It's so important companies like Lotus exist, back to basics thrill of driving. Essentially it's what it's really all about. Great video sir and the Exige is wonderfully spec'd!
Many great car manufacturers have a different sucessful philosophy. The don't consider weight to be an issue. They put into there cars exactly what they feel the car needs. Ferrari, Lamborghini, bugatti for ex. Don't make light weight cars. But they are wonderful
@@guardisto You're definitely a casual. Just go a drive a watered down, easy to drive luxury sports car. You're too soft to drive a real driver's car like a Lotus. Lotus are built for real men.
@@zarbon700 Men like you, who have never been in a lotus or a watered down sports car. Which of your manly abilities that no one has allows you to drive a lotus like no one else can ?
@@mnoovurvi I actually own a 2017 Lotus Evora 400. You obviously felt hurt by my comment because know it reflects your own character. It's not my fault you know you're not man enough to drive a Lotus.
Great review, lotus cars are massively underrated on the whole. My Exige Cup 240 I had was just such an intense experience, you’d get out of it knowing you had been for a proper drive. The kind of cars to get you out of bed at 4am to hit some empty roads...
Finally a car that most people could own in their lifetime. Nicely refreshing James. Personally I'm sick of every super car maker releasing a so called "special" car every 12 months. They're all ridiculously expensive to buy, maintain, and only a handful of them ever get driven properly.
so what do you drive and don't lie, exactly, nothing with the credentials you just named cause you a corporate puppet with a company car just like everybody else.
Oh man that open gear box is insane. I would pay the price of admission just for that. The sound of the thing is amazing too! Excellent review as always.
The Exige is awesome. I had the pleasure of many, many laps at Hethel last week... and your reaction of extreme enjoyment was spot on! It’s a pure drivers’ car. What a machine!
Great video, thanks James, the smile says it all! I sold my McLaren 12C to buy a 430CUP, which actually cost me more. The reason being the McLaren was and is an amazing car but 95% of the time you can not exploit a super car to its full potential on UK roads. So driving at legal speeds it was not engaging, no manual gears, no soundtrack, very civilised. In the Exige you can have masses of fun and be totally immersed in your driving without breaking the law. It is perfect drivers car for the UK. I have driven lots of supercars and none make me smile as much as the 430CUP. I also own a 981 Spyder which is manual, NA, LSD, light (ish), RWD, mid engined. It is another car perfectly suited to UK roads and rewards with maximum fun on each outing. Supercars are so fast and so detached that for me they are no longer engaging to drive and somewhat irrelevant. The super-sports-car is where its at and the more analogue the better. I hope Lotus continues its ethos through the Geely ownership period or it will be a big loss.
@@Magic_Vince Because a 12C is worth around £75 - £80k used and a 430 CUP around £100k used (or £118k new) Therefore I sold my 12C and paid more for a 430CUP.
@@alexcowboi6984 I am a car enthusiast mate. I'm saying even the general public can tell a Ferrari from a Porsche etc. But hardly anyone in the general public is familiar with Lotus. Not sure about cat enthusiasts mate I prefer dogs myself.
Lotus is absolutely fabulous! I’m lucky enough to call an Evora S my daily driver, and it brings a smile to my face everyday. Thank you James for an excellent piece yet again!
Remember Top Gear and the 1.8ltr EXIGE! Episode? Not quite as quick as this one, but a claimed low 4s to 100km, not a slouch, even Today. Remember the comment.... “the most fun you can have on four wheels” well the chassis is the same, only slightly extended for the V6 toyota engine. These cars are fantastic to live with everyday as they are incredibly cheap to run and maintain. I have had Audis and other fancy cars, nothing drives and is as cheap to run when you talk sporty cars. I am on my second Lotus, had a SC Elise, now a Lotus 1.8SC Exige. Just love them!
For those curious There is indeed no power steering, and the valve can be manually over ridden with a switch (the other side of the trip computer on earlier cars) but Lotus removed it because of EU regs. Can be added in by any dealer though, or buy a pre 410 car, such as a 380 or 350.
The exhaust valve button can no longer be added on new cars after summer last year. Lotus kept the wiring loom in place for a while after the button was removed so it could be added but have now removed the loom due to EU regs. However a small 'tweak' in the engine bay with a vacuum pipe and a couple of bungs and the valves will be open all the time. Komotec also do an aftermarket kit that allows the valve to open / close on demand.
You know why these regulations were pushed for? Because some idiots thought it was a good idea to always have the valves open and be so loud and obnoxious about it in cities that they annoyed anoyone else and therefore destroying the fun of valve exhaust nearly for all of us.
@@betaich This is probably true, static rev crowd in Kensington have a lot to answer for. All they do is drive into London and rev their engines. Such a waste of a supercar!
I live in Portugal and as long as I love Ferraris etc it's very unlikely that you'll be able to buy/maintain one. But this is the supercar I can aspire to own. Furthermore it's a driver's car so it's totally worth it. Thanks for sharing with us James. Keep them coming! Amazing content!
Glad you liked it. I am on my third Lotus, now an Exige 380 Cup. Like you say, it is priced so it is still achievable and I was just able to get there. I don’t feel short changed in the slightest, it gives me so much that I question why I would spend more if I could. Noise regulations meant they had to remove the exhaust override button. Mine has the button, so I can have full loud all the time if I want :) the new cars can have an override remote control fitted aftermarket. All the best
Videos like this one remind me why you are the best car youtuber on the scene. Great analysis, great use of the english language (not my native tongue, but I appreciate it a lot) and a love of cars that goes well beyond the status or "cool factor". Keep up the good work.
I have an Exige 350 and that’s more than enough for the road. It’s the greatest fun I’ve ever had in a car, and with a Larini backbox, sounds even better. Incredible car in whichever engine output you buy.
