V6 Ownership experiences

[sidsideways]

There was more talk while waiting than there is now! Does that mean you are speechless with delight or a little underwhelmed?

[Bebee]

Maybe they haven't opened their computers up since taking delivery?

[simpo555]

Just for the record, my French friend, who waited more than two years for his car, has put it up for sale after a mere six months. As far as he is concerned, strictly relating his findings, for track days his car was 'underpowered'. He's now after a 2-3 year old Porsche GT3. I personally find it rather 'sad' but it's not my choice.

[400SE Dave]

simpo555 said:

As far as he is concerned for track days his car was 'underpowered'. He's now after a 2-3 year old Porsche GT3.

If he really thinks this then he is in for a shock when he takes a GT3 on the track. They are indeed a fab car, I have driven a Gen 2 997 GT3 3.8 and a Gen 1 GT3 3.6 RS. Both were very, very good but there is no getting away from the fact it is a much heavier car than the Exige so the bhp/tonne figures are pretty much identical. Apart from the top speed, the performance figures are all really close.

I just hope he has deep pockets as track costs for a GT3 are of epic proportions!!

[quantum2000]

He's definitely in for a shock. I owned a 997.1, business partner currently has a 997.2
IMO the lotus is the better track car, I can access the performance easier in the Lotus than I ever could in the Porsche. If you really want to embarrass the average Porsche driver on track, put the Lotus in race mode.

[djmotorsport]

I've had mine for 8 weeks - and it even makes the short trip to work fun :-) I spent last weekend exploring the roads around Fort William/Mallaig/Port Appin where the car really shone. Having read lots of Lotus reviews/owner experiences, I almost expected to encounter some 'niggles', but so far it's been perfect.

[MrGman]

I can't add anything as an owner, but I can say after following one the other day for a few miles, IF i did own one the noise would be enough to keep me away from here for a good while! They certainly aren't shabby in the looks department either

Certainly on the list of cars i'd like to own one day!!

[mikeulster500]

simpo555 said:

Just for the record, my French friend, who waited more than two years for his car, has put it up for sale after a mere six months. As far as he is concerned, strictly relating his findings, for track days his car was 'underpowered'. He's now after a 2-3 year old Porsche GT3. I personally find it rather 'sad' but it's not my choice.

Is he a crazy race driver or something? Or not driving it properly?

I did a trackday at Brands about a week ago and going round in some quick 211's etc, we were getting left for dust as a Exige V6 Cup storming past everyone on straight line grunt

[The Pits]

Full and detailed ongoing report of Exige V6 Cup ownership over at TLF:

http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/55918-e...

The standard car however is very well judged for daily use and very civilised for an Exige. Entry/eggress issue is unchanged and for me a small price to pay for such low mass plus decent side impact protection. The alternative is less protection or higher seats with the necessary raised roofline. Neither are as good as the existing solution. Those wanting more room and easier access along with the inevitable increase in mass (and creature comforts) should try an Evora.

Most of the negatives comments focus on the gearbox and 40l fuel tank. Not experienced any issues with either to date. Compared to my bike the range is pretty good! I find I'm usually happy to stop for a break after 2 hours driving anyway. As it happens the gearshift in my car is a definite plus, I wasn't expecting that after what I'd read. Those less than happy should have the cables adjusted as the shift action should and can be very good. I've been told by someone at the factory that there's a bit of a knack to it so it might be worth taking it to someone decent.

Anyone suggesting the steering is too heavy is either having a laugh or has Mr Burns arms. I can't believe anyone would complain about this. I really don't think the steering is any heavier than my Elise.

I do have some negatives such as the aircon buttons that are too dim to see in bright sunshine, a left rear 3/4 blindspot and unnecessary speaker grills (the Cup has no stereo) but really, it's a bit like finding fault with Megan Fox, pedantic and extremely ungrateful! Sure there have to be some but if it's ok I'd like to remain infatuated for a little while longer...

[sidsideways]

Recently saw a cup and road at a dealer and was surprised at the cardboard thin seats although the cup appeared a little better of the two. Despite the lack of padding there didn't appear much lateral support.
Any comments regarding track support or long distance use?

[Zyp]

I'm also looking for detailed reviews from owners.

Having had an Exige 240S two years ago (some may remember it was written off after 5 weeks...) I feel I have unfinished business, and keep looking at the V6's.
Sadly, my local dealer (see profile for clues) don't seem to be able to get me one to try (or can't be arsed, I'm not sure which).

Also - £52k ish for a lightly used one - ok price?

[Top cat S2]

sidsideways said:

Recently saw a cup and road at a dealer and was surprised at the cardboard thin seats although the cup appeared a little better of the two. Despite the lack of padding there didn't appear much lateral support.
Any comments regarding track support or long distance use?

I take it you are new to Lotus cars? you have posted some very strange comments on Seloc as well. The seats are very thin, the idea is the cars are made as light as possible. They are very close to racing car seat but that doesn't mean they are uncomfortable and non supportive. you can take all the padding off completely and they are still very snug and comfortable. The Cup seats are slightly less comfortable because they are a bit tighter around the hip area.

[Zyp]

The Probax (assuming the same in the V6?) are the best seats I've used, and I struggle to get comfy in the Porsche carbon fixed buckets.

[schrodinger]

sidsideways said:

Recently saw a cup and road at a dealer and was surprised at the cardboard thin seats although the cup appeared a little better of the two. Despite the lack of padding there didn't appear much lateral support.
Any comments regarding track support or long distance use?

they are excellent for both long distance use (as in driving 10 hours) and on track.

[schrodinger]

Zyp said:

I'm also looking for detailed reviews from owners.

Having had an Exige 240S two years ago (some may remember it was written off after 5 weeks...) I feel I have unfinished business, and keep looking at the V6's.
Sadly, my local dealer (see profile for clues) don't seem to be able to get me one to try (or can't be arsed, I'm not sure which).

Also - £52k ish for a lightly used one - ok price?

i think the pricing is TBD at the moment. not enough have been sold to really get an idea.

Most of the ex-demo cars seem to be up for sale so I'd call all the dealers and negotiate hard. I'm sure there's a deal to be had.

[sidsideways]

While you are still up and awake I know most of you want more noise but I can't understand two opposing brochure comments.
1. As the revs rise an exhaust by-pass valve opens to prevent damage to the engine [more noise]
2. Because some tracks have low noise limits the race pack enables you to over-ride the exhaust by-pass [and write off your engine?]

[Thorburn]

sidsideways said:

While you are still up and awake I know most of you want more noise but I can't understand two opposing brochure comments.
1. As the revs rise an exhaust by-pass valve opens to prevent damage to the engine [more noise]
2. Because some tracks have low noise limits the race pack enables you to over-ride the exhaust by-pass [and write off your engine?]

Point 1 only applies to Touring mode. Sport and Race mode have the valve open all the time, even from idle, but you can press the button on the cowl to close the valve - except at high revs where the valve will open as per Point 1.

[sidsideways]

Thanks for that explanation Thorburn. Any idea what decibel level with valve open? For instance anyone driven ok at Bedford?

[schrodinger]

Yes, Bedford fine

[The Pits]

I think the suggestion of 'damaging the engine' is a bit strong.

Touring mode is restricted to 6800rpm anyway (or 6600rpm continuous).

Sport, Race and everything off modes allow 7200rpm max so it's more to do with a less restrictive exhaust path.