Newbie with questions on new Exige V6

[bridey0]

So, views on the new car from current owners over the previous model? Thoughts on the roadster and thoughts on flappy paddles? Any owners already thinking of selling? Can u get discounts from dealers on new cars?
Tks in advance

[Thorburn]

bridey0 said:

Thoughts on the roadster and thoughts on flappy paddles?

Don't think any roadsters have been produced yet. It's basically the same car as the coupe, but with the front splitter and rear spoiler removed and a S2 Elise soft-top fitted. Top speed is restricted to 145mph, interior trim is a little different and I believe the suspension is tweaked a touch, but I don't know on that for certain.

I don't think the flappy paddle box is being offered - the Roadster was originally shown with the SPS gearbox but it was a non-functional show car and I think the option got canned as they couldn't meet their targets for quality of shift with it. The Exige V6 Cup R can be ordered with paddle shift, but that's a non-road legal race car with a proper sequential gearbox.

bridey0 said:

Any owners already thinking of selling?

There have been big delays, so deliveries of customer cars only really started in March of this year. Not seen any customer cars for sale, but Lotus Silverstone might have had a car from a cancelled order available a week or two back and a couple dealers have advertised their demo cars.

bridey0 said:

Can u get discounts from dealers on new cars?

They seem to be supply constrained at the moment, so it seems unlikely, but if you have any luck then let us know.

[bridey0]

Hi tks for the replys. My next question was shud I wait for any limited edition R type model that's about to be announced for the road but you seem to have answered that one. Also what's top speed for the coupe given the roadsters been limited?
If I go for it I'm coming from a 997 GT3 so I'm thinking it's gonna be similar in some regards . How long is order to delivery ?? Can u spec additional interior touches ??? Tks
Also is there a detatchable roof as on previous models ???

Edited by bridey0 on Sunday 12th May 18:39

[Thorburn]

bridey0 said:

Hi tks for the replys. My next question was shud I wait for any limited edition R type model that's about to be announced for the road but you seem to have answered that one. Also what's top speed for the coupe given the roadsters been limited?
If I go for it I'm coming from a 997 GT3 so I'm thinking it's gonna be similar in some regards . How long is order to delivery ?? Can u spec additional interior touches ??? Tks

Not aware of any higher power models that are on the horizon, but if you're looking at track use then you can get a road going Exige V6 Cup - basically the Exige S with a few bits like harnesses, Nitron suspension, baffled sump and some weight savings straight from the factory.

Top speed is 170mph for the coupe.

There is a thread on SELOC on order dates vs. delivery dates. I think at this point it's a few months unless wait, rather than the year or more some early orderers had to wait.

If you get the Premium or Premium Sport interior packs then there are a few options on leather colour (Premium Pack) or contrast stitching (Premium Sport Pack), but there really isn't that much interior to add touches to.

The roof can be removed, it's basically just an S2 Elise hardtop, but some have been asked to sign a disclaimer when having a soft top fitted by their dealers.

Edited by Thorburn on Sunday 12th May 18:44

[bridey0]

Thorburn said:

Not aware of any higher power models that are on the horizon, but if you're looking at track use then you can get a road going Exige V6 Cup - basically the Exige S with a few bits like harnesses, Nitron suspension, baffled sump and some weight savings straight from the factory.

Top speed is 170mph for the coupe.

There is a thread on SELOC on order dates vs. delivery dates. I think at this point it's a few months unless wait, rather than the year or more some early orderers had to wait.

If you get the Premium or Premium Sport interior packs then there are a few options on leather colour (Premium Pack) or contrast stitching (Premium Sport Pack), but there really isn't that much interior to add touches to.

The roof can be removed, it's basically just an S2 Elise hardtop, but some have been asked to sign a disclaimer when
having a soft top fitted by their dealers.

Edited by Thorburn on Sunday 12th May 18:44

Ok the v6 Cup is interesting if can be used on the road and yes sow track use would be part of the plan. So do they charge extra for the cup version?? Disclaimer for fitting soft top for what reason ???
Sorry for all the questions !!
White looks the business on these cars though I guess that's personal opinion. Cheers
PS I've just spotted V6 Cup looks great . Do they charge more for that car? Is the V6 Cup R solely for track ??

Edited by bridey0 on Sunday 12th May 19:33

[Thorburn]

bridey0 said:

Ok the v6 Cup is interesting if can be used on the road and yes sow track use would be part of the plan. So do they charge extra for the cup version??

It's a similar price to a high-spec Exige S I believe - about £62k - but things like the harness and baffled sump aren't available from the factory on the standard car. You can get these parts from Lotus Racing to fit to the Exige S, but obviously that adds extra cost.

The Exige S certainly isn't bad on track though, one of the owners on the continent took his to Spa recently and was running without a couple seconds what he could manage in a GT3 with a few bits of traffic. His view was that it was probably quicker than 997 GT3's other than the RS models around there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBVOZ_52TJ0

bridey0 said:

Disclaimer for fitting soft top for what reason ???

Taking the roof off creates turbulence which upsets airflow to the rear wing. I believe the disclaimer is along the lines of you understand they don't recommend using the car in that configuration and therefore if it goes a bit 'early Audi TT' with a loss of grip at the rear then on your own head be it.

bridey0 said:

PS I've just spotted V6 Cup looks great . Do they charge more for that car? Is the V6 Cup R solely for track ??

Yep, V6 Cup R is for the Lotus Cup UK and Europe series, amongst others. It's a proper sequential race box so short service intervals and doesn't work well on the road.

