Lotus Exige S 240 Review - The Street Legal Go-Kart!
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- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2024
- Less weight = quicker acceleration, more grip, shorter braking, and faster lap times. That's the philosophy Colin Chapman obeyed when he founded Lotus Cars in 1952 to build both race and road cars. Even though the Exige S 240 began production a quarter of a century after Chapman's passing, the embodiment of "lighter is better" is still evident in every aspect of its design.
This review features Pieter's 2008 Persian Blue S 240, which takes performance to a new level with its Blade300 kit and elevates its power-to-weight ratio past that of the R35 GTR! Fun section starts at 5:40.
Very honest review! I own an Exige with a similar setup and will agree that yes, there are lots of rattles, it's ridiculously cramped, the engine drones and buzzes... But I discovered that all is cured with a good set of earplugs! ;) Just FYI, if you put a few sheets of mass dampener on the middle belly pan right below the engine, it mutes engine and road noise quite a bit.
Honestly though everything is forgiven once you get a clear stretch of mountain road, or better yet, take it on the track. Almost everything... I still wish I could fit a rollaway into the trunk but oh well.
As for the driver experience complaints, I highly recommend the shifter base stiffener, shift cables, and short shift kit. They have improved the shift action considerably. Not far from how a Porsche shifter feels. But, this is a transmission that you don't slam into place. You have to get used to the shift action; particularly the downshift. It works far better on good heel toe rev matching.
More importantly, a switch to improved adjustable suspension such as Nitrons allow for easy adjustment of damping. Mine are one way and I set for 80% firm on track, and nearly full soft on street. The the bump steer, tram-lining, and skipping all become nearly muted with no compromise on the turn in.
In retrospect, the power mods are the last thing needed on this car. It's already pretty quick in a straight line, shaming most performance cars out of the box. But in the corners, particularly what we drive here in NorCal, few cars can touch it. Hard to beat the direction change speed of something with only 2000 lbs of centralized mass!
Great suggestions, thanks for sharing!
Hey, if you ever want to swap rides and test an Exige with more suspension setup and shifter upgrade, I'd love to test drive an NSX! I've given thought to swapping my car for a comp tech NSX; just because sometimes I have wanted more refinement and luggage space. But, it's also hard to match the excitement of the Exige.
Harry Kwan I'll keep that in mind. Perhaps we can do a comparison video with your Exige in the future. Exige vs Cayman S would be a fun one.
LOVE the supercharger whine. So gnarly.
You treat the aluminum tub as if it's an annoyance (ooooh, it's so hard to get into, whine whine), when in fact it's the reason why the Exige is so light and handles so well.
He's being honest. He's not whining. You, on the other hand...
Craig Yirush yea he pretty much hoped in and immediately started bashing the car but I'll bet it will dust his nsx around a track
Hahah! Se sounded like a naggy little noob!
Having owned 2 S2k's and an Exige of higher factory spec than the one featured, I think this is a balanced review. Zygrene's early criticisms aren't out of turn and not taken so by the owner, he knew what he was buying when he moved out of an Evora S into the Exige. He wouldn't have been harsh if he said that the S2k is fundamentally a better design than the Exige (though they are different design briefs). Incidentally the Evora (let alone the Evora S) is an infinitely better all-round proposition than the Exige and better used value. The Exige is so much happier on the track than the road, I concluded that it was pretty much a one-trick-pony, it's just too much hard work on the road. It's great at punching out consistent, repeated fast track laps, that is all. This is a positive for buyers however, as most Exiges have little mileage on the Odometer and have been carefully stored. The Exige is better than the Elise just to access the aero performance.
Hey Zygrene. Special thanks for the great review. I actually just flew out and bought this car. I think I probably have about half the views on the video trying to see what shape the car is in... Not very often that you get to watch a detailed review of the exact car you are looking to purchase (especially helpful if you live across the country).
Good luck with your channel!
Tony, congrats on the purchase! I'm sure you'll enjoy the car and glad my video helped with your decision. Hope you take it to the track often. It's where the car is meant to thrive. :)
That's so cool! Do you still have it? How is your owner's experience?
Why do you keep mentioning and comparing this car to an s2000. They are nothing alike. One is mid engine rwd the other front engine rwd if anything compare it to an mr2 turbo. Or Porsche for that matter smh
You're right about the differences, but people will still cross-shop the Elise/Exige and S2k
Nice. I have an Elise right now which is not as stiff as the Exige and it handles all twisties with no issue. I've owned a Cayman S, Ap1, Ap2 and now the Elise. I've driven the NSX and it feels numb compared to the Elise. Elise is the least practical but is the most fun to drive, even just down the block.
Yes, the s2k has a better shifter but that's about it. The Elise or Exige is the most fun legal car you can drive period. I've also had many other sports cars but they're apple to oranges to the above listed cars.
