Lotus Exige S track test: 350hp, chassis from the Gods - /CHRIS HARRIS ON CARS
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- Опубліковано 17 вер 2024
- Take the Evora S supercharged V6, change the suspension and go chase the Porsche GT3. This is the best street/track car Lotus has ever built. Let's just hope it isn't too little too late.
Four years after I saw this video I finally have one of these :D
Same here. CUP, track only, but worth it.
in love with evora..cant sleep cant think no more..nothing looks like her
Then I challenge myself to have one in four years
Seems to be a lot of car for the money
My life goal is to have an exige within 4 years. It’s the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning. And why I say yes whenever work says can you do extra work.
A lotus is a true drivers car, they always have been, in effect, they achieve a great performance from very little. This one is on my bucket list.
The sound guy's getting sacked in the morning
Dentark1 LMFAO.
Wow. I like this. In British racing green in looks fantastic too.
Called Motorsport green.
Chris does such an amazing job... he will single handedly save Lotus...maybe
350 bhp in something that light with superb handling 0 100 mph in 8 seconds . maybe not as fashionable as an r8 or as fast as a gtr but imo it has both of them in its side pocket on the looks department .
It's much faster than the GTR, the stock one anyway, the Nismo is 50k more expensive though, and automatic so it better be faster. *I agree though, it's the best looking vehicle ever in my opinion.*
I am sad for Lotus that Matt Becker is leaving.. But congrats to Aston.. Hope Lotus can find an engineer as brilliant as him.. Although I can't afford one (new at lest).. I really love Lotus.. :)
It really bothers me that 90% of the car reviews in the UK, the track is soaked! I don't see how I would be able to get a true since of the cars limits. Maybe I don't know what I am talking about; Brits drive on wet roads constantly and I live in LA. So I am definitely lacking in experience in that aspect. It rains like ten days a year.
Chris Harris is such a legend and these videos are excellent, educational and very entertaining
I love watching Chris drive
this car will follow in the history of Lotus an excellent car with huge potential but sadly undersold and not massively promoted
so if your not really a Lotus fan then the obvious car manufacturers will be preferred an bought by most car fans.
but I am a lotus fan and love this car
I agree brother, it's seriously depressing, *especially since I'm helpless to buy one here in America! AAARRRRGGH!*
+Marty B
Agreed. I hate how everybody is on the Cayman GT4s dick. I would have the Exige S over a GT4 in a heartbeat.
Morons who can't drive only care about straight line top speed. And those are the people with the money to spend.
Such a shame we don't get these in the States. I'd love one of the new Elises.
the new elise was sold in the states, you can find them used. the new exige wasn't though
I can't seem to find any of the new Elises in the US. Plenty of last gen Elises though, so won't complain about that.
You do......I've seen them all the time at car shows....and you could buy it there
Luna Tuna they're not street legal
The Lotus USA website includes the Exige S in it's fleet, but the only new Lotuses I see here is the Evora. What gives? Do you have to specially order a new Exige? Can it even be registered legally in the states?
Jesus you guys really need a proper audio guy...
I was too busy listening to the car...
cybertree - During the interview??
I feel like I get nearly the same amount of enjoyment out of watching Chris Harris drift these awesome cars, as I would driving them myself. Thank you, Chris!
CHRIS. Will you be doing a test on the Evora 400?
Chris-you never cease to satisfy. Thanks so much for the work you do. Brilliant.
I didn't like it when i first saw it too but after lots of photos and reviews and rewatching them it grew on me, now imo it's almost and I mean really really close to being as incredible looking as a mk2 exige.
if yall havent seen that 7:53 lap of the nord in this, do so - some amazing driving right on the limit of this incredible car through the whole lap
Agreed, and the guest engineer from Lotus deserves more respect for sharing his time too.
I really like what they've done with the body and that shade of green looks really good as well.
Great video Chris. Excellent as always insight along with superb editing and sound quality (finally).
Keep the comparo's like these coming!
I would gladly listen literally 5 hours of Chris Harris just talking about this ridiculously fun pieces of engeeniering 😁👏👏👌👌
Why is this the only review I've seen of this car if it's truly so incredible?
IMO great car, far too limited market though, which is a shame.
Give one to meeeeee! We need more in America! If they would just throw an airbag in there they'd sell a WHOLE lot more lol. To me this is the most underrated vehicle on the planet, it's as fast as a GTR, looks more exotic than most Ferrari's, can handle better than a go-kart, and is 1/3rd the price!
cybertree
You probably have a point but many people take their money to Porsche.
Lewis72 it's shame if they are not available in your market. My understanding is that the 2020 design is intended to be a global product so hopefully you'll have access to them soon. I'm currently in the process of purchasing a used Elise as a project car for my channel, you can pick them up for same price as a same year/mileage Impreza STI!
+Mashley Media
"it's shame if they are not available in your market."
Ah, I think you misunderstood my comment. I'm in the UK and you can buy all Lotus products here. When I stated:
"far too limited market though"
I meant that it only appeals to very few people. The term "selling to a limited market" describes how many potential buyers there are, not how many markets it's sold in.
all seriousness, this is THE best carshow on youtube. Amazing, except for, of course, the sound.
