Exige Cup 260?

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

Just passing a little time on a Sunday afternoon and saw a couple of Exige Cups for sale...

I'm not really in the market but I was curious, are these utterly totally insane compared to the mere 240bhp Exiges? I was amazed by the overall package but is it really a viable road car anymore? Also Mrs Villeneuve wants to know how the passenger gets in and out with that huge box in front of the passenger seat, ( fire extinguisher? ).

[Bibs]

I've not driven one but yes, that's the extinguisher in the front passenger footwell.

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

They've not thought about the shopping run have they...

[Bomber]

I thought I wanted one, but after I test drove it, I decided I didn't.

It is too track focused for my occasional weekend A & B road blasts, but would be ideal for the track for sure.

As for the power over my 240, well I wasn't blown away - even the salesman said I probably wouldn't notice a huge amount of difference.

The plumbed in fire extinguisher would be too much of a hassle for my passengers (or me if the other half is driving), so that did put me off.

If one of the pre MY2010 Cup 260 cars comes up for sale - I could be tempted, as I don't think they were quite as stripped out, but do have all the nice carbon fibre bits.

[Bibs]

It's certainly a big old lump in front of the passenger seat. I assume it's easy enough to remove?

[Bomber]

I wondered about its removability, but I guess you'd need to completely de-plumb / de-pressurize the system.

A handy isolation valve would be ideal.

[Bibs]

Having now checked... The tank is connected to the nozzle that's at the end of the plumbed in system but it's not pressurised until you set it off. You can remove the tank at your leisure in that case. There's also an electrical connector, that and the system nozzle will live under the passenger seat out of the way.

The mounting is 4 x 10mm bolts, easy to remove and leaves 4 holes which can be fitted with grommets to hide them.

[Frosty]

I ordered my 2010 Cup 260 without the internal/external Ignition Kill Switches and Fire Extinguisher pulls. Instead I opted for a iPod/MP3 compatible CD radio. The system would benefit from some higher quality speakers, but these cost more and probably are a little heavier!

This is my only car and I am very happy. I did not have any additional carpet or sound proofing installed (other than the luggage compartment to help prevent items moving about). The noise is fine for me and I find the ride satisfactory if I’m just on a normal A-B journey. I have found myself paying more attention to the surface condition of the roads but I have never been uncomfortable in the carbon fibre lightweight racing seats. I was warned that these may be a problem on long journeys, however having spent 6 hours on the road to Scotland one day in September I honestly didn’t have an ounce of complaint. If you drive the car with enthusiasm, then all the racing components and paraphernalia make for a truly astonishing drive.

All in all I may be towards the younger end of the average Lotus owner but the enjoyment it gives me to drive my Cup 260 whatever mood I’m in is worth every penny, and there really doesn’t seem to be any compromises.

If you'd like to know more just ask.

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

Sounds like you made the right decision. I almost bought an Exige a few years back but I got temped into my second Liz and it's been amazing. I'm pretty much set on the MY12 Evora although I'm horribly impatient when it comes to placing orders and waiting... just occasionally I starting thinking maybe just one more year of cricking my back getting in and out in exchange for a few track days. Sadly I'm not towards the younger end of Lotus owners! Great car though, glad you're enjoying it.

Edited October 27, 2011 by Stirling_Villeneuve

[Bomber]

Frosty, I didn't think there was that much flexibility with the specs on the Cup 260, but it sounds as though you've done what I would have if I'd been in the lucky position of ordering from new!

[Frosty]

Well I was lucky enough to have Guy Munday do all the paperwork... I'm sure that many people on here will echo my praises. When it comes to any purchase: new car, old car, parts, servicing and all things Lotus, Guy at Stratton Motor Company is the one to see.

[DarrylV8]

Well I was lucky enough to have Guy Munday do all the paperwork... I'm sure that many people on here will echo my praises. When it comes to any purchase: new car, old car, parts, servicing and all things Lotus, Guy at Stratton Motor Company is the one to see.

Hi Frosty,

I beleive your inspiration may have come from our Orange Cup 260 which was with Guy for a while whilst we waited for March 1st 2010 to come along

We wanted the Cup 260 as it has loads of carbon fibre with the 257bhp engine; but did not need all the race equipment (fire extinguisher, "A" frame and cut off switches) and keeping the light weight battery; but wanted some "touring" bits fitted as we intended to drive the car to circuits in mainland Europe (Spa 2010, Clastres 2011 Ecuyers 2011) CDL, AC, cd/mp3/ipod, carpets/sound deadening throughout, boot stay, mud flaps, sun visors, driving lights, cup holder & alarm/immobiliser. All the above done by the factory whilst the car was on the production line.

Strattons relocating the accusump unit from centre of boot to drivers side wheel arch.

The car is purfect on the road and most certainly on a track with both Sue and i thoroughly enjoying ourselves driving this awesome car, we also manage to fit our own helmets in the boot along with all required toiletries and clean clothing.

Edited November 9, 2011 by DarrylV8

[Frosty]

Hey Darryl,

Yes I did look around your Cup 260 last year. After a great day at the Factory it certainly helped me to decide which options to go for and what things to get altered at Strattons. Glad to hear that you have enjoyed the car, how has it been ownership wise? How many miles have you covered? Has it been for it's annual / 10'000 mile service yet? Any new tyres, brake pads etc... All interesting aspects of owning a Lotus to share and compare.

Also, where abouts are you based, I don't think I have ever seen you out on the roads about Norfolk. (I have been posted away from Norfolk but go back frequently)

[DarrylV8]

Hi Frosty,

Used to live in Thetford hence knowing Mr Lotus, but now back in Nottinghamshire

Yes car has been in for its first annual service (although it hasent done 10000M) and required new brake fluid after the Spa track day last year went for some hi-performance fluid not cheap but not boiled/over heated either, we have since completed two more track days in France; tyres will hopefully do one more track day before requiring replacement, original pads appear good

[Frosty]

Good to hear Darryl.

I'll be booking in mine for it's first service when I get back from Australia in February. I will need two new rear tyres at the same time. I have not done any track days or loaded the brakes too much so I would expect the brake fluid to be satisfactory. My pads look like they have plenty of life left in them which is comforting.

I need to call Guy at some point and find out what benefits I can secure as a full forum member, Bibs if you catch sight of this post maybe you can jump in and give us some good news...

[Bibs]

http://www.thelotusforums.com/forum-supporter-benefits/

[Frosty]

Bargain!

Cheers Bibs, that discount will help out just after Christmas...