Exige S3 on long journeys
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm thinking about selling my Porsche GT4.
The original plan was to live without a 'Toy' for a while, but I'm not sure I would cope without some fun on four wheels, and I've always quite fancied the current V6 Exige.
I tend to do a couple long European trips a year, and I'm just wondering how these cars are on long journeys? I'm not too worried about harshness because thats what I like generally about my weekend cars (had a couple Porsche GT cars), but wondering if the more focused nature of the Lotus (very minimal interior, etc) would be a bit too much for longer trips away (6-7 days).
Just looking for some advice from those of you that have used yours for such trips. Appreciate the help in advance!
I'm thinking about selling my Porsche GT4.
The original plan was to live without a 'Toy' for a while, but I'm not sure I would cope without some fun on four wheels, and I've always quite fancied the current V6 Exige.
I tend to do a couple long European trips a year, and I'm just wondering how these cars are on long journeys? I'm not too worried about harshness because thats what I like generally about my weekend cars (had a couple Porsche GT cars), but wondering if the more focused nature of the Lotus (very minimal interior, etc) would be a bit too much for longer trips away (6-7 days).
Just looking for some advice from those of you that have used yours for such trips. Appreciate the help in advance!
I ran my roadster for 3.5 years, weekly on a 120 mile return journey and took it tot he Alps and Pyrenees 3 times...once with the missus for 2 weeks! We`ve done a similar journey on a motorbike several years ago so it was a breeze!
Basically there are very few issues, and what do you want beyond windscreen wipers, heater/air con/lights/cruise control/abs/esc/ a boot etc etc.
The only downside is that the engine can be boomy at certain revs and they are generally quite noisy (so if you like to listen to tunes then you`d be best off with some earphones), although the roadster with the roof off is fantastic...and I think the hard top cars are a bit quieter generally. Because you are so low, oncoming headlights can be an issue as can be spray etc from other vehicles, and the front end does not like monsoon levels of standing water above 70mph.
Fit some high intensity headlight bulbs, and a good quality windscreen wiper and you`ll be fine, and make sure you use soft bags...you`d be surprised how much you can squeeze in the boot.
The relatively minor quibbles are more than made up for with the fun you`ll be having, all the time!
Basically there are very few issues, and what do you want beyond windscreen wipers, heater/air con/lights/cruise control/abs/esc/ a boot etc etc.
The only downside is that the engine can be boomy at certain revs and they are generally quite noisy (so if you like to listen to tunes then you`d be best off with some earphones), although the roadster with the roof off is fantastic...and I think the hard top cars are a bit quieter generally. Because you are so low, oncoming headlights can be an issue as can be spray etc from other vehicles, and the front end does not like monsoon levels of standing water above 70mph.
Fit some high intensity headlight bulbs, and a good quality windscreen wiper and you`ll be fine, and make sure you use soft bags...you`d be surprised how much you can squeeze in the boot.
The relatively minor quibbles are more than made up for with the fun you`ll be having, all the time!
I run mine on 3 way adjustable suspension. I also have harnesses and various other track orientated modifications as do a few of us in the North Yorkshire owners club.
We do the Alps/Dolomites every year as well as UK and European track days and the cars are fine for both. I've done long runs through Holland and Germany and never found it uncomfortable. Only things that get on my wick compared to my other cars is the roll on fabric roof if I use it and tiny boot but then I forgive it as I go up/down a mountain pass.
We do the Alps/Dolomites every year as well as UK and European track days and the cars are fine for both. I've done long runs through Holland and Germany and never found it uncomfortable. Only things that get on my wick compared to my other cars is the roll on fabric roof if I use it and tiny boot but then I forgive it as I go up/down a mountain pass.
As said above, the standard headlights are awful (one of the reasons I swapped to an Evora) I'd want to try one with upgraded headlights before buying another.
The seats work for some but not for others, they don't support the back of the thighs, although you might be able to improve this by tilting them a little.
The seats work for some but not for others, they don't support the back of the thighs, although you might be able to improve this by tilting them a little.
Thanks for the replies guys.
I'm used to buckets, and haven't found them to be an issue for me. I know some people do find buckets uncomfortable though.
