DarrylV8

Can we expect to see the AWD semi electric (new/replacement Esprit) supercar earlier now, Tony/Mike? Good news, hope there is more to come

Hi Tony, Welcome to the little cars, on my second Elise now, not the head turner of an Esprit, but more usable with possibly more driver satisfaction. Always wanted an Exige but would need to sell the old Esprit to justify, enjoy cheap motoring when compared to the Esprit.

Very nice photo's

Should have concentrated more at school, yes typical lazy Brit when it comes to languages. Although some of the text has been through the mill.

Very very nice, a big thank you to you Scott for sharing

Good news, well done Alex

Very enjoyable read, your trip not your dealings with the various dealers. Looking forward to the second chapter of your holiday/trip.

Have owned present Esprit for over 11 years, and i have spent a lot of money upgrading (brakes, suspension, engine and replacing the Citroen gearbox) and will only sell for the Esprit replacement. I am presently considering using my Elise and Elite as a means of getting a GT3 Dermot stay in the fold, you know you will regret selling your pride and joy for something "inferior". B)

Well done Lewis, but better still ferrari dident win both titles. Do i care if Ron Dennis sprinted down the pit lane begging for someone to help stop the reds winning, NOPE. The big test starts next March, untill then enjoy having a British World Champion.

Darryl Hickman 1981 S3 SCC082910BHD10999

Has anyone fitted the Probax seats as fitted to the new Elise & Exige thanks Darryl S3 Esprit (Rover V8)

Howard, We have the same problem need to sell the house which is going to be too late for this little number. Kimbers, are they likely to be bringing out any more wild variants next year (that you may have over-heard that you shouldent have and you possibly should not say)! A Y(es) will do. Now the adrenalin rush has sub-sided (from the factory visit) have realised that allthough the Europa S is a good car it is not what we want. Yet this Exige would appear to step up-to the mark, yes will need to show some restraint till the house sells, good job my grans dead cause i'd probably be selling her! Thats given me an idea where is that pink frock? Darryl

If the attached short cut (below) is anything to go by, yes i appreciate its a limited edition run 25 cars only! But with more than 240bhp and less than a 1000kgs i'm very optimistic for the new Esprit. Thats not a bad starting point and only

Audi must be feeling the heat, the 3.2 TT Quattro has now got a little cousin 2.0T FSI engine from VW 0-60 (in wait for it) 6.4 seconds. It has the same bhp as the Europa S yet slower? Stuggart getting worried? Darryl

Not sure what i'm doing but i only appear to be able to add one photo into post? will add the rest later!

Yes a BIG thank you not only to you for being at the evening function but too all the Lotus personel on the Monday. Also a thank you to all the Esprit owners who came and who gave very generously. I think Maria appreciates me disapearing in to the garage for 10 minutes and finally re-appearing 2 or 3 hours later, so much so that she has said if i want a second Lotus she will even give her side of the garage over and is now very proud of our LOTUS Esprit. Again a big thank you Mr Mike and all at the factory. Very kind regards, Darryl

Hi Laura, Bibs & Kimbers, I have a cheque for

Hi Bibs, No we both stayed till the end it was such an experience dident want to leave the factory in case we missed something. The certificates just for the member or guest as well? I picked mine up (and did not look to see if there was one for Maria) sh1t i might not be getting a Europa after all.

Did you not pick up the "weekend" leaflet yesterday with your certificate, prices phone numbers etc all there. Darryl

Well done Lotus this is surely one of the best handling striaght from the off cars you can get in and just drive! Both Maria and I thought it was so easy to drive hard from the off / being in the drivers seat for just seconds, the engine pulled well from low down and boy did it stick to the tarmac through those bends between the A11 and the factory 50 mph speed limit not in the S well over the (speed) limit and well impressed. Can't imagine doing 200-300 miles on a trip in an Exige but can't wait to drive down to Maria's parents house in Malta in the Europa. Can't see what all the negative reports (Autocar 13/09/2006) are about, fixed head less than £35K that goes as well/handles as this does. I think if the new Esprit is going to cost twice as much as the Europa it must be one hell of a car? I honestly believe Lotus have got the Europa S spot on. Can't wait to take one round the track it must be awsome? Maria I WANT ONE, ("it's no good stamping your feet Darryl shouting I WANT ONE you'd better sell your Fireblade") guess what Maria blade's going! cos I WANT ONE

A big Thanks to ALL for a wonderful couple of days don't think i'll forget them in a hurry. Surprised Bibs partner dident get a bottle last night hopefully Bibs will let her have a wee dram? Cheers Darryl

Yes i'll second that BIG thanks to ALL for a brilliant couple of days. Regards, Darryl & Maria

Thanks for that Mark, though i havent a clue how you did it (Clever sod) i'm gonna have to go on an IT training course!

Metro Wednesday 4th October Reporter Kieran Meeke A very good review by a reporter who was apphrensive due to the negative reports by other journo's. The paper quotes the Europa 0 - 60mph as being quicker than the Audi TT, BMW Z4M and Alfa Romeo Brera and cosiderably lighter by at least 340kg + The final sentance "It's a final reminder that underneath it all, this is firstly and lastly a Lotus." Yes it does mention the Exige however Kieran is quick to point out that Lotus did not need to build another Exige and it hasent! I SUPPOSE PROVE OF THE CAR'S CREDENTIALS WILL BE THIS MONDAY 9TH OCTOBER JUDING BY HOW MANY V8 ESPRIT OWNERS ARE TAKING UP THE LOTUS OFFER OF A RIDE AROUND THE NORFOLK COUNTRYSIDE AND THE FEEDBACK THAT WE ESPRIT DRIVERS OF THE BEST GT CAR FROM THE UK PRE 2006 GIVE

Kimbers, i've sent you a PM re NU car park this Sunday Darryl