Which Exige S2?
Discussion
Saw a green S2 Exige in Birmingham the other day - looked stunning! Not driven a Lotus but get the impression its a lot of visceral thrills. Only thing that has put me off to date is someone with one said he was being overtaken by Renault Clios etc as the power wasnt quite enough but some of the supercharged ones must be very quick. My Z4M is quite powerful but I miss the extra sounds and feel of a purer race bred car, the sense of occasion and feel of the road, so I'm not fussed about "all out power" but it would be nice to know its quick enough!
So, with all the options available, which is the car to have for the road? Is the 240bhp version or even the 300bhp worth the extra or is something lost in the charm with supercharging? Prices seem to be a little all over the place - are people as paranoid on mileage with these as with other marquees?
So, with all the options available, which is the car to have for the road? Is the 240bhp version or even the 300bhp worth the extra or is something lost in the charm with supercharging? Prices seem to be a little all over the place - are people as paranoid on mileage with these as with other marquees?
Options for the factory supercharged variants of the S2 are 220bhp, 240bhp and 260bhp.
Mine is a 'lowly' 220bhp but I can't ever say I've felt the need for more power on the road. On certain tracks, I've thought it needed a bit more top end puff, but I don't go out enough on track to warrant any upgrades. Would sooner spend some cash on driver training.
No, on the road, I think you'll be more than satsified with any of the options available. I've not driven the others, so will let someone else comment on the discernable differences.
The 240bhp Performance Pack cars get bigger brakes (4-pot calipers and larger discs), uprated clutch, variable TC and a longer roof scoop, but it's fair to say the standard brakes are excellent (with suitable pad choice).
Mileage? As with any car purchase, buy on service history and condition. Dont let higher odometer figures put you off, there are some great cars out there that have been used as intended.
Some may say, for a regular road driver, a Touring Pack car is essential (leather trim 'sound deadening' and iPod connection), but I don't really think I'm missing out with only the Sport Pack on my car (Sports ProBax seats, Switchable TC, harness bar, adjustable ARB). Sorted out a new Headunit for my iPod anyway.
Before my car ('08) there were some other packs available, which others will know more about than me.
Mine is a 'lowly' 220bhp but I can't ever say I've felt the need for more power on the road. On certain tracks, I've thought it needed a bit more top end puff, but I don't go out enough on track to warrant any upgrades. Would sooner spend some cash on driver training.
No, on the road, I think you'll be more than satsified with any of the options available. I've not driven the others, so will let someone else comment on the discernable differences.
The 240bhp Performance Pack cars get bigger brakes (4-pot calipers and larger discs), uprated clutch, variable TC and a longer roof scoop, but it's fair to say the standard brakes are excellent (with suitable pad choice).
Mileage? As with any car purchase, buy on service history and condition. Dont let higher odometer figures put you off, there are some great cars out there that have been used as intended.
Some may say, for a regular road driver, a Touring Pack car is essential (leather trim 'sound deadening' and iPod connection), but I don't really think I'm missing out with only the Sport Pack on my car (Sports ProBax seats, Switchable TC, harness bar, adjustable ARB). Sorted out a new Headunit for my iPod anyway.
Before my car ('08) there were some other packs available, which others will know more about than me.
Edited by Arun_D on Monday 20th August 17:41
Maybe your friend who is overtaken by Renault Clios needs some driver training.
Straight line speed is not their forte, but even the lowliest Na S2 will crack 5 secs for the 0~60 sprint.
Not many Clios can do that. You do however need to "Drive" the Exige to get the best out of it.
Ex77
Straight line speed is not their forte, but even the lowliest Na S2 will crack 5 secs for the 0~60 sprint.
Not many Clios can do that. You do however need to "Drive" the Exige to get the best out of it.
Ex77
Traded my Z4M in for the Exige 18mths ago now and don't miss the Zed (it never felt like a proper M car to me, engine was great but the gearbox was clonky and my M3 was Much more composed).
I'm running ~270HP with a few upgrades, meaning it's easily 2s quicker 0-100 than the Z4M but from a rolling start at say 80, the Zed would pull further and further away.
I guess it's horses for courses, If I was using the car for more day to say stuff the Z4 is quieter and more comfortable but as a car to sit in the garage for trackdays and the odd blast the Exige feels much more special.
I'm running ~270HP with a few upgrades, meaning it's easily 2s quicker 0-100 than the Z4M but from a rolling start at say 80, the Zed would pull further and further away.
I guess it's horses for courses, If I was using the car for more day to say stuff the Z4 is quieter and more comfortable but as a car to sit in the garage for trackdays and the odd blast the Exige feels much more special.
Edited by mikem7709 on Monday 20th August 22:30
I had one a few years ago and drove the 190 bhp n/a car, the 220 and at that time the 240 bhp cup car - they did not have the 240 sport plus car at that time, but is engine is probably the same... The supercharged cars felt quicker, especially the cup car. Some of that is due to the fact that you don't have to rev the nuts off it, like you had to do in the n/a car before it started really moving. However when revving the nuts off the cup far it flies!
ive got the n/a variety, and while its straight speed isnt the greatest, its by no means a slouch. but get on a track and later breaking and better cornering speed certainly makes up for it..its looks make up for its lack of straight line speed.
i went out in my mates 240 and the difference is night and day tbh, sadly i couldnt afford an "s". but if you can, then id go for that... 260 cup if you are flush...
i went out in my mates 240 and the difference is night and day tbh, sadly i couldnt afford an "s". but if you can, then id go for that... 260 cup if you are flush...
I have the 190 NA version - and for the road, its more than enough. Very rewarding down country lanes etc, but if its being used on track regularly you will want more power. Having driven other cars, I think my gear selector bushes/linkages have been upgraded as the shift is a lot slicker and less 'porridgy' than others - makes it feel a lot better IMO - maybe something to bear in mind.
Plenty of people on ere seem to need/want driver training.....*cough* www.jonnymacgregor.com *cough*
Plenty of people on ere seem to need/want driver training.....*cough* www.jonnymacgregor.com *cough*
C1RVY said:
I have the 240bhp car which was great, but I did miss a bit of torque. I got Chris Neils to do a 260bhp power upgrade, & it's now awesome. It's actually rolling road readout is 293bhp!!!
:
Thinking of getting this upgrade, have 240bhp at the moment. :
What power was at the hubs?
I moved from a 111R to a Z4MC and tbh miss the lotus sorely.
The Elise was tighter, noisier and more delicate to drive which are all things I loved.
I like the Z4M but I don't need the confort or power and redeeming feature is the big boot and ass out on command.
The Elise/ Exige are more than straight line speed and keeping them going at a nice pace along a B road is so much more rewarding than stamping he loud pedal in 2nd or 3rd in the M
The Elise was tighter, noisier and more delicate to drive which are all things I loved.
I like the Z4M but I don't need the confort or power and redeeming feature is the big boot and ass out on command.
The Elise/ Exige are more than straight line speed and keeping them going at a nice pace along a B road is so much more rewarding than stamping he loud pedal in 2nd or 3rd in the M
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