess that puts it in perspective, Steve. You could pick up a used M3 and an Exige S for the same money. Or a used Evora and a cheap Exige.

But I just can't describe how good the Evora is to drive, it was just something else. The Top gear video kind of says it all. And that will be the lure of the S version. An M3 just won't come close IMO. I suspect a tweaked one will just be an absolute supercar slaying weapon.

 

That looks like they've got it absolutely spot on.

You know it is a cracker when the only thing the reviewer can find wrong is a slight issue with the gear shift at high revs.