Nice! How would you rank the Cayman S, AP1, AP2, and Elise in terms of driving pleasure?
+Zygrene Driving pleasure is subjective but to me, it's about how fun it is to drive. I don't complain about the rattles, squeaks and stiffness of the suspension.
I would rate them in this order Elise, AP1, AP2 and then the Cayman S. The Cayman is just too easy to drive and have a very high limit thus it feels a bit boring. It doesn't need constant input like the Elise and S2Ks
Great review. I appreciate your honesty on the feedback, and pros and cons. Real/honest feedback is a common theme in your reviews. Hard to beat the s2000 gear box. Also, please do a review on a stock s2000 CR when you can.
Thanks! Will try to find a CR to review soon
Appreciate the brutally honest comments, although the owner may not hahaha.
I think he agreed with most of my points. Love the car regardless of my criticisms!
I haven't watched the video yet but I'm guessing they have to do with the fact that the car is basically designed to be a street legal go kart. If you want a fancy luxurious car with high interior quality, go elsewhere and don't complain.
manu ochenta lol?
Freaking love this car! I'd probably get an Elise because I don't think I could afford an Exige for a while.
You are a rough shifter. You keep shifting hard into the gears...not necessary
I believe the Exige was conceived as a track car pretty much so not too surprising. Such a great honest car though. That comment about the 4C, I believe some people actually like the turbo for the character it gives the car.
Yep, some people love turbos. I like turbos but only in certain applications, like hot hatches. For small, analog sports cars I think NA/supercharging are a better fit. To each his own.
Yeah and even considering that it's turbo'd the 4c's engine seems to be an especially poor match for it's characteristics. I'm just waiting for them to pop out a 6c, if they do it right I think that could be their best car in a long time.
For spoil the full potential of an Exige you must be in a closed circuit, track car belong to the track.
As an ex owner of a good prep Lotus Elise s2 (260cv/813kg) with aerodynamic kit (front lip, rear wing and big diffuser) the best moment with the car was to cruise with a decent pace in the canyon for a while, but when the confidence between me and the car get better and better the track was the only place where i felt the car alive and comunicative with me.
I sold it after 3 years, i miss her a lot.
(srr for the bad english)
I would have loved to do few laps of Laguna Seca in the Exige to do it justice, but that's not quite possible for me, yet.
It "is" being held together by glue. Really powerful industrial strength glue.
After watching your videos for mooonths, I finally found the road and took my s2k up there!
Nice, just be careful not to terrorize cyclists and hikers up there :)
Is this between Greenfield and Carmel Valley?
Loved the honest video, Zygrene! Please review an Integra GSR and Type-R if possible.
+Abhi Basu I have a GSR planned, haven't found a Type R yet
This channel should have 100k subs easily. 3+ videos a week and you'll be there in no time! Love the content. Try to see if you can do a collab with TST (p.s. the one take you did with Matt brought me here).
I appreciate the support! I'm trying to publish a minimum of 2 videos a week, but having a full time desk job and a life makes it tough. Don't think I'm at the level where I can collab with TST yet, but will definitely try once my subscriber base has reached the appropriate level.
Ya I understand. The key to YT success seems to be collabs though so just keep collaborating with whoever you can. If seb delanney can get 100k subs, you can lol.
Is Sector 111 the same company as Hanger111 in the UK? Or is this an American lotus company? Do they use Komotec products too?
Exige KILLS!!!
I've been thinking about picking up an Exige S. I have never seen one on the road EVER. Even at car meets you never see them. They don't cost much at all, and I can sell it off in a couple years and not lose money on it. I just want an exotic car to enjoy while I'm young and don't have any major responsibilities yet. Either a Lotus or a Gen 3 Viper, but the Lotus is way more exclusive.
I would have told him to stop the car, get out and leave him. All he did was moan, whine, complain, etc. I own a 2005 Elise, when I'm driving, I'm focused on whats in front of me, he is not worthy.
My dream car.
Total track car for street, it's just beautiful
good review as usual!
Good vid - seriously the Exige really shines at a track way more than driving it around on the streets. I am a track rat primarily due to this car. ;) Edit: if interested, I have track videos of my Exige on my RUclips channel. You might even catch me in a spin or two or three or… ;)
It must be set up stiff for whatever reason as that car is designed for British B roads which are exactly what you describe there… uneven, narrow, twisty, B road specialist! 😊
PS - when I drove a base 2011 Lotus Evora I was disappointed in the shifter coming from an S2000. I dont know which route to take... Miata again, and put a down payment on a house, or keep my S2000. Suzuka Blue '03 - 81k miles now (owned for four years- longest car I've ever owned) but new clutch new rear end etc.
Zygrene, another good video! I've got an NSX & an Exige and love them both. BUT if you're ever in the UK you are welcome to try my Hayabusa turbo Suzuki Cappuccino. It's 380bhp and weighs 750kg, pneumatic paddle shift etc. It will change your perception of driving.