Why does this video immediately turn epic once Chris starts talking? There's just something about him that makes every car interesting.
Sounds like a great chassis. If Lotus can redesign its next chassis to ease the process of getting in and out of the car, I would seriously consider one.
This is a great review and a brilliant car. This is a real step forward from the original Exige...What I like best, and wasn't touched upon, was the fact the intercooler no longer blocks your ability to see out the back. I looked at the Exige S and ended up getting an elise instead and put a Sector 111 supercharger on it. The fact this car does 0-100mph in 8.5 is epic. My Renntech Stage 1 E55 is 9 flat...and you feel every one of its 4,000 pounds. Bring it to the US...I'll buy one.
More great insight from Chris...I agree, I had to check twice to see if there was a problem in the audio. Now we need the road test on a twisty mountain road or 10/10's against a 458 or GT3,
I thought about this combination a few years ago. Soooo happy Lotus thought about this too and made it.
This seems like a great car. I read that it has air conditioning and a sound system. Heated seats are an option. GT3 performance at about half the price....wow!!!
I really love this guy's car reviews! Very high quality.
Agreed! There should be a locking diff in a car of this caliber and cost, it shouldn't even be a debate.
4:00 How did you get the echo from the room inside the car?! >_>
Wow! I can't admit that I like the style of new cars, but this one even looks amazing. I love Lotuses!
Splendid video, nice to see Lotus is back on the right track. Pretty car as well.
I like that you could hear the shifter "click" into place
That car was sliding around like a hot knife on butter!
What an absolute beauty
And at the end of the year, Chris's old mag Evo vote the Exige car of the year joint with the Pagani Huayra. High praise.
Good on ya Chris. Best presenter of them all on cars.👍🇬🇧
nice video. this guys are making the best car reviews and tests on youtube i think.
I like this guys personality and he communicates really well/ natural. Next TopGear presenter?
holy fuck! as soon as you put it in sport mode it drove like a different car! simply amazing
Chris Harris - best reviewer alive, period!
oh my god, lotus turned their chief engineer in vehicle dynamics to an alien just to get phenomenal handling
The expression on your face is pure exhilaration or you are a damn great actor.
You are right, its a good thing the US has more to offer than long straight highways.
Lotus has made a cool traction control option that learns, I hope more cars get it.
I'm a beginner driver, and have a bit of extra cash to spend. and I'm upgrading from a gt86. this car, cayman, 4c, and an m2 / m4 are the contenders. It is going to be my daily as well, work on weekdays, and hit the mountains / hillclimb long sweeping corner roads on the weekend, track for once or twice a year. being sensible, I'm thinking of a cayman, but my heart is always with this exige 😢, since cayman now have 2.5 boxer, the urge of getting exige instead of a cayman now grow even stronger.
if possible go for Evora.. huhu
If you are a beginner I think the Lotus, you need to be a good drive to get the most out of a MR2
A British journalist reviewing a British car in Britain - and it's left hand drive ^^
Made me smile
I like the way it looks too. Harris makes a winning vid again good job mate.
Really funny seeing Chris with hair!
I've been driving this car in Assetto Corsa. Great car.
This car looks so much better than the old one. And it looks brilliant in that British Racing Green. And it probably has a better ride, like the Evora.
YES THANK GOD. Lotus is still making awesome cars
Why haven't I seen this before? Great journalism.
Well, I just learned something about actually living with these beauties. Thank you.
How does the computer work compared to the GTR? i always believed that that was the ultimate on board computer..
this guy is amazing top gear's material right here...
Well, the Exige/Elise did use a 190hp 1.8L Toyota 2ZZ-GE.... So I guess Toyota's engines (grocery-getters notwithstanding) aren't bad.
4A-G, 3S-GTE/3S-GE BEAMS, 1JZ-GTE, 2JZ-GTE... Lotta good engines from Toyota
Agreed!! Everything I have is a manual. No flappy paddles for me! It is nice you can turn it all off, but I'd go for the Noble where you don't even have it.
Great GT3 rival! THANKYOU LOTUS FOR STICKING WITH A MANUAL BOX! I'm going to love owning this car! (when I can afford it in 20 years!)
chris harris loves his palm to palm action
There's an off toggle for a reason.
I also think it's a little overstated as any assist in a small, short wheelbase, lightweight vehicle is going to have a larger change in the feel. Along with the generally wider width, not forgetting the meatier tires than any Exige before.
It's not GTR level of assist that's for sure, the GTR needs it, this has it so you can drive it more often in more different conditions. The V6 also helps achieve this. And then you can just turn it all off.
i really hope that these sports cars companies maintain some vehicles for people like me, who would rather learn how to drive the car through the corner myself than drive it like a video game. very few cars are left that reward you for learning how to respond to a chassis and drive accordingly, and punish you if you dont.
LOVE the new styling! It's still the lotus Exige but now it looks properly aggressive like it should be...
Agree with Chris regarding the engine. 350hp and 295lbft was observed from a non FI but DI 3.8L V6 that's in the new Genesis Coupe right now. I think a proper tuner can take a look at it and bump it up quite a bit.
