Exige S V6 questions from newbie
Discussion
Hi
Had TVRs for 42 years. Time for a change! Exige looks great on paper. 2014 or 2015 model. Questions.
At 6 foot 3, fit in ok?
Roadster, does look a bit less edgy, why would you not just buy a coupe and use a soft top? Unless softer springs are good for road use compared to coupe?
Coupe with race option, even firmer springs?
Any issue with condition or reliability? What to watch out for?
Which colours sell well? I quite like the green?
Lots of daft questions? Thx in advance.
Nic
Had TVRs for 42 years. Time for a change! Exige looks great on paper. 2014 or 2015 model. Questions.
At 6 foot 3, fit in ok?
Roadster, does look a bit less edgy, why would you not just buy a coupe and use a soft top? Unless softer springs are good for road use compared to coupe?
Coupe with race option, even firmer springs?
Any issue with condition or reliability? What to watch out for?
Which colours sell well? I quite like the green?
Lots of daft questions? Thx in advance.
Nic
It may be a struggle getting in and out, but once in you'll have plenty room. There is a knack to it, my friend is 6'4 and he managed ok! The Coupe has the same suspension as the S but less aggressive aero, race mode just changes throttle response etc. Colour wise, brighter colours do tend to be more sought after but each to their own on that one for me, if someone likes silver then why would you not buy a silver one?! The Coupe has a slightly different interior too over the S, I think heated seats are standard but happy to be corrected. Reliability wise the V6 Exiges don't suffer from too many problems. The S had a different clutch than the later models,Lotus upgraded this for varying reasons. I too started looking at V6 S' before going down a rabbit hole and ended up with a 410.
Either way I think you'll love it, get yourself in one and find out for yourself
Either way I think you'll love it, get yourself in one and find out for yourself
Edited by JamieF78 on Tuesday 1st August 08:07
Race mode equipped cars were fitted with slightly different spring and dampers.
"The standard factory suspension set up is referred to as the ‘Sport’ option. An optimised ‘Race’ suspension
set up available as part of the ‘Race’ pack option. The springs fitted on the ‘Race’ suspension are of a thicker
wire diameter and increased spring rate as compared to those fitted to the ‘Sport’ suspension. The thicknesses
of selected internal shims fitted to the ‘Race’ damper are altered to change its rebound and compression
characteristics"
In reality, I think the difference would likely be minimal if you're looking at road use. For those looking at regularly tracking people tend to swap out the Bilsteins for Nitrons or similar, anyway. As you will likely know, Race mode also added the Bosch IMU controlled ESP function for track surface 'learning', but how useful that is to you depends on your usage
Given relative few numbers compared to the coupe, unless you're deadset on a quilted stitch seats and door panels, buy a coupe on condition and colour preference and you're always able to buy the soft-top to have the best of both. Should you so desire you can always ditch the spoiler and splitter.
You're likely right at the top end of height after which things start getting more of a struggle in a hardtop, but best go out and see some cars and try for yourself.
No real issues to watch out for. Clutch....yes there were iterations due to some disintegrating themselves / concerns over noise. This was actually updated during he original 'S' life cycle (ask me how I know!), but if you are worried then factor this into your budget or find a car that has had a change.
Motorsport green coupe sounds good to me!! Good luck!
"The standard factory suspension set up is referred to as the ‘Sport’ option. An optimised ‘Race’ suspension
set up available as part of the ‘Race’ pack option. The springs fitted on the ‘Race’ suspension are of a thicker
wire diameter and increased spring rate as compared to those fitted to the ‘Sport’ suspension. The thicknesses
of selected internal shims fitted to the ‘Race’ damper are altered to change its rebound and compression
characteristics"
In reality, I think the difference would likely be minimal if you're looking at road use. For those looking at regularly tracking people tend to swap out the Bilsteins for Nitrons or similar, anyway. As you will likely know, Race mode also added the Bosch IMU controlled ESP function for track surface 'learning', but how useful that is to you depends on your usage
Given relative few numbers compared to the coupe, unless you're deadset on a quilted stitch seats and door panels, buy a coupe on condition and colour preference and you're always able to buy the soft-top to have the best of both. Should you so desire you can always ditch the spoiler and splitter.