Spot on review. Being a Exige V6 owner, along with a few other cars. I believe that a Exige V6 is the best sports car for money, if you want a pure driving experience. A 13/14 reg Exige V6 is basically the same car as this, just with slightly less power and are priced on the market for 40k. They are solid, probably the most reliable car I own. Have had no problems in this.. but i did have problems in my M6(v8) and 997.2 gt3. Very underrated cars these exiges
@@GeesDrive Brilliant. Cabin is comfortable, radio/speakers are a bit weak but easy and cheap to upgrade. Boot space is a bit small, but it's plenty for one or even two people. Also has storage behind the seats so just get creative with it! The only down side is the front is quite low, and over hang is long so it can scrape of you're not aware. It's even good on fuel, cause it's so light!
@@RoflOnMyWaffle. Sounds like it's pretty easy to live with, plus who needs speakers when you have that soundtrack! Interesting to hear your thoughts, thanks for the insight.
What a fantastic review with such an in depth report on performance, balance, damping, steering feel, gear change, pedal setting etc etc. So refreshing compared to other internet 'experts' Emm, who really offer nothing. Really like your thoughts on realistic performance drivers cars, and where the Lotus ethos comes into all this. Thanks think you made my mind up
Think this is the 5th time of watching, absolutely hooked on the noise the Exige makes - glorious. Credit to Mr JWW for caning this thing and maintaining a cohesive conversation :)
Been driving an Elise S2 111S for the past 15 years, despite it being the most temperamental car I've ever owned, it's still a gem and a future classic. That is the embodiment of Lotus philosophy and the Exige S3 is the end of a glorious era. Thanks for the great video
I'm currently running a VX220T as a weekend toy and you are correct about realistically aspirational. The Exige is my next purchase in the new year. The lightweight ethos is indeed a future proof tool in the Lotus arsenal. Less fuel less wear and tear and recyclable.
FINALLY A VIDEO ON LOTUS , I've been waiting on you to do a video on them forever finally they get some recognition they deserve they make some amazing cars. As a owner I love driving it and since they are rare to see where I live. people break their necks looking it.
this may sound odd but i'm as happy as you look in this car as i am driving my mx5/miata. it is my dream to upgrade to a lotus! goosebumbs everywhere listening to the sound of the car! For anyone looking to buy your first car i would suggest the mx5/miata, it doesnt sound like this but i imagine the feeling is just a bit like this crazy lotus and it only cost me 2000 euro
Great to see Lotus getting some love and appreciation from the youtubers. The V6 Exiges aren’t legal in North America, but if they were, I’d find the money to get one.
If only more people had the balls to buy cars like this, and the like, such as Nobles........Badge, Instagram, badge, Instagram............. practice what you preach people. Thanks James.
Exceptionally brilliant video James. The content production and most importantly, the point of it is sublime. It should be Lotus' advertising campaign! Brilliant, and I was sorry when it ended, peace and respect, Ben
90% of the general public could not exploit the naturally aspirated Exige 190 (pre 2006 car) on the track. The size of people’s ego sure costs them in the long run.
OMG...I gotta comment again: HE just said everything in this video ( nailed it ) about the hype about super pricey cars...electric expensive cars..etc. NICE.
I am owner of a Cup 430 (Type 25) and track it intensively. Great fun and fast car! Indeed the wear of brakes and tyres is MUCH less than on my AMG GTR or my previously owned 991/997 GT3 RS and even GT4! No doubt Lotus should continue to play the lightweight card in their future models!
I’ve got a 430 as well and was surprised to find it over the noise limit for most U.K. track days. Have you found a trackday silencer that does the trick, by any chance? Thanks
James, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE drive an S2000 for your Modern Classics. I think you'd fall in love based off of what you are saying in this video. Show some JDM love! You being a self proclaimed 'gearbox snob,' every magazine that reviewed it said it is the best feeling manual around regardless of price. And the engine....F20/F22 is a reving masterpiece. 50/50 weight. It just shouts drivers car. Thank you, sir!
Please Please Please Please Please PLEASE PLEASE PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPPPLLEEAAASSEE TELL US WHAT YOU THINK About an s2k, its within reach of vast majority of viewers, has a sense of theatre, occasion, character with a historic significant engine an engineering masterpiece came to market in 1997 yet still stands up against modern engines........ please
An absolute Dreamcar, alot of Power, great Sound, perfect handling, a drivers car, no electric help like tc, esc, and stuff like that, and not ridiculously expensive. For myself a Exige 350 S would be enough 😄
James, You are spot on about this. People can USE this type of car. It's best attributes are small, light weight, powerful enough, does great in the corners. I would much rather enjoy a small nimble car than the typical super cars. On the other hand I commented yesterday about what Koenigsegg would come up with if they made a car as small as an Elise or Exige. How many lateral Gs could they achieve? I think it would be fun if cars pursued maximum lateral Gs. We will probably get to 300 mph and that's more than enough. But what about maximum lateral Gs. ...great video, James.
I think that's a good idea ... why stuck with 410, you still can adapt to put cloth roof on it , maybe remove the rubber front splitter, do a DIY mod to leave exhaust always open ... and voilaaa
All Exiges and Elises have removable roofs. They're bolted on. The 410 and 430 have a sticker that warns you that you may die if you do this, but you pays your money...
The 1st Formula race car I drove was a Lotus. The light weight and spot-on chassis & suspension made for a terrific drive. This Exige 410 would make for a wonderful street car. I fully agree with the tester that this is an aspirational car. I have owned a Porsche Carrera S and currently a Panamera. I would say that this Exige 410 would definitely be in the running with regard to purchasing another 911. Lotus & Porsche have always been 2 car companies that I have had great respect for what they can accomplish. My only concern with Lotus is lack of dealerships in the USA. (PS: my photo above shows me just how excited I was when I first drove an Exige, circa 2008.)
Hardly qualifies as a modern classic. An interesting niche project but certainly not a classic, they didn't make enough of them for it to even be considered.
@frank white all the sensors and such are Toyota? I didn't know that. I Know that the earlier cars definitely had some British electricals and it did make them finicky. If the newer ones are more reliable, than that's amazing.