Stop tempting me to buy a plane ticket to the UK... 380bhp kei car sounds like a mind blowing experience.
Great honest review
NSX near lotus .. what could be better ?
I would love an Exige with a s/c k series engine.
Not gonna lie, that'd be awesome!
Yea he should track down one with a s/c Honda K swap, even better than this!
Elises actually came also with k20 engine at some point.
Not from the factory sadly... There are many companies that offer the installation of a Honda K-Series engine into an Elise/Exige, but the Elise left the assembly plant with a 1.8L Rover K Series Engine.
*I can't edit my comment for some reason --- the "S1" Elise I more meant to say, before main production carried over to the Toyota 2ZZ Engine.
This guy compares almost everything to his own NSX. I know his Intention behinf his comparison and perspective
It's not a good bench mark to compare every aspect to NSX. Just my 2 cents.
Did this car have the track Pak or stock LSS ?
Burnt one before filming, eh?
This car is not a more expensive version of the s2000. These two cars have nothing in common. It is the more expensive version of the Toyota MRS.
Easily _the_ least comfortable car I ever sat in. (And the fit n finish was kit car level.)
....its not supposed to be comfortable or luxurious in any way. its a street legal track car. the interior was made cheap so they can make this car the beast that it is at an affordable price.
Love it. Would be perfect with sequential gear box.
I love mine. If you can, get it!
Definitely! It's my first car and it's amazing so far. Only downside is I daily it lol
Thanks for the info...
@zygrene coming from a 2003 S2000, I'm afraid of how uncomfortable this must be... I'm debating on which car I get next... 2008 Cayman S, 2013 Boxster S, or Lotus Evora S... What would you do
If you think your AP1 is uncomfortable, definitely stay away from the Elise/Exige. Out of those choices I'd pick Evora S because it's the most special, but all are great choices. Also, 09-12 Cayman S has a much more durable engine than 06-08.
@@Zygrene agreed. My previous 06 Cayman S had ims bearing issue. Then I went to a 1991 LS400 (great car) to my S2000.
And I love my s2000. Seems like we both have the same goals with regards to car "progression": driver's cars which don't depreciate too much then on to the next "better" one.
With regards to uncomfortable, I was speaking to the Exige S in the video.
My journey was 91 NA Miata to 99 10ae Miata to Porsche Cayman S to Lexus ls400 until I found my s2000. Now that the S2000 is paid off def will consider Evora S.
The shifter in the base 2011 Evora didn't impress me. I will have to check the Evora S and see if it's up to s2000/Porsche standards.
Huge props and thanks for the advice. There's a Evora S on Cars.com with 40k miles for $40k
I really dont think the s2k wats to be this car, and i wouldn't compare them both at all, Weight, mid engine and the fact that this car is just a RAW car, were the s2000 was more refined. Still love em both tho
Ultimately they have many differences, but I think both aim to be a "street legal go-kart." Can't go wrong with either.
i want this car for my weekend car and my wrx as my daily :(
Don't use a car that isn't yours as your pf icon.
But I agree whole heartedly.
@@KuostA not sure whose it is i love looking at it so i kept it and if anyone asked me if it was mine i would say it isnt mine but no one has in the past 4 years i had it lol
Tho mine does look better than it atm just havnt took any pics of it lol
@@layesse1 I know that vehicle so that's why it irks me lol. would love to see pics of yours if it looks better! glad you still have yours too.
Thanks for this review! I was getting just as giddy as you when you floored it. I'm for all my brothers I know this a bad comparison but Exige or the new Gt350r? Different animals same purpose
I'd almost take the GT350R just for the engine alone, but I will await final judgement until I drive one.
What's the difference between Elise and Exige?
The Exige is pretty much a fixed roof Elise. It should be a bit better suited for track driving.
+Zygrene the exige roof is removable...not fixed
am I watching the smoking tire? Matt sure looks different
Good eye! I changed my ethnicity, height, and voice
SECURE YOUR INTERCOOLER
This is literally a smaller Hennessey Venom GT.
The Hennessey Venom GT is literally this car, a lotus exige, except the rear is stretched and has a V8.
What a dumb comment. It's literally the other way around.
KuostA Damn bro this was two years ago, I was dumb asf, apologies
@@vincethatwonderfulboi7374 roflmfao. I know it was, just thought it was an epic comment chain lmao. thanks for coming back to concede fault. apology accepted. i respect that. glad you've seemed to have grown a lot in two years. credit to you.
This video is so cringe. You can tell they sent enjoying this car.
Hey has anybody else heard of this? They say they're making s a clear hardtop for the Lotus - sounds pretty cool actually. clearhardtop.com
Sierra rode
the s2000 is a boat