[bridey0]

Great vid tks for sharing.
So the advertised price if 52k at just about all main agents is for basic model S. Can you spec one up to 62k on the S?? If so on what ??? I'm wondering if the cup will be the most sought after version therefore hold value better? Is the cup worth the the extra over the standard S??
A friend just picked up a 260 Cup at 30k which is I'm told quite a rare little car. Tks again

Edited by bridey0 on Sunday 12th May 20:12

[Thorburn]

To get the standard model to £62k you'd have to put pretty much every option on it. There is a copy of the price list here: http://wiki.seloc.org/a/Pricing_and_Upgrades_%2820...

There is also more info in the Exige V6 section of the TechWiki, including the Lotus Racing options, different interiors, etc.

If I could afford to order one I think it would come out at about £57k as I'd go Solar Yellow with Race Pack, Premium Sport interior, air-con and yellow contrast stitching. If you're coming from Porsche then the option list is tiny anyway.

Going by the S2 Exige the Cup cars do seem to command a premium over the standard models.

[Thorburn]

The Cup does look good in white too, saw this one in the Lotus Cup UK paddock the other weekend.

[bridey0]

V6 Cup seems to have all I'd want . Does it come with the race pack as standard and is that worth speccing on a standard S? Roll cage optional on the Cup? ( I wouldn't want it)
I'm assuming cup comes with the exhaust bypass valve as standard? I'd need that as gt3 does make a Good noise.
Many tks once again

[Thorburn]

bridey0 said:

V6 Cup seems to have all I'd want . Does it come with the race pack as standard and is that worth speccing on a standard S? Roll cage optional on the Cup? ( I wouldn't want it)
I'm assuming cup comes with the exhaust bypass valve as standard? I'd need that as gt3 does make a Good noise.
Many tks once again

Race Pack is standard on the Cup, on the S I'd think it would be a good idea if you're looking to track the car - it's not just the Race Mode for the Lotus DPM system but also stiffer springs and dampers compared to the standard set up.

As for using the Race Mode, I think that depends what you're looking for. It certainly makes you faster on track, but takes away some degree of involvement as you can get back on the throttle criminally early and the electronics just deal with the power for you. If you're driving for lap times then leave it on, but some may have more fun just setting it to Sport mode. Driving on the road last December I found Touring mode quite reassuring on damp and slippy roads, never found the limits of Sport in the dry as I was only borrowing the car and was under strict instruction not to crash it.

The standard exhaust has a valve in it - in Touring mode it opens at high revs, Sport mode at medium revs, Race Mode or Off its always open. There is a little over-ride button on the steering cowl to open or close the valve in the different modes though, so you can have it open in Touring mode, or closed except at high-revs in Sport or Race. I believe the Exige V6 Cup comes with the same exhaust fitted.

There is also the Lotus Racing Sports Exhaust (originally a dealer fit option for the Evora and can be fitted to the Exige, Bell & Colvill have fitted it to one of their customer cars prior to delivery) which can be fitted to the Exige. This has twin exit tips and isn't valved so is a bit louder all the time.

[bridey0]

Ok so same exhaust on both great. How much is race pack? I'd be doing some track days is my intention. Can you spec the Cup seats on a standard S if so any idea what they cost? Finally who's the best dealer to cut a deal with and know their stuff? I went to maidstone Kent dealer today but they had no cars! I'm based in Essex. Tks owe u a massive beer!!!!
Also interested in others views on spec and models cheers
PS just registered on SELOC

Edited by bridey0 on Sunday 12th May 21:21

[Thorburn]

Race Pack should be listed on the price list I linked - £2000.

The Lotus Racing parts are listed in their brochure here: http://issuu.com/lotuscars/docs/racing_brochure/1
The V6 Cup seats are £995 each.

Castle Sports Cars are based in Essex, or Bell & Colvill near Guildford in Surrey. Others have said that Lipscomb have their Exige S demonstrator now though.
http://www.lotuscars.com/gb/dealers-and-service-ce...

[bridey0]

Great. So sounds like there is little difference who u order from. I may have a go in the lipscombe car next weekend then.
Like you premium seats, race pack and aircon would be my options but I think spend 62 and get the cup car and have something a little different. See how this week pans out. Will keep you posted. Tks for spending your Sunday evening talking me through it. Thankfully PH has enthusiasts like you to speak to. Those red race seats with suede steering wheel look good

[Thorburn]

bridey0 said:

Thankfully PH has sad bds like you to speak to.

Edited for accuracy.

No problem at all, let us know how you get on.

[bridey0]

Will do. Deciding factor may come down to size as I'm 6ft 1 and the previous models are just to small for me but today I got in an evora and that was fine so if the exige V6 is same size then it could be a winner. Evora nice but not for me

[pthelazyjourno]

bridey0 said:

Will do. Deciding factor may come down to size as I'm 6ft 1 and the previous models are just to small for me but today I got in an evora and that was fine so if the exige V6 is same size then it could be a winner. Evora nice but not for me

Interior is the same size as previous Exiges / Elises - it's the same chassis, so if you found the older models too small the same will unfortunately apply to the V6.

You should technically fit - as my rather portly 6ft 5inch friend can get in mine - and most people are OK once in - but as I'm sure you're aware it's getting in that's the problem!

Evora is a different chassis, and designed to accomodate a larger percentile.

[ad243S]

Im 6'2 and test drove the V6 without any problems, like has been said its the same size inside as the previous elise / exige

[bridey0]

Ok guys many tks ill let u know how it goes. Any further thoughts on weather a Cup car is worth the premium over an S?
Im wondering what the point on the roadster is when the coupe has a removable roof too?
I sat in an Elise which seemed very small. Are they smaller inside than the exige ? Also I'm assuming the outgoing model doesn't have the traction control options the new car has? Tks

Edited by bridey0 on Monday 13th May 06:47

[bridey0]

Edited by bridey0 on Monday 13th May 06:44