Chris, you have done it again. The track video was fantastic and the interview was welcome. Only one thing to ask for the interviews, the room had a bit too much echo otherwise it was fantastic.
OMG! okay wait. I want one, aahhhh! That's the kind of Lotus I want. (Three more years of school) Very, very nice Lotus
awesome! im glad they get rid of that dull 4 cylinders engines. V6 sounds properly! Chris, I love you!
Open diff? That seems surprising. Did the previous Elises and Exiges have open diffs as well?
Pretty much all of them have an open rear, they dont need them. I have a 300hp Turbo Elise and it does not need it. The way Lotus/you setup the chassis you generally have no issues with traction.......unless you want to haha
Drifty325i Nice which one is that brother? I live in the states, so I was lucky enough to get my hands on an 08 Elise SC :P, the last of the great ones. And master777999, trust me with a lightweight Lotus you can't even tell it's open in the rear, it's literally the only vehicle I've driven that feels "telepathic" when you steer it.
Hey mate mines a 111r with the force fed turbo kit and a few other goodies, been built out the 2.0l with aftermarket comp etc, only runs 6lbs but can do allot more. Mmm 08 SC sounds lovely though!
yeah but this guys comment was how sad it was for a car manufacturer to take engines from other companies, altho u have a valid point and they did ask honda.. its not sad they car manufacturers ask other companies to give them the engines, the zonda uses the amg engine eben though its highly tuned its not sad, its about a beautiful combination of car and engine thats why it was the fastest around the track. (if it doesnt make sense its fine am a tad tipsy whilst replying to this comment)
as im sure my dad would claim the seven is the best lotus ever made (he owns a classic one) but i like the look of this new Exige and the sound
great review, CH... love the car, obviously... that two-tone green/black is the BOMB!
That's what i like to hear. Ecotec is the way to go. Secant makes them, although they need to use the turbo LNF engine. 300hp easy with over 320lb-ft of torque. And still with one of the lightest inline 4s.
This video made me a fan of the new exige, awesome vid
Great video as always. But, please, get your sound sorted. Levels, balance, echo these are consistently out of whack: Chris' content deserves higher production values.
On a small Scottish or Alpine road this kind of car seems much more appealing than a larger Porsche. I loved the video, even if Chris's interview was a bit like... "Do you agree with what I think?' rather than asking the guy actual questions. :)
ya the interview wasnt great, but tbh matt wasnt givin him a whole lot..
The supercharged 2zz-fe engine in the lotus was built and tuned by Yamaha and then tuned further by Lotus. Both are prestigious racing car Developers. You do the math.
i could watch Chris Harris review a smart car and still be entertained
that car looks sooo nice, great design
Well it does look fantastic, very nice lights
I've always been a fan of the "look" of Lotus... Now I'm itching to be a fan of it's Driving... Forget the ratings... Fix the audio and show people your reaction to the car and people would buy it based on that alone. I've never seen a pro so giddy in a car LOL. Keep it up Chris.. Keep it up.
Indeed.
That thing looks AMAZING.
Chris, the video awesome, as is the review, but you gotta do something about the audio quality. Most of the times it is very good, but at one moment there was an echo when you talked in the car, and the interview bit had alot of room echo (hint, use separate mics for you and for the guy that you interview). High audio quality is the way for the top level videos. Cheers mate!
Good for lotus i was hoping this car worked out. But i think the evora gte will really make the gt3 people reconsider
That wasn't me who said that. I agree with you completely about the car.
This car is a good as an afternoon with a red head!
love the car sounds in the outro! I would edit the video more ferociously. some parts seem to drag on, but this is a video I want to share with friends!
Not to mention, the 345hp is very efficient at 99 hp/l, out doing the majority of cars, and crushing the corvettes 72 hp/l. And I looked up the v6 mustang, only 305hp for 3.7l. 315hp for Porsches 3.2l. Though I have to say, Nissan's 3.8l twin turbo making 545 hp is crazy. But twin turbos are a different beast. I don't even think there is a single american production car that gets anywhere near 100hp/l.
:) i enjoy especially watching the challenges in which they always play tricks on James May
Lotus is such a interesting and underrated brand
Well done Lotus!
That'd probably make sense :)
Haven't fiddled with one or driven one so I guess I have to trust your word on their greatness!
Looks like a beauitfully balanced, relatively lightweight track toy from Lotus - nicely done. Just hope they get it sorted out early on with all the electronic and mechanical systems. I do a lot of track days, and the number Elise / Exige cars that I've seen experiencing some type of breakdown is pretty troublesome. Also, the car should really have a limited slip diff.
great review, audio sounds alittle messed up but chris harris is always excellent
gets smaller every year, so I don't blame them for pandering slightly that way. It's that or no Exige at all since the 1.8 is no longer smog legal. Honestly, the real selling point is that it's an Exige, it's updated in design and sports it's bigger sisters V6 heart when it comes down to it.
I think it's just the combination of a few small assists, a brilliant handling car and the general weight of it that makes it seem a lot more than it is.
Fantastic car!!! I wish I could drive it!
"And Swizz Beatz". That was a good chuckle.