- Wed Oct 26, 2011 11:58 am
#3127223
They're rapid with a supercharged K20.
My Dad has the supercharged Lotus 2-11 (toyota motor), which really is a track weapon, weighing only 750kg.
I've grown up around Lotus', and love them.
Since I can remember (I'm 23) he's had 14 different Lotus'. Kind of a bug.
Having grown up around them, I know a fair few owners who have all kinds of mods, even an S1 Exige with a 500bhp Audi Turbo lump in which is unreal!
The supercharging of the K20 in them is normal practice now for a fair few owners, and if you're looking to buy, I can assure you they are like sh!t off a shovel!
I know its been mentioned about newer ones being cheaper etc, but the S1 is now extremely collectable with prices over the past couple of years sky rocketing. Alot are going over to europe and further afar these days.
As for your question about them 'really being that great to drive'. I will confirm that they are amazing, especially on track. You get a bit of understeer but thats all.
I've driven Elise S1's, Elise S2's, S2 Exige S's, Esprits, 2 Elevens on track, and they're all a lovely ride.
If I was to have one personally, I wouldn't get one with a K series motor, so a K20 converted S1 would be perfect, or an S2 with the yota in. Far more reliable.
The S1 is pretty raw in terms of driving, if every day, could get tiresome. The S2 is more refined, more padding to the seats, better sound proofing and ICE. Then theres the 2 Eleven, which really isn't practical for everyday use!
If you're looking to buy, best bet is go along to a Lotus track day and get speaking to people, ask for a pax ride, I've no doubt someone will take you out in theirs.
Failing that, go along to a meet, most clubs have monthly meets and have a nosey around.