Regarding storage, I suppose as long as I can get a flight bag in there it should bee ok. Anyone know what the actual capacity of the the boot is?
Would you guys say it's worth the extra looking for a 350 Sport over an S given the revisions made? Specifically, the gearbox.
I'm used to buckets, and haven't found them to be an issue for me. I know some people do find buckets uncomfortable though.
Regarding storage, I suppose as long as I can get a flight bag in there it should bee ok. Anyone know what the actual capacity of the the boot is?
Would you guys say it's worth the extra looking for a 350 Sport over an S given the revisions made? Specifically, the gearbox.
The boot will fit 2 x sports bags for instance, plus bits and bobs in the corners...it is more or less the width of the car but relatively shallow. My missus was ok but some will want to take the kitchen sink and all so you might struggle with bulky items?
My roadster has 37k miles when I sold it and had a superb gearchange...but I think they can vary and it is possibly better to go for the revised car.
My roadster has 37k miles when I sold it and had a superb gearchange...but I think they can vary and it is possibly better to go for the revised car.
I think that the 350 is the sweetspot ATM.
There's a discussion on luggage space here: https://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/71645-...
I've found that there is plenty of room for my track day items and weekends away. As others have said, if you have soft luggage you can definitely squeeze alot in.
There's a discussion on luggage space here: https://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/71645-...
I've found that there is plenty of room for my track day items and weekends away. As others have said, if you have soft luggage you can definitely squeeze alot in.
Spiritual_Beggar said:
Would you guys say it's worth the extra looking for a 350 Sport over an S given the revisions made? Specifically, the gearbox.
I have an Evora 400 (which I believe has the same mechanism as the Sport 350, just not exposed on the interior) and test drove an Exige S CR last month. The Evora 400 gearshift was noticeably more precise, felt like a shorter throw and less slack in the movement.Thorburn said:
Spiritual_Beggar said:
Would you guys say it's worth the extra looking for a 350 Sport over an S given the revisions made? Specifically, the gearbox.
I have an Evora 400 (which I believe has the same mechanism as the Sport 350, just not exposed on the interior) and test drove an Exige S CR last month. The Evora 400 gearshift was noticeably more precise, felt like a shorter throw and less slack in the movement.I don't think there is too much between any of the s3 cars provided the cables are set up correctly.
Spiritual_Beggar said:
Hi all,
I'm thinking about selling my Porsche GT4.
The original plan was to live without a 'Toy' for a while, but I'm not sure I would cope without some fun on four wheels, and I've always quite fancied the current V6 Exige.
I tend to do a couple long European trips a year, and I'm just wondering how these cars are on long journeys? I'm not too worried about harshness because thats what I like generally about my weekend cars (had a couple Porsche GT cars), but wondering if the more focused nature of the Lotus (very minimal interior, etc) would be a bit too much for longer trips away (6-7 days).
Just looking for some advice from those of you that have used yours for such trips. Appreciate the help in advance!
I just sold my McLaren 12C, which we used for long trips to the Alps every year, as I really wanted to go back to manual. As my wife comes with me comfort was important. We tried and Evora and she hated it, made her feel sick. So we tried an Exige and she gave me the thumbs up! Couldn't belive my luck :-) I was going to try a GT4 but was so seduced by the Exige I didn't bother.I'm thinking about selling my Porsche GT4.
The original plan was to live without a 'Toy' for a while, but I'm not sure I would cope without some fun on four wheels, and I've always quite fancied the current V6 Exige.
I tend to do a couple long European trips a year, and I'm just wondering how these cars are on long journeys? I'm not too worried about harshness because thats what I like generally about my weekend cars (had a couple Porsche GT cars), but wondering if the more focused nature of the Lotus (very minimal interior, etc) would be a bit too much for longer trips away (6-7 days).
Just looking for some advice from those of you that have used yours for such trips. Appreciate the help in advance!
I decided to get a new roadster (didn't want something too shouty) and picked up a pre-reg one from Edinburgh on Saturday and drove it 450 miles home to Surrey, With my wife. Needless to say I really enjoyed the first half of the journey down the A68 and then accross onto the A686, two of the best roads in the UK IMHO. We stopped overnight and continued on the m-way to Surrey the next day. By this time my wife had had enough, she was absolutely fed up with the car, well mostly the seats. I was getting a slight head ache from the road noise but I was fine comfort wise.
