Chris Onelevenr

Nice drive this afternoon. Re- the viration mentioned previously, I can actually feel it through the steering so maybe a wheel balance issue. Anyway, here are some pics.

So after the more than 3 month wait for the car and finally collecting it on 11/1/2019 what are the first impressions? Firstly, I am so pleased I stumped the extra pounds for the Liquid Yellow paint. See the pics in the part 1 thread (more to follow). Equally pleased I asked Hoffman's to get the black stripes added. In my opinion the car looks absolutely stunning. The pics so far actually make the car look a bit darker than it really is. Maybe I will get @GFWilliams to take some. i've only covered 270 miles so far so lots of running in miles to do. Using upto around 4500rpm on medium throttle and it already feels quick. I can definitely feel the extra weight compared to my 111R and there is a slight sense of brute force compared to the delicacy of the Elise. With the hugely increased torque levels the Exige is somewhat reminiscent of my RS Megane 265 daily in the power delivery from lower revs. On the day after collection I.e. a week ago yesterday, I took my son out for a first proper run minus roof. The heater works really well. Unfortunately, about 15 miles later a pheasant committed suicide in the passenger side front grill and destroyed it. Apart blood, feathers and bits of bird over that corner of the car the only other damage was a small tear in the ppf. Hugely annoying but could have been worse. That will get fixed at the 600 mile service along with a couple of other items. One specific issue I have reported to Hoffman's is a very slight but noticeable vibration through the chassis a erm... slightly above 70mph. Can't feel it through the steering wheel but it is as if the road has very small ripples. Passengers can feel it too. Having the option to open the exhaust valve at will is very nice but I have to say how (relatively) civilised it is with the exhaust closed. High speed cruising is going to be so much more relaxed than the 111R. Off to do a few more miles late this morning. Cheers all.

Re the decals, the dealer (Hofmans) subbed it out to the guys that did the ppf. Very happy with it. Repair job required after the run out today as a pheasant fancied crossing the road at the wrong time when I was doing a decent speed. Nothing too drastic. Basically the grill in front of the passenger side radiator is wrecked and there is a small tear in the ppf. Not best pleased but could have done a lot more damage.

https://youtu.be/PUu9MLqdHrg

I know. I get excited just looking at it! Will put a good few miles on it tomorow.

It is indeed. I may be a tad biased but having finally collected the car this afternoon I don't think I've seen a better looking Exige. Big thanks to Hoffman's of Henley specially @Chris Marriott Hofmann's There will be a very small video to follow.

Orange would have been my 2nd choice after Liquid Yellow. Lovely.

Officially excited now - collection day is Friday.

I agree the Stelvio is a tick box item but there a lot of better roads in the Alps region.

Which version of the cover is that? I guess it would also be fine on a 410.

I specced the full carpets but no sound insulation. My hearing is already knackered anyway!!

The car is designed to be roofless as per the Elise so I would be very surprised if the hardtop made any difference to stiffness.

The roof off experience is why I went for the roadster. The roof will be off at every opportunity. All I need now is the car to be delivered (hopefully imminent).

Nice pics of the 380. The addition of the charge cooler swayed me to the 410. Hopefully collecting in the next week or so.

Look what arrived at Hoffman's this morning 😀