Even on the older ones with the "Lucas" parts, you can pretty much straight swap them with more modern equivalents when they break. Most generic Vauxhall/GM/Ford parts fit.
And it would probably eat it alive unbelievable sportscar. A 250 Cup Elise would give a GT3 a run for its money on winding country road 0-60 in 3.9 seconds and 155.mph OK not as fast top end but as for nimbleness n handling it definitely holds it's own.
I would too, in a heartbeat. If this is half the car my 06 Exige is, (and the added 175 kilos aside, it's likely significantly better), it's probably a much more engaging driving experience. And, considering how reliable and ridiculously inexpensive mine has been to maintain, in the long run, this car will likely be far more economical to own than a Porsche, especially if you can avoid dealerships by doing maintenance and repairs yourself. What he didn't mention is that this thing has a bulletproof V6 Toyota Camry engine, but on steroids. It's a British car, but with a reliable electrical system and drivetrain because the basic car has been around long enough that they've worked the major bugs out of the design.
Lotus need to sign you up as a brand ambassador !!! Their type of car has to be the way forward - light, loud and great fun whilst still relatively exploitable.
Mate, watching this has just given me a “crisis”. I currently run an Exige V6 Club Racer and realistically, the 380 is my next purchase. In response to your question, where is the future of sports cars going? Sadly, not in the direction of Lotus at the current time, although I do agree with you, that Lotus are in something of a purple period right now and after recently celebrating their 70th anniversary recently, good things are in the offing in the future from Hethel. Residual values are very strong from my understanding. I do agree with you regarding the valve open threshold. Bring back manual override and I’m cognisant of track limits with that exhaust too. All in all, a top piece mate, keep up the good work. I’ll continue to pour myself in and (more challengingly) out of my Exige for some time to come (currently weighing at 105KG)!!!!!!
a no nonsense type of sports car with the perfect blend of harmony and humdrum to thrash around the track on a deserted but quiet fri evening or sat for that matter.. Wished they made it in the states..
Hi James ! you got it ... Lotus Ethos is unmatched ! you can drive faster cars, more luxurious cars, but none (apart from McLaren maybe) can give you this driving experience, on road AND on track ! well done, as usual ...
Been a AW11 owner and enthusiast for 25 years, after many other breeds and combinations I've owned the AW11 is a real drivers car. The AW11 hooks you in just like you are with that Lotus. That said, after a ride in 2008 with a Exige, one day I really hope to own a 2007-2010 Exige and twincharge it. They are indeed an incredible drivers car.
I fell in love with the original Exige when it's introduction was shown in a display at Sebring. Small, lightweight, beautiful and potentially a great dancing partner on a winding road. The only bug for me was the quality, or lack thereof. This 410 would be the car I would purchase if it was available in the US. Just fantastic....
I always forget about Lotus, but I was given the opportunity to drive an original Porsche Boxter and a Lotus Elise back to back, and the Lotus was definitely more fun. The steering was phenomenal and while the shifter was great in the Porsche the manual metallic shifter of the Lotus is still the best shifter I've ever used. It's a shame we can't get this car in the US.
LOVE what LOTUS is doing. Smart strategy. The mass knows about the super sports cars, and their super unrealistic Instagram style prices etc!!! Enough of pictures and overwhelming media stuff... THE COSTUMERS & drivers want actually to buy them!!! ...And there is where LOTUS gets it nicely !!!!
They have to make a new elise, with this formula but get rid of the extra bits like alcantara, the supercharger, big brakes etc. Make another 200-250hp with 800-900kg and $50k price tag. Dream car.
I have a 2001 Elise S2 and a 2012 Elise S3. I owned them for many years and many miles and use them as daily drivers from spring to winter. Absolutely perfect quality both of them. S3 was a replacement of the S2, but I just can't let her go, so she has a sister now. 😊
I've always wanted a Lotus or a TVR and I don't really know why. I just see them and think they look so awesome! I guess it's that stripped back driving experience they have in common.
Lotus are brilliant drivers cars and love the 250cup but down side is they are difficult to daily compared to say a 718 which is less fun but offers so much more comfort and refinement. Its a tough market but so pleased to see lotus powering on.
Awesome review. Since I live in the USA, they stopped bringing in the Exige, yrs ago, very very sad!!! 1st, I didn't know this particular Exige existed, I plan on learning more, for sure. This car ticks-off every box for me. I only own manuals(4 of them), so that's the 1st Awesome thing, then...I love the simple interior!!! I don't care about elaborate infotainment systems & I hate the new digital dashes...I want real gauges😁 Then, you showed the gearshift...Wow😲, I Love it!!! It's like a miniature version of the Spyker, another vehicle I can't afford. Thanks for this, drive on!!!
@@josiahbradley2434 The evora (exige with your "safety requirements" weight) doesnt sell what makes you think they will invest in giving you the exige
Great job Lotus. I love how the Exige/Elise never gets a major design overhaul-it’s becoming Lotus’s 911. That car is easily identifiable as the same car that came out around 2004, despite looking right at home in 2019. And like a 911, I expect they are extremely different cars to drive albeit with identifiable traits in the bloodline.
This is the video I've been waiting for! Awesome review! Agree with everything you said. From the lotus forums it seems like the problem with lotus is the poor customer service from the company. Hopefully Geely will sort this out. Did it make the GT3 feel like a panamera?
I had an Elise in 2002 when the s2 came out and it was epic. I was 25 at the time and used it as a daily driver, so frightening in snow and ice, epic in the summer sunshine. I love lotus, but to me they haven’t yet moved to there next generation, everything is still based on the original Elise chassis. In the millennium there was nothing like an Elise, now cars have moved on so much you can buy any AMG Merc for less money than this and be just as quick with suitcase and a family of 4 onboard. So I would love to see the Elise and exige move forward 20 years, with paddle shift boxes and a new iconic design relaunching lotus’s into the next generation of flagship light weight sports cars.
