Just driven a 111R

[onedsla]

I didn't know that they existed yet, but I've just been out in a brand new 111R.

Although it's only an extra 30 or so bhp over mine, I was almost shaking when I parked her up - it's seriously quick all the way up to frightening speeds with a huge v-tech style kick in the back at around 6000rpm.

The car only had about 230 miles on the clock but the 6 speed box already felt very slick - a huge improvement.

The engine sounds a lot meaner at low revs - much nicer sounding than my 111S. It's also far more refined - I found myself driving at 60+ thinking I was doing about 45 - the whole car seems a lot quieter when cruising with the roof down.

I think I'm going to place an order very shortly. With aircon and a couple of extra bits it comes to just over £30k. They're only offering £20k part-ex for my 7000 mile car which is less than I'd like but I think I'll have to accept this.

Has anybody else driven this model yet?

[mustard]

Registering our Demo car on Monday

edited to say value of yours takes into account 111s is now circa £25k new and anticipated short supply on 111R model



>> Edited by mustard on Saturday 24th January 17:10

[guitarman]

Hi Everyone, I've just joined the site.
I've been scouring all the motoring mags and websites over the last six months for news of when the UK gets the Toyota engined version, and as usual Lotus are very sneaky and supply dealers with demo models without any official announcements, obviously to secure sales on the remaining 111s Rover powered cars, which no-one would buy if the Toyota one was officially available from February. I've seen the demo car pic on Peter Smith Sports Cars website, and it still has the 111s wheels, not the fantastic looking Rimstock ones from the LA show cars with the Sport Pack. I hope the new wheels will be available as an option. Also the American cars have the proper L O T U S lettering across the rear, like the original S2's and not the horrible circular badge.Hope this too is an option.
From photos I've seen of the LA show, the fit of the Hardtop against the top of the side windows is also much improved, without the ugly straight shadow caused by the hardtop overhanging the glass. Anyone got any comments on these issues? I've been hanging on for the Toyota engined Elise for an eternity, but it looks like I'll finally be able to get one for the Summer.
Just can't wait.
P.S. Autocar magazine still has a V6 Elise in its listing for forthcoming Summer 2004 cars. Anyone know if this is on the cards, or just a magazine mistake?

[dragstar]

Hi G-man and welcome.

i, like you, didnt like the ,lotus badge rather than L O T U S, but it's grown on me

its disappointing that the only external difference is the hard-top (and then only slightly).

im sure you wont care when your in it though

im jealous!

[guitarman]

Hi Dragstar,
I agree, the circular badge doesn't look too bad now I've got used to it. I wonder if they will keep the L O T U S lettering just for the top of the range?
Apparently the 111R still has the old interior too, not the one from the LA show.

[dragstar]

thats a bit shite

[onedsla]

Yup - the interior was very similar to my 1 year old car, except for the seats which don't look as good but were very comfortable - perhaps moreso.

The car I drove had the optional touring pack which normally costs £1750ish which includes carpets and electric windows.

[guitarman]

Did they offer you the option of the new Rimstock wheels? Like on the LA cars with the Sportpack?

[onedsla]

No mention of the wheels, although the dealers seemed very happy to look after any such customisations themselves. This also included a LSS kit that I enquired about which is not a factory option on the 111R.

[sydneyse]

I think my only reservation with the 111R is that it weighs 900kg!! (my s2 11s with aircon is 805). As the engine gearbox is approx 35kg heavier with the toyota, how much extra does the ABS, electric windows and central locking and sound deadning weigh!!??!!

I've seen the official lotus marketing material here in Oz and it states that the 111R is faster than the 111 "sport" (111s with LSS and A048 tires) in a straight line... infering the sport is quicker around a track... is this just the tires, or the fact that it is 95kg lighter that makes the difference braking/cornering..

[ACP]

The official weight of the 111R is 860kg wet, which includes, oil, clutch and break fluid etc. Believe it contains some petrol too although I doubt very much.

[sydneyse]

hmm acording to my registration papers, my 111s weighs 765kg,.. with a regular elise at 730kg..

does the 111r in UK spec have aircon? (all s2 111s and 111r in australia come with aircon- you need it!)

even so, 55kg is like having an extra passenger the while time- mind you, the power/weight ratio is still better in 111r (on the other hand my Hamann M3 is better again.. but not as good around a track- well corner speed anyway..)
oops.. ACP I see you're posting the aussie spec 111r... interesting.... also intersting is the lotus australia assertion that the exige s2 (with aircon) weighs less than 800kg... like to see how (I WOULD trade mine if it were true! 800kg, 141 kw...)

>> Edited by sydneyse on Tuesday 27th January 02:56

[ACP]

Yeah a sub 800kg Exige would be awesome, but I can't see either how they'd get the weight down so much. Especially as it has more body work - but you never know. I'll find out the official weight today.

[Roadrunner]

So what if the new 111R is a touch heavier. It's not that much and at the end of the day it does 0-60 in 4.7 seconds, which is bloody fast. I think the plus points of outright speed and reliability are more important issues.

[Roadrunner]

By the way, my dealer said the new Exige weighs more than the new 111R, due to it's larger rear end. This in turn means it will be slower on the roads, although will be quicker in corners on a smooth track.

[onedsla]

However small the difference in power to weight, there was still something different enough which lead to me almost shaking from adreneline when I got out of the 111R - something my 111S doesn't quite do anymore.

In the UK aircon is a £1200ish option

[dragstar]

that is interesting!

I wonder what it could be?

[mustard]

Its called a 6k kick in the back with a 9k Redline!

[dragstar]

[onedsla]

Take it you got your one registered then mustard