Bad news from John at Buttonwillow
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Las Vegas, NV
On my weekend at BW, there were a lot of Exiges but only a couple of Elises. I got the sense that Exige is definitely preferred for the track. A few more horses, better suspension, fixed hard top. But it looks like your Elise already has all that. Good going.
The Elise is a complete blast on the track: unbelievable levels of grip, very predictable handling, just a lot of fun to drive. The stock 190 hp Toyota motor isn't exactly overwhelming on the straights: I had to work to get much over 100 mph. But I could catch up to much more powerful cars in the corners.
If it hasn't already been done on your car, I think the first thing you'll want to work on is the shifter. The throw is surprisingly long (longer than the Z, I think), and the gate is real sloppy. I found it easy to get into fourth when I was trying for second. I haven't looked, but I'm sure there are fixes for that.
BTW, I think you'll find that you'll want another car for a daily driver, or you'll be taking the Titan out when you need some groceries. The Elise has almost no storage space and it's a pain to get out of, especially with the top on. And out on the road I felt distinctly more vulnerable around trucks and SUVs than I ever did in my Miata.
But I'm still envious. You're going to have a great time in that car! Congrats!
The Elise is a complete blast on the track: unbelievable levels of grip, very predictable handling, just a lot of fun to drive. The stock 190 hp Toyota motor isn't exactly overwhelming on the straights: I had to work to get much over 100 mph. But I could catch up to much more powerful cars in the corners.
If it hasn't already been done on your car, I think the first thing you'll want to work on is the shifter. The throw is surprisingly long (longer than the Z, I think), and the gate is real sloppy. I found it easy to get into fourth when I was trying for second. I haven't looked, but I'm sure there are fixes for that.
BTW, I think you'll find that you'll want another car for a daily driver, or you'll be taking the Titan out when you need some groceries. The Elise has almost no storage space and it's a pain to get out of, especially with the top on. And out on the road I felt distinctly more vulnerable around trucks and SUVs than I ever did in my Miata.
But I'm still envious. You're going to have a great time in that car! Congrats!
Originally Posted by dnguyent
Post lap time comparisons when you get used to the new beastie.
Originally Posted by commasense
On my weekend at BW, there were a lot of Exiges but only a couple of Elises. I got the sense that Exige is definitely preferred for the track. A few more horses, better suspension, fixed hard top. But it looks like your Elise already has all that. Good going.
The Elise is a complete blast on the track: unbelievable levels of grip, very predictable handling, just a lot of fun to drive. The stock 190 hp Toyota motor isn't exactly overwhelming on the straights: I had to work to get much over 100 mph. But I could catch up to much more powerful cars in the corners.
If it hasn't already been done on your car, I think the first thing you'll want to work on is the shifter. The throw is surprisingly long (longer than the Z, I think), and the gate is real sloppy. I found it easy to get into fourth when I was trying for second. I haven't looked, but I'm sure there are fixes for that.
BTW, I think you'll find that you'll want another car for a daily driver, or you'll be taking the Titan out when you need some groceries. The Elise has almost no storage space and it's a pain to get out of, especially with the top on. And out on the road I felt distinctly more vulnerable around trucks and SUVs than I ever did in my Miata.
But I'm still envious. You're going to have a great time in that car! Congrats!
The Elise is a complete blast on the track: unbelievable levels of grip, very predictable handling, just a lot of fun to drive. The stock 190 hp Toyota motor isn't exactly overwhelming on the straights: I had to work to get much over 100 mph. But I could catch up to much more powerful cars in the corners.
If it hasn't already been done on your car, I think the first thing you'll want to work on is the shifter. The throw is surprisingly long (longer than the Z, I think), and the gate is real sloppy. I found it easy to get into fourth when I was trying for second. I haven't looked, but I'm sure there are fixes for that.
BTW, I think you'll find that you'll want another car for a daily driver, or you'll be taking the Titan out when you need some groceries. The Elise has almost no storage space and it's a pain to get out of, especially with the top on. And out on the road I felt distinctly more vulnerable around trucks and SUVs than I ever did in my Miata.
But I'm still envious. You're going to have a great time in that car! Congrats!
No, I didn't plan on having the Elise match my truck - LOL.
And some remote reservoir bling...
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 525
Likes: 14
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Sorry to learn about your Z, but I must say - nice recovery! I've spent time behind the wheel of Z's and Elises at Buttonwillow and they're both a lot of fun. The communication through the wheel and chassis on the Lotus is fantastic. You're going to love it!
Hope our paths will cross at the track one day soon!
Hope our paths will cross at the track one day soon!
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
From: Orange County
Originally Posted by commasense
On my weekend at BW, there were a lot of Exiges but only a couple of Elises. I got the sense that Exige is definitely preferred for the track. A few more horses, better suspension, fixed hard top. But it looks like your Elise already has all that. Good going.
An Exige has the same HP and TQ as the Elise and both have the same suspension option packages. The Exige has a little more down-force and weighs a few lbs more, that is the only difference until you get into the newer Exige S which has the supercharger.
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