You're likely right at the top end of height after which things start getting more of a struggle in a hardtop, but best go out and see some cars and try for yourself.
No real issues to watch out for. Clutch....yes there were iterations due to some disintegrating themselves / concerns over noise. This was actually updated during he original 'S' life cycle (ask me how I know!), but if you are worried then factor this into your budget or find a car that has had a change.
Motorsport green coupe sounds good to me!! Good luck!
I’m 6’4” and manage just fine with getting in/out and comfort whilst driving. Can’t see above 60 on the speedo until about 120 or so as there’s no adjustability with the wheel unless you install spacers or such. Hardly a problem.
Reliability wise, in the 2 years I’ve owned it I’ve not had a single significant problem with it. There have been a couple minor niggles with squeaks/rattles/headrest glue, but all easily sorted. The dash surround has shrunk a bit in heat but that’s about I can think of negatively.
They are fantastic cars in all forms!
Reliability wise, in the 2 years I’ve owned it I’ve not had a single significant problem with it. There have been a couple minor niggles with squeaks/rattles/headrest glue, but all easily sorted. The dash surround has shrunk a bit in heat but that’s about I can think of negatively.
They are fantastic cars in all forms!
I am coming up on 10 years of ownership with my V6S coupé, it's a great car but I'm 5ft 8. My only big bill I've had was for aircon failure which is now fixed. Other gripes are the terrible dipped headlights at night and the ridiculous VED charge of £615/year. (2013 car) I don't have "Race" mode or track it and it's very light on consumables and tyres, I regularly get 22-25 MPG of super unleaded.
Edited by mario328 on Wednesday 2nd August 16:13
mario328 said:
Other gripes are the terrible dipped headlights
@Paul_M3 replaced the bulbs on his car in one of the last posts on this page. I've got to do the same at some point but might be an option?Owned a 2014 V6 Cup for 7 years, am 5'6" so can't comment on whether you would fit!
Mine had the Komotec EX460 kit and was forever having the engine emissions light come on, particularly on hot days in slow traffic. May be a general problem, might be the kit, couldn't say.
It was a horrible road car, noisy and uncomfortable, but it was a Cup, V6S would be better I hope.
Mine was driven harder than most, so some observations, that might not be relevant..
1. The rear biased weight distribution and high C of G is spoken about very negatively, it's true but I honestly never found it a problem, when the rear lets go it's easy to gather up and happens quite gently. On a positive note it provides stunning traction out of slow corners.
2. The gear change is just about okay.
3. I found mine very unstable over certain sequences of bumps on the road, on one occasion I thought I might lose control, eventually I stopped using it for road driving. It might have been geometry but I had that checked, it might have been damping, they do lose traction over bumps, there's a lot of mass for rear dampers to try and control. This in-car from when I took it to the Isle of Man shows it losing traction and getting wheelspin at 120mph+. Nothing came of it, but was always in the back of my mind at those speeds..
It was a very exciting car that I still miss, overall I very much recommend it, particularly if coming from a TVR, which I understand can also have 'exciting' handling!
Mine had the Komotec EX460 kit and was forever having the engine emissions light come on, particularly on hot days in slow traffic. May be a general problem, might be the kit, couldn't say.
It was a horrible road car, noisy and uncomfortable, but it was a Cup, V6S would be better I hope.
Mine was driven harder than most, so some observations, that might not be relevant..
1. The rear biased weight distribution and high C of G is spoken about very negatively, it's true but I honestly never found it a problem, when the rear lets go it's easy to gather up and happens quite gently. On a positive note it provides stunning traction out of slow corners.