I've never had the pleasure of getting to drive a lotus they've never really appealed to me but it seems like one of those cars you just have to drive to appreciate and i say that solely based on the facial expressions on everyone's face that I've ever watched drive one...👍
Best. Sounding. V6. Out. There. For the reasons you say RE usable power in a great package which connects you to what's happening on the tarmac, I'm buying a 370Z Nismo.
Having gone from a Nismo to the Lotus, it's night and day different. However, if I needed another more sensible car I'd get a 370z Nismo over an M3 any day. Loved it. Enjoy the car and maybe we'll convert you to Lotus in the future :)
I had so much fun watching this. Man, you looked like you had more fun in this car than any other. What a car!!! Lol, I said 410 supercharged horses as you said it 😂
I’m obsessed with owning a Ferrari one day but I drove a Alpine A110 a few months ago then a Portofino the same day and for a quarter of the cost I had more fun in the Alpine with 240bhp . With the pursuit of bhp we are losing true driving cars for the road
The Lotus is a more raw driving experience people might scoff at it having a Toyota Camry V6 engine but in whole honesty they're idiot proof and with a Harrop Supercharger bolted on pumping out 350 - 430 BHP and weighing 1100kgs they're blisteringly quick 0-60 in 3.7 - 3.2 Seconds and crack on to 100 mph above the national speed limit and a bit more. It's the Colin Chapman Ethos of building a Sports Car that's about adding lightness thus giving it pin point steering no power steering is fitted it's jus you the car and the road just as it should be I've never been in an Exige nor driven one but own an Elise but would openly say every Petrolhead should try a Lotus before they die. Its an automotive drug.
It's so important companies like Lotus exist, back to basics thrill of driving. Essentially it's what it's really all about. Great video sir and the Exige is wonderfully spec'd!
R.G Car-Gee exactly.
What driving is differs from person to person. No one formula
Lotus is back to basics because if they went any more forward theyd go bankrupt
@@mitchellobrien4670 true. They had no choice no money. Now they have new owners with money. A supercar is on the way we will see what they are soon
Like a MX5, but when people blame the MX5 for not enough horsepower, go for this 410 XD
Lotus doing what it does best, more manufacturers should follow the same philosophy and just 'add lightness' before anything else!
Many great car manufacturers have a different sucessful philosophy. The don't consider weight to be an issue. They put into there cars exactly what they feel the car needs. Ferrari, Lamborghini, bugatti for ex. Don't make light weight cars. But they are wonderful
@@guardisto You're definitely a casual. Just go a drive a watered down, easy to drive luxury sports car. You're too soft to drive a real driver's car like a Lotus. Lotus are built for real men.
@@guardisto they have all that in the Evora.
@@zarbon700 Men like you, who have never been in a lotus or a watered down sports car.
Which of your manly abilities that no one has allows you to drive a lotus like no one else can ?
@@mnoovurvi I actually own a 2017 Lotus Evora 400. You obviously felt hurt by my comment because know it reflects your own character. It's not my fault you know you're not man enough to drive a Lotus.
Great review, lotus cars are massively underrated on the whole. My Exige Cup 240 I had was just such an intense experience, you’d get out of it knowing you had been for a proper drive. The kind of cars to get you out of bed at 4am to hit some empty roads...
Finally a car that most people could own in their lifetime. Nicely refreshing James.
Personally I'm sick of every super car maker releasing a so called "special" car every 12 months. They're all ridiculously expensive to buy, maintain, and only a handful of them ever get driven properly.
Lotus made special edition every year or new and improved versions. Pissed a lot of owners off as they were told it wouldn't happen
This car is more expensive than a porche boxter, what are you on about?
@@robertjusic9097 nobody mentioned Porsche, what are you on about?
Porsche is amazing too, lower maintenance costs than many of its competitors.
@@RoflOnMyWaffle. you said its cheap, I say its not and costs more than a new boxter, what is there hard to understand
Forget paddles ,forget big power belief systems ,it's about handling and lightweight and driver involvement !
so what do you drive and don't lie, exactly, nothing with the credentials you just named cause you a corporate puppet with a company car just like everybody else.
Sounds like a Miata to me😊
Or a Spoon Honda!
Oh man that open gear box is insane. I would pay the price of admission just for that. The sound of the thing is amazing too! Excellent review as always.
The Exige is awesome. I had the pleasure of many, many laps at Hethel last week... and your reaction of extreme enjoyment was spot on! It’s a pure drivers’ car. What a machine!
Great video, thanks James, the smile says it all! I sold my McLaren 12C to buy a 430CUP, which actually cost me more. The reason being the McLaren was and is an amazing car but 95% of the time you can not exploit a super car to its full potential on UK roads. So driving at legal speeds it was not engaging, no manual gears, no soundtrack, very civilised. In the Exige you can have masses of fun and be totally immersed in your driving without breaking the law. It is perfect drivers car for the UK. I have driven lots of supercars and none make me smile as much as the 430CUP. I also own a 981 Spyder which is manual, NA, LSD, light (ish), RWD, mid engined. It is another car perfectly suited to UK roads and rewards with maximum fun on each outing. Supercars are so fast and so detached that for me they are no longer engaging to drive and somewhat irrelevant. The super-sports-car is where its at and the more analogue the better. I hope Lotus continues its ethos through the Geely ownership period or it will be a big loss.
Yep. Everybody stop. We have a winner here. You are a real petrolhead.
All cars go faster then legally posible on regular roads. There are many other reasons for ultra performance cars to be bought
why would the Lotus be more expensive than the Mclaren?
@@Magic_Vince Because a 12C is worth around £75 - £80k used and a 430 CUP around £100k used (or £118k new) Therefore I sold my 12C and paid more for a 430CUP.
Good thing about Lotus in Australia at least is no one knows what they are so they tend to get more looks than a Ferrari.
go to targa or one of them and every second car is lotus
This car is distinctly not about "looks"
Adam Blyth so you don’t have a single motoring enthusiast in Australia??? 😂 Any real motoring enthusiast anywhere in the world will recognise a lotus.