I think a couple of hours is the most I would want to do which is all you can do due to range anyway. The car is great, its so engaging and you can feel the lightness but its not a touring car. The range is only 200 miles, the boot while unexpectedly larger than an Evoras is still small but manageable and there is no where inside for bottles, nick-nacks etc. The blowers only do the face, not feet, so you your feet will boil or freeze depending on outside temperature.
The 12C was much, much better as a touring car but when touring it somehow didn't feel special, it was great when you put your foot down but at 75mph it was like driving a golf. The sport 350 is much more fun and strangley more of an occasion. However while I love both cars they are very different and I still have not found the ideal comprimise of drivers car / touring car. I will keep the Sport 350 for selfish reasons and I am gravitating towards a McL 570 spider for next time.....
If you don't mind a little discomfort and some droning and a grumpy other half then go for it, if thoses things will irritate then pick a high mileage used 12C with a warranty for a little bit more, or for same price as your GT4. They really are super quick and very good touring cars (30+mpg & big frunk / shelf). Both the Exige & 12C are great in the fast alp twisties, 12C faster but Exige more engaging and probably more fun. However I think getting to the alps would be better in the Mac. I would drive the Exige myself, without my wife, and would take my Bose noise cancelling headphones, which I used to do in my S1 Elise 160 and then it toured like a Bentley! If you are going solo I think you will be fine with the Exige as you will have more space for luggage and can wear the headphones, the car for me, was comfy enough over the 2 x 5 hour drives I did :-)
I went the other way. ExigeV6 S to Cayman GT4.
The seats are absolutely fine for comfort on longer journeys. The low weight of the Exige means the spring rates have been softened off and it makes for quite a suprisingly relaxed cruiser when you want it be. Much better than an Elise due to the longer wheelbase and wider track. The extra torque is important here too as you can go pretty swiftly without really venturing beyond 3.5k RPM.
Yes it's relatively noisy but not noticeably worse than the GT4 IMO with its incessant tyre roar.
I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you test drive one. If you've ever seen an Exige being built at the factory you will immediately see where they prioritise their spend- and it shows in the ride/handling balance. The car has quality damping and has been optimised for UK roads. I actually find the GT4 to be firmer damped but the active dampers compensate even though it feels synthesized. The Exige's damping is both sophisticated and authentic. By which I mean connected to what's happening at the contact patches in a way that the GT4 cleverly filters out.
The gearboxes on the pre open gate cars are quite hit and miss, but you can upgrade to the revised cables pretty cheaply.
On longer trips the only thing I can throw at it is that 2 up it can feel cramped for cabin width. Talking about 2 x 6ft guys. Think my wife only went it it once so she can't really comment (I did ask!)
Brilliant cars can't praise highly enough. Miss mine!
The seats are absolutely fine for comfort on longer journeys. The low weight of the Exige means the spring rates have been softened off and it makes for quite a suprisingly relaxed cruiser when you want it be. Much better than an Elise due to the longer wheelbase and wider track. The extra torque is important here too as you can go pretty swiftly without really venturing beyond 3.5k RPM.
Yes it's relatively noisy but not noticeably worse than the GT4 IMO with its incessant tyre roar.
I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you test drive one. If you've ever seen an Exige being built at the factory you will immediately see where they prioritise their spend- and it shows in the ride/handling balance. The car has quality damping and has been optimised for UK roads. I actually find the GT4 to be firmer damped but the active dampers compensate even though it feels synthesized. The Exige's damping is both sophisticated and authentic. By which I mean connected to what's happening at the contact patches in a way that the GT4 cleverly filters out.
The gearboxes on the pre open gate cars are quite hit and miss, but you can upgrade to the revised cables pretty cheaply.
On longer trips the only thing I can throw at it is that 2 up it can feel cramped for cabin width. Talking about 2 x 6ft guys. Think my wife only went it it once so she can't really comment (I did ask!)
Brilliant cars can't praise highly enough. Miss mine!
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