Exige 350 / 380 / 390 / 410

[Mr R]

Hi All,

911 GT3 owner here considering making the move in to an S3 Exige but it's difficult to get a real understanding of the different variants and the relative price points so just looking for advice or feedback.

Having done some reading of various articles it seems the 390 could be the sweet spot for what I would be looking for - social weekend car with maybe one or two track days per year.

One question I do have is regarding GPFs - do the later models have these fitted and therefore less of the raucous noise? If so which models are best to avoid this, presumably a 410 from around 2017 - 2018?

Thanks in advance for any input!

[Mr R]

Thanks for all of the very helpful and informative replies everyone, especially clarifying that the main difference between the 350/390 and 410/20/30 lies in the Nitron vs Bilstein dampers.

Noise is certainly one of the main factors for me so it sounds like the 350 is out of the equation.

My original thinking preference for a 390 was based on the £7-8k price difference to a 410 seeming quite steep for 20bhp but it sounds like there is much more to it, and also that the 410 may be more desirable for future buyers because of the dampers. Presumably the gearbox in all variants is the same in terms of ratios and feel (excluding the earlier 350 as would be lookong at a 2020 onwards)?

Thanks again for all of the info, I have a road trip in the GT3 planned for Sept so once this is done I'll have to start having a look at a few cars.

[Mr R]

Thanks again for taking the time to reply so comprehensively. A sub £50k 350 does look good value - is the power difference in a 380 / 90 significantly noticeable vs the 350 for those that have driven both?

Given the GT3's appetite for revs I want something similar that pulls strongly right at the top of the range, even if the redline is somewhat lower.

What's the view on wear and tear for tyres and brakes on track days - is it realistic to get a few days in during a year without significant expense for replacements?

Thanks again!

[Mr R]

Thanks for all of the info everyone.

Paul - that's great to hear that you can make a set of tyres last across multiple track days as I would like to do more in the coming years. Also thanks for sharing the video, certainly looks like good fun!

Rick - thanks for the info on potential upgrades, I think my preference would be to go for one of the higher power factory setups but it's worth knowing that there's options.

Keo - that's very kind of you to offer, unfortunately I'm in the South East near the Berkshire / Surrey borders.

Think I need a trip to Bell & Colvill in the next few weeks to do some further research.

Thanks again everyone!

[Mr R]

Hi Everyone,

OP here. Thanks for the reminder to update this thread.

I ended up in a 718 Spyder, mainly because I managed to get a favourable part-ex price on my GT3 having not had any luck trying to sell it privately or via CarWow / Motorway, and I was very conscious about coming to the end of the 10yr engine warranty period so it was almost a no-brainer.

Unfortunately I am not really gelling with the Spyder. It looks awesome and by all objective measures it is an incredible car, it just doesn't excite the same way as the GT3, mainly because it feels too civilised. I had a 981 Spyder before which surprisingly had more character.

So I'm still keeping an eye on the classifieds pretty much daily with a view to changing again in March / April once the Spring market starts to pick up. An Exige is definitely on the short-list and the Autumn Gold 410 currently for sale is very tempting...

I'm also tempted to go back in to a 991.1 GT3 if I can find one with a replacement engine as I really miss the sensation of ringing out to 9000rpm. I really want a 991.2 GT3 but the price jump is just too big.

The wildcard is an Alpine A110 which could free up some cash whilst still providing lightweight thrills. I do worry that I'll find the engine and drive train rather normal though.

I did test drive an Emira which was ok. Loved the looks and the interior is lovely but I didn't find it very exciting and strangely it didn't feel that quick. I say strangely as I have previously driven an Evora 410GT which felt proper rapid by comparison.

I think the next step is to go and have a proper look at some Exiges and try and get a test drive as it definitely feels like an itch that needs scratching at some stage!

I'll keep the thread updated with any further progress in the coming months

[Mr R]

Hi Everyone,

Quick thread update.

Thanks again for everyone's advice and feedback on this thread. I'm pleased to say I have just placed a deposit on a 410 Sport which I will be picking up later this month!