Aye there aussie has tons of cat enthusiasts... i think he just doesnt know about the real ones yet
@@alexcowboi6984 I am a car enthusiast mate. I'm saying even the general public can tell a Ferrari from a Porsche etc. But hardly anyone in the general public is familiar with Lotus. Not sure about cat enthusiasts mate I prefer dogs myself.
Lotus Exige 410 20th Anniversary is the one, truly special machines!
Make no apologies for enjoying the moment mate, had me smiling ear to ear. Subscribed.
Lotus is absolutely fabulous! I’m lucky enough to call an Evora S my daily driver, and it brings a smile to my face everyday. Thank you James for an excellent piece yet again!
This was one of the OG little sports cars back in the day. Little track weapon.
Lovely bit of kit.
Remember Top Gear and the 1.8ltr EXIGE! Episode? Not quite as quick as this one, but a claimed low 4s to 100km, not a slouch, even Today. Remember the comment.... “the most fun you can have on four wheels” well the chassis is the same, only slightly extended for the V6 toyota engine.
These cars are fantastic to live with everyday as they are incredibly cheap to run and maintain. I have had Audis and other fancy cars, nothing drives and is as cheap to run when you talk sporty cars.
I am on my second Lotus, had a SC Elise, now a Lotus 1.8SC Exige. Just love them!
For those curious
There is indeed no power steering, and the valve can be manually over ridden with a switch (the other side of the trip computer on earlier cars) but Lotus removed it because of EU regs. Can be added in by any dealer though, or buy a pre 410 car, such as a 380 or 350.
Mike van Varik Yep no Power steering, and it is such a joy!
The exhaust valve button can no longer be added on new cars after summer last year. Lotus kept the wiring loom in place for a while after the button was removed so it could be added but have now removed the loom due to EU regs. However a small 'tweak' in the engine bay with a vacuum pipe and a couple of bungs and the valves will be open all the time. Komotec also do an aftermarket kit that allows the valve to open / close on demand.
You know why these regulations were pushed for? Because some idiots thought it was a good idea to always have the valves open and be so loud and obnoxious about it in cities that they annoyed anoyone else and therefore destroying the fun of valve exhaust nearly for all of us.
@@betaich This is probably true, static rev crowd in Kensington have a lot to answer for. All they do is drive into London and rev their engines. Such a waste of a supercar!
@@betaich except it's not loud unless you're in it with your right foot.
Great to see someone else share my passion for the Exige V6! Such a fantastic car.
I live in Portugal and as long as I love Ferraris etc it's very unlikely that you'll be able to buy/maintain one.
But this is the supercar I can aspire to own. Furthermore it's a driver's car so it's totally worth it.
Thanks for sharing with us James. Keep them coming! Amazing content!
Glad you liked it. I am on my third Lotus, now an Exige 380 Cup. Like you say, it is priced so it is still achievable and I was just able to get there. I don’t feel short changed in the slightest, it gives me so much that I question why I would spend more if I could.
Noise regulations meant they had to remove the exhaust override button. Mine has the button, so I can have full loud all the time if I want :) the new cars can have an override remote control fitted aftermarket.
All the best
Videos like this one remind me why you are the best car youtuber on the scene. Great analysis, great use of the english language (not my native tongue, but I appreciate it a lot) and a love of cars that goes well beyond the status or "cool factor". Keep up the good work.
Lotus FTW !
But it's funny how U're fingers keep trying to find the paddleshifters xD
THAT sound! RIP Exige. The Emira is wonderful but it’s a sad, sad day in many ways for Lotus lovers. Great video. Thank you.
I have an Exige 350 and that’s more than enough for the road. It’s the greatest fun I’ve ever had in a car, and with a Larini backbox, sounds even better. Incredible car in whichever engine output you buy.
Is the exige worth it vs an elise 220? I'm currently deciding between a new elise or a used 350.
Spot on review.
Being a Exige V6 owner, along with a few other cars. I believe that a Exige V6 is the best sports car for money, if you want a pure driving experience. A 13/14 reg Exige V6 is basically the same car as this, just with slightly less power and are priced on the market for 40k. They are solid, probably the most reliable car I own. Have had no problems in this.. but i did have problems in my M6(v8) and 997.2 gt3. Very underrated cars these exiges
Finally!! Been nagging you for ages!
As a 350 sport owner, I can confirm they are mega fun!
What are they like to live with day-to-day? They look like a lot of fun.
@@GeesDrive Brilliant. Cabin is comfortable, radio/speakers are a bit weak but easy and cheap to upgrade. Boot space is a bit small, but it's plenty for one or even two people. Also has storage behind the seats so just get creative with it! The only down side is the front is quite low, and over hang is long so it can scrape of you're not aware. It's even good on fuel, cause it's so light!
@@RoflOnMyWaffle. Sounds like it's pretty easy to live with, plus who needs speakers when you have that soundtrack! Interesting to hear your thoughts, thanks for the insight.
How tall are you?
@@del21trotter about 183cm / just over 6 foot
Simple fun to drive I don't want to computer control in the car. Three petals shifter and a steering wheel. Lotus a true joy of driving feel
What a fantastic review with such an in depth report on performance, balance, damping, steering feel, gear change, pedal setting etc etc. So refreshing compared to other internet 'experts' Emm, who really offer nothing.
Really like your thoughts on realistic performance drivers cars, and where the Lotus ethos comes into all this. Thanks think you made my mind up
Thanks buddy and thanks for watching 😊👍🏻
Think this is the 5th time of watching, absolutely hooked on the noise the Exige makes - glorious. Credit to Mr JWW for caning this thing and maintaining a cohesive conversation :)
Been driving an Elise S2 111S for the past 15 years, despite it being the most temperamental car I've ever owned, it's still a gem and a future classic. That is the embodiment of Lotus philosophy and the Exige S3 is the end of a glorious era. Thanks for the great video
The Evora 430 Sport and Exige 430 Sport/Cup must some of the purest and most enjoyable drivers cars. Love them.
