It was a difficult choice moving on from the S2K, there is so little that represents anywhere near the value for money. I'm not really a car nut - more interested in the driving experience so I've only got time for one fun car. The shortlist was narrowed down to this or a Cayman S.

Anyway, it took a while to realise the charms of the Exige, the earlier tests (and even the Evora) left me a little disappointed. When I tested a private seller's well-sorted Exige my opinion took an about-turn.

I haven't the inclination for modifying cars anymore, especially with insurance becoming so expensive so I needed something that was sorted out of the box.

Bought this a few weeks ago - it had a spec that means I can track it without any modification and will probably have more capability than I'll ever need. It's a British GT Special Edition with GT pack so has factory tuning that makes as good as if not more potent than the later Performance Pack version;

2-way Ohlins coilovers
LSD
4 point harnesses
Accusump
Stage 1 exhaust
Power/torque upgrade to 243bhp/174lb/ft; 0-60 3.98 secs; 0-100 9.9 secs
AP brake upgrade - 2 piece discs, Pagid pads
Close ratio gearbox
etc. etc.





I'm well pleased with it, it's a different animal to the S2K so any comprehensive comparison is unlikely to be fair. The S2K does have strengths that are difficult to find elsewhere, so it was difficult letting go. This thing is a beast though, my first impression after driving it for any length of time was that it's like a saw that just rips through roads mercilessly (smooth ones, mind you). Steering feel and torque are welcome novelties, as is the balance on a MR layout - I've had to rearrange my driving style to suit this quite radically.

It does lack a certain precision that the S2K had, though, tight corners aren't as easily negotiated - mainly due to the unpowered steering and poor view of the front flanks. Overall it's much more masculine than the S2K and even the fundamentally inferior engine is more characterful and entertaining, with the whine of the supercharger underpinned by the roar of the exhaust it's almost like the thing is living and breathing. It's no disappointment having a few hundred less rpm to play with either, it picks up vigorously from anything above 3.5k rpm and seems to go on forever like the S2K.

After slating the gearbox in the past based on short test drives, I now think it's actually very good once you get used to it - it seems to make more sense when you're driving it on the boil.

The handling is superb, I'm trying not to explore the limits of grip yet and haven't been anywhere near, I've got a CAT driver training course booked in August so I'll probably have a better idea then. The downforce created by the aero is noticeable when you get to higher speeds, the turn-in feels sharper and the car becomes more planted where the S2K would start to feel a little out of it's depth.

Just thought I'd share - anyone thinking of a Lotus as an alternative to the S2K should probably take a Pax ride in an enthusiastic owner's car.

 

Wow

Any more pics?

 

very nice

 

Not as yet, I will take more - it's a shame to leave out the boot that is made even smaller than standard by the Accusump!

I did look at a Z4MC, quite impressed, but concluded that the service costs would be more open-ended. Would make a good touring car though.

 

Welcome to the Lotus garage

Agreed the steering isn't powered but it's hardly heavy and as or the front flanks, you do realise the top edges of the wheel arches are pretty much the edge of the car?

 

Interesting write up. Which do you prefer as a performance car?

 

Nice write up Stevo.

I'm still drawn to the Loti myself, even after not having been impressed with the two I tested; I know they must be great cars for 'drivers' and am looking past my not so impressive first experience of them which I put down to wrong car, wrong sales tac and a lack of time to get properly familiar.

I can imagine, as you say, that certain aspects of the car that don't feel quite as sharp as the S would just be a case of getting used to, mainly the gearbox.

You sound uncannily like myself with your circumstances as well, Don't want, or can't be fiddling with modding, only car, eye on running costs (as that's only going to get worse down the line as well, with all performance cars) and a car that can be used daily but feels at home on track.. so I'm taking a keen interest in your feedback on your new toy.

 

Looks just like mine

You got a good spec there, prefect for track work. The wheels, brakes and sump are expensive bits. 2 way Ohlins are just superb.

If I was buying again it would be that Spec, or a Cup or Scura...

Wear earplugs on a long run though, and have fun changing lanes ...

Oh, and imo it's far more exciting than the S can ever be. Such a sense of occasion when you get in.

 

If you can get in (and out).

Very nice indeed and a great choice. I had a passenger ride in Mark's around Spa, and it was most impressive in spite of the driver

 

Just because I wouldn't let you touch my leg