Very excited to finally be getting in to Lotus ownership and already eyeing up some trackdays for what's left of the summer.

A couple of questions if I may:
- What's the general consensus on Best track exhaust? Ideally I would like something that I can change over easily at home as would like to keep the full sound experience for road use if possible

- I would quite like to get harnesses fitted, any recommendations on suppliers? Presumably the harness bar would need to be professionally installed given it's a safety item?

- Any recommendations on Owners clubs / forums beyond what's available here

- Are there any insurers that specialise in Lotus? My Spyder is currently with Lockton who offer discounts for Porsche Club GB members so interested to see if anything similar exists in the Lotus world

I think that's it for now but will no doubt have more questions when it gets closer to handover day (need to wait for the soft top conversion to be fitted first)!

Thanks everyone

[Mr R]

Thanks for the comprehensive response Paul, really helpful. I also had a look back through your Readers Car thread and it's great seeing how much you have done to your car to make it your own, looks awesome!

I have just ordered the exhaust you recommended from SW Lotus, who are already in the process of shipping it, and I have also joined Lotus On Track so hopefully I'll see you at one their events in the coming months - looking at Donnington and maybe Silverstone later in the year

Think I'll speak to Bell & Colvill about the Harness Bar as my spanner skills aren't great but thanks for sending the links to the parts, will get them ordered soon.

I don't use Instagram I'm afraid but thanks for the kind offer to answer any more Qs. I'll keep this thread updated over the next few weeks and then maybe post a Readers Cars thread once I have collected it.

Thanks again for your help, very kind of you.

[Mr R]

Quick update and another thanks to Paul for all his advice - track exhaust arrived from SW Lotus, insurance sorted via ClassicLine and some dates pencilled in for some autumn track days with LOT. Now just need the car!

Plan is to pick it up on Thursday which I am very excited about - no matter how often I change my car I still get the same feeling in the run up to handover date! Pics to follow in due course

[Mr R]

Here she is! Apologies for the poor pictures, will try and get some proper ones over the weekend





Had a genuine laugh out loud moment the first time I opened the taps properly - so much more visceral than the Spyder, right up there with the GT3 in terms of theatre.

One thing I have noticed is that it doesn't appear to rev quite all the way up to the 7000rpm redline but I'm guessing this may just be graphics on the rev counter? Certainly feels like it could keep pulling for some time!

[Mr R]

Thanks Keo, that's really helpful - I just assumed Sport changed the traction control settings, will give it a try later as it does seem to be cutting at 6800rpm at the moment.

[Mr R]

Hi Paul,
Sorry to use you as my personal Exige expert advisor - any advice on how to use the lithium battery conditioner/ maintainer without setting the alarm off?! Tried leaving the car both locked and unlocked (albeit with the boot open) but it went off and both times after leaving it for a minute or so...any tips welcomed! Thank you.

[Mr R]

Paul_M3 said:

Mr R said:

Hi Paul,
Sorry to use you as my personal Exige expert advisor - any advice on how to use the lithium battery conditioner/ maintainer without setting the alarm off?! Tried leaving the car both locked and unlocked (albeit with the boot open) but it went off and both times after leaving it for a minute or so...any tips welcomed! Thank you.

No, problem, always happy to help.

When i put mine on charge, i run the cable out of the boot, but the fully close it so that the 'boot closed' switch is made. This allows everything to sit there as normal with no issues.

What's weird is that you have issues not locking the car too. When doing this, have you unlocked and re-locked the car without opening a door? If you don't open a door the car will automatically re-lock itself after a period of time and arm the alarm.

In summary, I'd try either a) closing the boot fully, or b) unlock car, open a door, put car on charge, close door, and then just lock the doors manually with the key but don't set the alarm with the fob.

Thanks Paul - helpful as always! I think you're right that I hadn't opened the doors after unlocking so it was probably re-arming itself. I will give closing the boot fully a try tomorrow, as presumably you can feed the cable through the slats in the engine cover. Thanks again!