I'm currently running a VX220T as a weekend toy and you are correct about realistically aspirational. The Exige is my next purchase in the new year.
The lightweight ethos is indeed a future proof tool in the Lotus arsenal. Less fuel less wear and tear and recyclable.
FINALLY A VIDEO ON LOTUS , I've been waiting on you to do a video on them forever finally they get some recognition they deserve they make some amazing cars. As a owner I love driving it and since they are rare to see where I live. people break their necks looking it.
I love lotus. Such an underdog. Seriously, what a great car. Thanks for the video!
this may sound odd but i'm as happy as you look in this car as i am driving my mx5/miata. it is my dream to upgrade to a lotus! goosebumbs everywhere listening to the sound of the car! For anyone looking to buy your first car i would suggest the mx5/miata, it doesnt sound like this but i imagine the feeling is just a bit like this crazy lotus and it only cost me 2000 euro
I loved my Elise, series one I bought new - my first proper car at age 23. It only had 115 bhp - 410 bhp must be insane!
Great to see Lotus getting some love and appreciation from the youtubers. The V6 Exiges aren’t legal in North America, but if they were, I’d find the money to get one.
I had a Lotus Esprit S2 years ago and the thing I most remember and loved was the superb wonderful handling.
What a car. I’m so happy for Lotus, one of greatest sports car manufacturers in history. I want one James !!!
If only more people had the balls to buy cars like this, and the like, such as Nobles........Badge, Instagram, badge, Instagram............. practice what you preach people.
Thanks James.
Not everyone want a car like lotus, still though good to see lotus still make light weight drivers car not some billion horsepowers machine
James himself has a tdf the opposite of this car
Exceptionally brilliant video James. The content production and most importantly, the point of it is sublime. It should be Lotus' advertising campaign! Brilliant, and I was sorry when it ended, peace and respect, Ben
Unsung hero. Absolute weapon of a car, if you want a car exclusively for driving enjoyment, this is it.
90% of the general public could not exploit the naturally aspirated Exige 190 (pre 2006 car) on the track. The size of people’s ego sure costs them in the long run.
after retirement and if you have all bills paid off. With a government pension, it is achievable.
OMG...I gotta comment again: HE just said everything in this video ( nailed it ) about the hype about super pricey cars...electric expensive cars..etc. NICE.
I completely agree. Although we don't get these in the US yet, I'm beyond thrilled that these even exist.
I am owner of a Cup 430 (Type 25) and track it intensively. Great fun and fast car! Indeed the wear of brakes and tyres is MUCH less than on my AMG GTR or my previously owned 991/997 GT3 RS and even GT4!
No doubt Lotus should continue to play the lightweight card in their future models!
I’ve got a 430 as well and was surprised to find it over the noise limit for most U.K. track days. Have you found a trackday silencer that does the trick, by any chance? Thanks
James, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE drive an S2000 for your Modern Classics. I think you'd fall in love based off of what you are saying in this video. Show some JDM love! You being a self proclaimed 'gearbox snob,' every magazine that reviewed it said it is the best feeling manual around regardless of price. And the engine....F20/F22 is a reving masterpiece. 50/50 weight. It just shouts drivers car. Thank you, sir!
Please Please Please Please Please PLEASE PLEASE PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPPPLLEEAAASSEE TELL US WHAT YOU THINK About an s2k, its within reach of vast majority of viewers, has a sense of theatre, occasion, character with a historic significant engine an engineering masterpiece came to market in 1997 yet still stands up against modern engines........ please
Series 1 elise 😊
This is a real sport car... Thank u UK, love from Italy.
this is probably the only video which i have seen you not slowing down and just enjoying the car xD
Great to see this car getting the review and attention it deserves!
An absolute Dreamcar, alot of Power, great Sound, perfect handling, a drivers car, no electric help like tc, esc, and stuff like that, and not ridiculously expensive. For myself a Exige 350 S would be enough 😄
James, You are spot on about this. People can USE this type of car. It's best attributes are small, light weight, powerful enough, does great in the corners. I would much rather enjoy a small nimble car than the typical super cars. On the other hand I commented yesterday about what Koenigsegg would come up with if they made a car as small as an Elise or Exige. How many lateral Gs could they achieve? I think it would be fun if cars pursued maximum lateral Gs. We will probably get to 300 mph and that's more than enough. But what about maximum lateral Gs. ...great video, James.
You said everything !
No more comments needed.
Thanks a lot for this video👌💪
Everyone usually just ignores the Sport 410 and jump straight to the Cup 430
I think that's a good idea ... why stuck with 410, you still can adapt to put cloth roof on it , maybe remove the rubber front splitter, do a DIY mod to leave exhaust always open ... and voilaaa
@@metalone2321 As far as I know, we cannot remove the roof of 430cup but 410 sport allows
All Exiges and Elises have removable roofs. They're bolted on. The 410 and 430 have a sticker that warns you that you may die if you do this, but you pays your money...
Because looks it’s better
The 1st Formula race car I drove was a Lotus. The light weight and spot-on chassis & suspension made for a terrific drive. This Exige 410 would make for a wonderful street car. I fully agree with the tester that this is an aspirational car. I have owned a Porsche Carrera S and currently a Panamera. I would say that this Exige 410 would definitely be in the running with regard to purchasing another 911. Lotus & Porsche have always been 2 car companies that I have had great respect for what they can accomplish. My only concern with Lotus is lack of dealerships in the USA. (PS: my photo above shows me just how excited I was when I first drove an Exige, circa 2008.)
Hi James, thanks for covering the Exige (and Lotus). What did you think of it compared to the GT3?
I’m on the verge of buying one of these, this video might be the push I needed!
Question for modern classics: is there a chance for video with Alfa Romeo 8C?