2. The gear change is just about okay.
3. I found mine very unstable over certain sequences of bumps on the road, on one occasion I thought I might lose control, eventually I stopped using it for road driving. It might have been geometry but I had that checked, it might have been damping, they do lose traction over bumps, there's a lot of mass for rear dampers to try and control. This in-car from when I took it to the Isle of Man shows it losing traction and getting wheelspin at 120mph+. Nothing came of it, but was always in the back of my mind at those speeds..
It was a very exciting car that I still miss, overall I very much recommend it, particularly if coming from a TVR, which I understand can also have 'exciting' handling!
mario328 said:
I am coming up on 10 years of ownership with my V6S coupé, it's a great car but I'm 5ft 8. My only big bill I've had was for aircon failure which is now fixed. Other gripes are the terrible dipped headlights at night and the ridiculous VED charge of £615/year. (2013 car) I don't have "Race" mode or track it and it's very light on consumables and tyres, I regularly get 22-25 MPG of super unleaded.
I worked out I got 37mpg from my 410. That was a long steady motorway trip to get it serviced but also a bit of a blast in the Peak District.Edited by mario328 on Wednesday 2nd August 16:13
Off topic but looking at your car and how long you have had it. Do you attend pistonheads Sunday services? I can’t remember which one it was but I had a good luck at a red v6 years ago and wanted one ever since. Sure it was Brunighthorope but could of been Silverstone.
keo said:
Off topic but looking at your car and how long you have had it. Do you attend pistonheads Sunday services? I can’t remember which one it was but I had a good luck at a red v6 years ago and wanted one ever since. Sure it was Brunighthorope but could of been Silverstone.
Never been to Bruntingthorpe but attended many PHSS at Silverstone, BMW HQ, Brands, MB world and Goodwood.Just as a side note, the headlights were fine when I got the Exige but I also have a GT86 and that has spoiled me with its really good LED headlights.
I Like Tea said:
Owned a 2014 V6 Cup for 7 years, am 5'6" so can't comment on whether you would fit!
Mine had the Komotec EX460 kit and was forever having the engine emissions light come on, particularly on hot days in slow traffic. May be a general problem, might be the kit, couldn't say.
It was a horrible road car, noisy and uncomfortable, but it was a Cup, V6S would be better I hope.
Mine was driven harder than most, so some observations, that might not be relevant..
1. The rear biased weight distribution and high C of G is spoken about very negatively, it's true but I honestly never found it a problem, when the rear lets go it's easy to gather up and happens quite gently. On a positive note it provides stunning traction out of slow corners.
2. The gear change is just about okay.
3. I found mine very unstable over certain sequences of bumps on the road, on one occasion I thought I might lose control, eventually I stopped using it for road driving. It might have been geometry but I had that checked, it might have been damping, they do lose traction over bumps, there's a lot of mass for rear dampers to try and control. This in-car from when I took it to the Isle of Man shows it losing traction and getting wheelspin at 120mph+. Nothing came of it, but was always in the back of my mind at those speeds..
It was a very exciting car that I still miss, overall I very much recommend it, particularly if coming from a TVR, which I understand can also have 'exciting' handling!
Great driving!Mine had the Komotec EX460 kit and was forever having the engine emissions light come on, particularly on hot days in slow traffic. May be a general problem, might be the kit, couldn't say.
It was a horrible road car, noisy and uncomfortable, but it was a Cup, V6S would be better I hope.
Mine was driven harder than most, so some observations, that might not be relevant..
1. The rear biased weight distribution and high C of G is spoken about very negatively, it's true but I honestly never found it a problem, when the rear lets go it's easy to gather up and happens quite gently. On a positive note it provides stunning traction out of slow corners.
2. The gear change is just about okay.
3. I found mine very unstable over certain sequences of bumps on the road, on one occasion I thought I might lose control, eventually I stopped using it for road driving. It might have been geometry but I had that checked, it might have been damping, they do lose traction over bumps, there's a lot of mass for rear dampers to try and control. This in-car from when I took it to the Isle of Man shows it losing traction and getting wheelspin at 120mph+. Nothing came of it, but was always in the back of my mind at those speeds..
