R500 to Exige S V6

[jelley1970]

Hi all,

I am starting to look to replace my R500 for something
a little more versatile but still good on the track, as my
daughter is getting older would like to be able to go on
Trips with her and days out etc, but still has a great feel
On trackdays which I normally do around 8 a year
I am test driving a v6 Exige this week.

Anyone done a similar move? What's people thoughts/ regrets?

Cheers

[Autopilot]

Not quite the same, but I went from a Westie to an Exige S for similar reasons to you. I looked at all sorts of cars and the only car I found that offered anything similar but more usable was the Lotus. I dare say I'll get another seven-esque vehicle again at some point, but I have no regrets switching. It's one if the few times you can say how practical an Exige is and is really is much more usable.

[Autopilot]

Might be worth looking at S1 Honda powered Exiges too. It's much lighter than the V6 so might offer a slightly more raw driving experience which you're used to but with a roof and doors

[Top cat S2]

The difference will be profound i would imagine. I have recently swapped from a Cup 260 Exige to a V6 and the difference is night and day so i can only guess from a R500 the difference will be even more stark. Much less drama in the V6 but 10x better on the road. I haven't done a track day yet as it's only just completed being run-in, but i would wager it is going to be much quicker on track. Wether it will be as much fun on track remains to be seen.
if you are doing 8 or 9 track days a year in a V6 it is going to be costly on consumables. The days of cheap track days in an Exige is a distant memory if you own a V6.

[hodgre]

Swapped from an R400D to exige V6 roadster at beginning of year. Have now done a few trackdays with brake pads/tyres (not the trofeo option) looking OK still. Much more civilised but just as much fun in a different way. Quicker even without track orientated tyres but feels far less frenetic. Much better for travelling between circuits with no need to pack for breakdowns/inclement weather etc