Preferably Disco Volante. 🤔
@@F1ll1nTh3Blanks Disco Volante would be very hard to get, 8C is a great car itself overall.
Go to Shmee150 then, he gots that covered.
@@roxind i watched it, im watching both JWW and Shmee regularly, but i want to see it here from JWW's perspective.
Hardly qualifies as a modern classic. An interesting niche project but certainly not a classic, they didn't make enough of them for it to even be considered.
Camry engine, analog gauges, physical switches. Should be more reliable than the 250K supercars as well
It's probably not tho. Unfortunately still has British electronics.
@frank white all the sensors and such are Toyota? I didn't know that. I Know that the earlier cars definitely had some British electricals and it did make them finicky. If the newer ones are more reliable, than that's amazing.
Even on the older ones with the "Lucas" parts, you can pretty much straight swap them with more modern equivalents when they break. Most generic Vauxhall/GM/Ford parts fit.
AIM MX2E digital dash. Costs a bit but its worth it, straight fit PnP.
Fantastic video- you embodied the essence of what driving and lotus are all about. Lotus - Be the wolf- not the sheep!
Call me stupid but I would take this over the new 911
Your not. I would too 👊
And it would probably eat it alive unbelievable sportscar. A 250 Cup Elise would give a GT3 a run for its money on winding country road 0-60 in 3.9 seconds and 155.mph OK not as fast top end but as for nimbleness n handling it definitely holds it's own.
100% No questions asked.
I would too, in a heartbeat. If this is half the car my 06 Exige is, (and the added 175 kilos aside, it's likely significantly better), it's probably a much more engaging driving experience. And, considering how reliable and ridiculously inexpensive mine has been to maintain, in the long run, this car will likely be far more economical to own than a Porsche, especially if you can avoid dealerships by doing maintenance and repairs yourself.
What he didn't mention is that this thing has a bulletproof V6 Toyota Camry engine, but on steroids. It's a British car, but with a reliable electrical system and drivetrain because the basic car has been around long enough that they've worked the major bugs out of the design.
No using a 911 as a daily is easy. This would be a nightmare as a daily
Lotus exige 410 and 430 are the queens of sensation in this moment thank you Lotus !
Lotus need to sign you up as a brand ambassador !!! Their type of car has to be the way forward - light, loud and great fun whilst still relatively exploitable.
Would love to see Lotus become more famous and stable, not having to deal with financial issues. I'm always scared they have to stop
@@PascalHeyrman They already are! Under Geely Holding they will have the capital to make a full recovery similar to Volvo.
@@MrCarGuy oh yeah forgot about that, thanks for reminding me! I guess that's the reason they had money to make a hypercar?
@@PascalHeyrman Oh, yeah. They're also developing a full new range as we speak. Apparently the SUV will be first.
@@MrCarGuy really curious on their future :) We got an Elise s1 at home, let's see if they keep the DNA of those times. Thanks for your info!
At 25 I had a series 1 lotus elise 111s. I still have found memories of how good the steering feel was 🙂
Mate, watching this has just given me a “crisis”. I currently run an Exige V6 Club Racer and realistically, the 380 is my next purchase. In response to your question, where is the future of sports cars going? Sadly, not in the direction of Lotus at the current time, although I do agree with you, that Lotus are in something of a purple period right now and after recently celebrating their 70th anniversary recently, good things are in the offing in the future from Hethel. Residual values are very strong from my understanding. I do agree with you regarding the valve open threshold. Bring back manual override and I’m cognisant of track limits with that exhaust too. All in all, a top piece mate, keep up the good work. I’ll continue to pour myself in and (more challengingly) out of my Exige for some time to come (currently weighing at 105KG)!!!!!!
a no nonsense type of sports car with the perfect blend of harmony and humdrum to thrash around the track on a deserted but quiet fri evening or sat for that matter.. Wished they made it in the states..
Hi James ! you got it ... Lotus Ethos is unmatched ! you can drive faster cars, more luxurious cars, but none (apart from McLaren maybe) can give you this driving experience, on road AND on track ! well done, as usual ...
Jay Leno loves it too!
Let's not forget about the other British small car manufacture company - Noble
These need to be offered for sale in the US! I would buy one immediately.
Hennessy Venom for you.
man i grow up with this channel .... one of my best subscription ever
watching your show is a pure pleasure sir keep up the good work
Thanks so much bro 👊🏼
Been a AW11 owner and enthusiast for 25 years, after many other breeds and combinations I've owned the AW11 is a real drivers car. The AW11 hooks you in just like you are with that Lotus. That said, after a ride in 2008 with a Exige, one day I really hope to own a 2007-2010 Exige and twincharge it. They are indeed an incredible drivers car.
Dream car, dream version, and dream color. I get goosebumps just looking at how gorgeous it is, as well as how much fun it'll be one day.
I fell in love with the original Exige when it's introduction was shown in a display at Sebring. Small, lightweight, beautiful and potentially a great dancing partner on a winding road. The only bug for me was the quality, or lack thereof. This 410 would be the car I would purchase if it was available in the US. Just fantastic....
Lotus cars give you an Unique driving experience,you felt it,i sas it on the smile on your face!
I always forget about Lotus, but I was given the opportunity to drive an original Porsche Boxter and a Lotus Elise back to back, and the Lotus was definitely more fun. The steering was phenomenal and while the shifter was great in the Porsche the manual metallic shifter of the Lotus is still the best shifter I've ever used. It's a shame we can't get this car in the US.
LOVE what LOTUS is doing. Smart strategy. The mass knows about the super sports cars, and their super unrealistic Instagram style prices etc!!! Enough of pictures and overwhelming media stuff... THE COSTUMERS & drivers want actually to buy them!!! ...And there is where LOTUS gets it nicely !!!!
Amen, you hit the nail on the head with this video, James.
They have to make a new elise, with this formula but get rid of the extra bits like alcantara, the supercharger, big brakes etc. Make another 200-250hp with 800-900kg and $50k price tag. Dream car.