It was a very exciting car that I still miss, overall I very much recommend it, particularly if coming from a TVR, which I understand can also have 'exciting' handling!
Can't comment on EX460, plenty don't seem to have issues but...I won't speculate.
High CoG is not ideal but the argument for these cars is how great they are to drive as opposed to being perfect dynamically (though understandable that for some they are one and the same). Insert "911 engine is in the wrong place yet look at how good those are" argument here
At the end of the day, plenty make it work (look at Komo-Tec's awesome Spa time in their 390hp Cup R...!) so I guess it isn't the be-all-end-all.R.e. instability, what you describe sounds like it could have been a combination of springs that are too stiff and/or too much rebound. Moving down to 850lbs/in from 1100 on the rear seems to be common from what I've read. I might do this myself on the next Nitron rebuild as it is quite cheap. I found the same bounciness and stiffening rebound at the rear has helped a lot. A lot of people comment that the rear end of these cars is heavy (ignoring weight distribution being rear-biased) but at the end of the day, the rear end is still lighter than most cars out there.
When the V6 roadster arrived on the market I thought, "this is the car I've been waiting for!". My recollection is that I went out for a demonstration drive with former F1 driver and then Lotus test pilot Mark Blundell.
Was the car very, very fast? Oh yes, it certainly was.
Does that have any relevance on the UK roads in 2020s? Arguably not.
Others may disagree but I see it as a track car with number plates. Not unlike the 2-eleven although it does at least have a windscreen wiper and a roof.
Was the car very, very fast? Oh yes, it certainly was.
Does that have any relevance on the UK roads in 2020s? Arguably not.
Others may disagree but I see it as a track car with number plates. Not unlike the 2-eleven although it does at least have a windscreen wiper and a roof.
NicBowman said:
Hi
Had TVRs for 42 years. Time for a change! Exige looks great on paper. 2014 or 2015 model. Questions.
At 6 foot 3, fit in ok?
Roadster, does look a bit less edgy, why would you not just buy a coupe and use a soft top? Unless softer springs are good for road use compared to coupe?
Coupe with race option, even firmer springs?
Any issue with condition or reliability? What to watch out for?
Which colours sell well? I quite like the green?
Lots of daft questions? Thx in advance.
Nic
Nic - FYI I sent you a pm. Cheers Had TVRs for 42 years. Time for a change! Exige looks great on paper. 2014 or 2015 model. Questions.
At 6 foot 3, fit in ok?
Roadster, does look a bit less edgy, why would you not just buy a coupe and use a soft top? Unless softer springs are good for road use compared to coupe?
Coupe with race option, even firmer springs?
Any issue with condition or reliability? What to watch out for?
Which colours sell well? I quite like the green?
Lots of daft questions? Thx in advance.
Nic
I’ve had a number of TVRs and now have a V6 Exige S Roadster.
Driving, feedback, power and precision in a Lotus is far superior.
Slightly different sense of occasion to a noisy and raw TVR imho.
The Roadster is a rare car. And a nice compromise. I can charge about a focus on driving. Or take my wife with me, roof off and cruise about.
If you are a track day sort of person - then a full fat Exige is probably for you. The Roadster is less stable at high speed.
I was advised against taking the roof of a coupe as that adversely affects aero and the cars stability. That was by a Lotus engineering guru.
Whatever you choose - you’ll love it.
And at your height - a little yoga helps with the dignity as you exit the car !
Driving, feedback, power and precision in a Lotus is far superior.
Slightly different sense of occasion to a noisy and raw TVR imho.
The Roadster is a rare car. And a nice compromise. I can charge about a focus on driving. Or take my wife with me, roof off and cruise about.
If you are a track day sort of person - then a full fat Exige is probably for you. The Roadster is less stable at high speed.
I was advised against taking the roof of a coupe as that adversely affects aero and the cars stability. That was by a Lotus engineering guru.
Whatever you choose - you’ll love it.
And at your height - a little yoga helps with the dignity as you exit the car !
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