New Exige Sport 350

[jbs]

8 hours ago, NedaSay said:

Is that really a problem ? If it is then, the Sport 350 Roadster is on the way. [...]

Didn't say it was? I was merely mocking the sheer quantity of 911 variants by completing the list.

[hedgerley]

A quick word or two on the EVO print 'first drive' of the Sport 350. I doubt it could have better. An outstanding 5 star review. That is all.

[geartox]

I changed my mind, I'm ready to buy one now. But my last doubt is the "fear" to see an Exige 400 announced in March during the Geneva Motor Show... I know that the new model will come soon, but maybe in 2017 ?

[geartox]

do you have photos to compare interiors between leather pack, alcantara pack, and default configuration ?

It's quite confusing for me, for example, this one seems to have leather pack based on the description, but doors and seats integrate alcantara :

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/lotus/exige-s3/new-exige-sport-350/5136347

 

thank you for your help.

Edited January 8, 2016 by geartox

[geartox]

So finally I have ordered one. Delivery in Februrary.

[Bibs]

Congratulations

What colour/spec?

[geartox]

thank you.

metallic white, alcantara pack, ips, schroth harness

Edited January 19, 2016 by geartox

[Bibs]

Very nice! Not too long to wait either which is good

[geartox]

Yes ! But I don't believe it . So many hours/days/years to think about that and now this will become real !!! When I will be on "my roads" in south of France, at this moment I think, I will understand that this is not another dream 

[Neal H]

Woohoo - congratulations!

15 months in and I still get a thrill every time I open the garage door.

[Dewarcraig]

Congratulations geartox!! You're going to love it!!

[The Pits]

Congratulations! We're going to want some pics in February!

No matter what Lotus makes in the future the Sport 350 will remain an awesome car, just as the four cylinder Exige is still one of the great driving experiences, the V6 didn't change that.

For consolation, (and anyone else thinking about a Sport 350) because of recent info about the 311, we now know that an 'Exige 400' (if we ever get one) is at least 12 months away, maybe more, and also that it will have 400bhp tops and be torque limited as per the Evora 400. If the gearbox can't take more torque in a 900kg 311, then it won't in an 1100kg Exige. Bearing in mind the weight of the car will increase substantially with all the chargecooling, the torque to weight ratio will be barely improved over the Sport 350. As with the Evora 400, the Exige will only feel quicker above 5000rpm. It'll be great of course and should sound amazing but it might not be quite the leap over the Sport 350 that some might be expecting.

[geartox]

Thank you for your feedback. I will post some pics  . 

[geartox]

I just asked to the dealer to add the towing system from the cup.

I'm not a big fan of that (from a design point of view) but it's mandatory for track days.

 

 

[The Pits]

I didn't think they were mandatory but they are certainly advisable. Mind you, you'll be going some to run out of the black stuff in an S350. But if you did you can get a tow back to the pits without the truck yanking away at some part that was never designed for it. Good idea if you're planning some track days.

[Neal H]

I agree that the towing eye arrangement is far from ideal - I don't like the fact it has to become a permanent fixture! I'm getting one fitted to mine as I'm planning some track days this year, but I might spray it black so it blends in better.

[Bibs]

While not ideal, I'd prefer it to being pulled out by a wishbone! 

[geartox]

I plan to use black plasti dip on this towing eye  

[Kalli]

On 22 January 2016 at 20:48, Bibs said:

While not ideal, I'd prefer it to being pulled out by a wishbone! 

Indeed! Have you seen what happen to chickens all too frequently? 

[Bibs]

 Never ends well does it! 

[StephVG]

On 14/12/2015 at 23:18, The Pits said:

I preferred the aluminium toggle for the DPM and am not big into starter buttons but the new AC buttons are very brightly backlit now (blue from memory).

Couldn't agree more. To me, the loss of the toggle is a step backwards. It's so great to use. I also don't think a starter button adds any value, unless the car has a keyless entry system which means you never have to fish the keys out from your pocket and can just thumb the button to start the car.

On 20/1/2016 at 10:17, The Pits said:

No matter what Lotus makes in the future the Sport 350 will remain an awesome car, just as the four cylinder Exige is still one of the great driving experiences, the V6 didn't change that.

I'd take that a step further and question the fact that the 350's gearbox is superior to the one in my Exige S. Of course, I haven't yet driven the 350, so I'm basing this on my experience of car journos and the "read-bteween-the-lines" their articles sometimes merit. All the reviews I've read of the gearbox suggest it's firmer, which to me isn't necessarily better on the road (probably is on the track). As I use my car on the road, and as I've never had an issue with my gearbox, the only thing that really has me drooling is the way the new gearbox displays its linkages. That's just amazing

[alias23]

I want that gear change ... Is it at all possible to retro fit?

[Woodman]

Has anyone had one of these delivered yet. There is the blue one at B&C, but is that the only one 'out in the wild'? Has pricing increased? Jamie has the blue one up at £62k.

[Stephanie]

Hello ! We have a black Exige Sport 350 

Just arrived today

 

Edited February 15, 2016 by Stephanie

[C8RKH]

Steering wheels on the wrong side Stephanie but looks good, very good....!