I have a 2001 Elise S2 and a 2012 Elise S3. I owned them for many years and many miles and use them as daily drivers from spring to winter. Absolutely perfect quality both of them. S3 was a replacement of the S2, but I just can't let her go, so she has a sister now. 😊
Yes, my friend has an Exige S and it's so much fun, I can only imagine what the 410 is like!
I've always wanted a Lotus or a TVR and I don't really know why. I just see them and think they look so awesome! I guess it's that stripped back driving experience they have in common.
Lotus are brilliant drivers cars and love the 250cup but down side is they are difficult to daily compared to say a 718 which is less fun but offers so much more comfort and refinement. Its a tough market but so pleased to see lotus powering on.
A Lotus Exige has always been my dream car since I was young. One of my big life goals is to own one!
Do it! You won't regret it, great cars, great community, it's well worth the grind.
Love the video and your comments. Can you do one on the Exige 430 and may be take it on track.
Awesome review. Since I live in the USA, they stopped bringing in the Exige, yrs ago, very very sad!!! 1st, I didn't know this particular Exige existed, I plan on learning more, for sure. This car ticks-off every box for me. I only own manuals(4 of them), so that's the 1st Awesome thing, then...I love the simple interior!!! I don't care about elaborate infotainment systems & I hate the new digital dashes...I want real gauges😁 Then, you showed the gearshift...Wow😲, I Love it!!! It's like a miniature version of the Spyker, another vehicle I can't afford. Thanks for this, drive on!!!
Lotus just needs to make a US legal one... PLEASE!!
It would mean it puts on weight due to the extra "safety" requirements. Like the old US spec Elise did.
The Evora's US-legal.
@@arjuhama Yea but now we want this one.
@@josiahbradley2434 The evora (exige with your "safety requirements" weight) doesnt sell what makes you think they will invest in giving you the exige
@@ianmoone6562 Nothing makes me think they will. I just think they should because that would be exquisite.
Great job Lotus. I love how the Exige/Elise never gets a major design overhaul-it’s becoming Lotus’s 911. That car is easily identifiable as the same car that came out around 2004, despite looking right at home in 2019. And like a 911, I expect they are extremely different cars to drive albeit with identifiable traits in the bloodline.
This is the video I've been waiting for! Awesome review! Agree with everything you said. From the lotus forums it seems like the problem with lotus is the poor customer service from the company. Hopefully Geely will sort this out. Did it make the GT3 feel like a panamera?
Now a 410 is definately on my shopping list! Love it!
The exhaust button can be added. I have a 19 plate and it was fitted by the supplying Lotus dealer in the UK. Took then 5 mins.
Enjoyed the Vid.
I have noticed whilst driving a manual and just before changing gear your fingers leave the wheel to flick an invisible PDK paddle!
Owned one. Loved it till it rained. Will own one again when it’s my toy car. Amazing
What's wrong with Exige + rain? If anything they become more fun. Unsticking the rears @30mph in 3rd certainly got my attention :)
I had an Elise in 2002 when the s2 came out and it was epic. I was 25 at the time and used it as a daily driver, so frightening in snow and ice, epic in the summer sunshine. I love lotus, but to me they haven’t yet moved to there next generation, everything is still based on the original Elise chassis. In the millennium there was nothing like an Elise, now cars have moved on so much you can buy any AMG Merc for less money than this and be just as quick with suitcase and a family of 4 onboard. So I would love to see the Elise and exige move forward 20 years, with paddle shift boxes and a new iconic design relaunching lotus’s into the next generation of flagship light weight sports cars.
An amazing car my cousin has an older exige track car and they are just beautiful to drive. Give me light weight over power any day. Great vid cheers.
Amazing review and finally someone expressed my thoughts . On the way to spec my car !
Great to see some Lotus content 😀
I've never had the pleasure of getting to drive a lotus they've never really appealed to me but it seems like one of those cars you just have to drive to appreciate and i say that solely based on the facial expressions on everyone's face that I've ever watched drive one...👍
Best. Sounding. V6. Out. There.
For the reasons you say RE usable power in a great package which connects you to what's happening on the tarmac, I'm buying a 370Z Nismo.
For me it's the second best sounding V6, number 1 would be an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Having gone from a Nismo to the Lotus, it's night and day different. However, if I needed another more sensible car I'd get a 370z Nismo over an M3 any day. Loved it. Enjoy the car and maybe we'll convert you to Lotus in the future :)
Check your emails please James! Regarding a drive in our 275GTB 👀
Car Obsessed I hope he sees this comment 🙏🏼
You're a legend. I can wait to hopefully, see the content from such a magnificent machine.
If he doesn't reply I'll take a shot of it 👍
If he doesn't take up the offer.... I'll fly half way around the world to give it a shot. I'm not even joking.
@@mo7286 I was here first though 😂
This may be one of the greatest platforms ever. Up there with the Ariel atom V8 for brute force power to weight thrill fun driving.
I had so much fun watching this. Man, you looked like you had more fun in this car than any other. What a car!!! Lol, I said 410 supercharged horses as you said it 😂
I’m obsessed with owning a Ferrari one day but I drove a Alpine A110 a few months ago then a Portofino the same day and for a quarter of the cost I had more fun in the Alpine with 240bhp . With the pursuit of bhp we are losing true driving cars for the road
Portofino, lol
The Lotus is a more raw driving experience people might scoff at it having a Toyota Camry V6 engine but in whole honesty they're idiot proof and with a Harrop Supercharger bolted on pumping out 350 - 430 BHP and weighing 1100kgs they're blisteringly quick 0-60 in 3.7 - 3.2 Seconds and crack on to 100 mph above the national speed limit and a bit more. It's the Colin Chapman Ethos of building a Sports Car that's about adding lightness thus giving it pin point steering no power steering is fitted it's jus you the car and the road just as it should be I've never been in an Exige nor driven one but own an Elise but would openly say every Petrolhead should try a Lotus before they die. Its an automotive drug.