380 Sport

[Five50]

Hi All

Picked up a 380 Sport last week. Previously had an Elise Cup.

Similar in some ways - but very different in others! Really enjoying it! 🙂

Was thinking about different V6 models, but the various upgrades that Lotus put out with the 380 sealed it for me - forged alloys, bigger fuel tank, gearbox cooler, T-25 rollover bar (otherwise only on the Cup cars I think?), abs and TC programmed for the latest tyres (Cup 2's), 2 piece brakes, aero kit, carbon bits etc etc. Figured if I got anything else, I'd only end up spending on these anyway post purchase.

Having it geo'd this weekend.

Looking forward to many adventures to come...

The stock suspension seems ok tbh but can't help thinking about adjustable Nitrons... Also wondering about Alias 23 intake and splitter (concerned that the stock carbon front splitter is going to be a bit vulnerable...). Also a 380 Cup front "mouth' black wrap.

Any thoughts v welcome!

Edited March 4, 2020 by Five50

[Woots]

Looks stunning

[TonyKL]

Very nice, I do feel the 380 is the sweet spot for the Exige.

What made you chop in the Elise Cup, was it a 220 or 250?

[Five50]

220 Cup. Really enjoyed owning it but coming up for 3 years decided it was time to try something else, life being short etc.

[alias23]

Get some track time booked in soon

[Mark030358]

Welcome to the 380 club 👍

[Edinburgh 111s]

Congratulations, a good looking example. Is that @Dan.G Old car? It looks familiar....
 

I agree with most, the 380 was the sweet spot of the range. Some great extras over the 350. 

Edited March 5, 2020 by Edinburgh 111s

[Tex]

I think one of the best upgrades is to the Nitrons.

I had a 380 Sport on standard and after trying a  Cup 430 which has 3 way Nitrons that was the clincher to change.

The Nitrons give great on road ride quality but a few knob twists and it’s ready for tracking. Well worth the money imo 

[Five50]

Thx - good feedback.

The visual benefits of the lower stance also do no harm...

[Dan.G]

2 hours ago, Edinburgh 111s said:

Congratulations, a good looking example. Is that @Dan.G Old car? It looks familiar....
 

I agree with most, the 380 was the sweet spot of the range. Some great extras over the 350. 

Not mine, but a cracking example. Well done.

Mine had a cf roof and harness.

Im in a gt3 these days

[Shibby]

3 hours ago, Edinburgh 111s said:

Congratulations, a good looking example. Is that @Dan.G Old car? It looks familiar....

Nope... I got that one.😀

Got it from Edinburgh in September. 

 

[Edinburgh 111s]

4 hours ago, Dan.G said:

Not mine, but a cracking example. Well done.

Mine had a cf roof and harness.

Im in a gt3 these days

How are you finding the GT3 Dan? 
I am becoming a little disillusioned with the brand following the appalling way Lotus has handled the lack of dealership in Scotland...

[BlackyF1]

Lovely car mate 😎  This the one from Stratton Motors?  I had my eye on this one but got spec creep and ended up with a 410.

Enjoy!

[Dan.G]

11 hours ago, Shibby said:

Nope... I got that one.😀

Got it from Edinburgh in September. 

 

Still in a 'favourite cars' list

[Dan.G]

8 hours ago, Edinburgh 111s said:

How are you finding the GT3 Dan? 
I am becoming a little disillusioned with the brand following the appalling way Lotus has handled the lack of dealership in Scotland...

As you know, thats why I left, brand support. Ill try and give some thoughts..

The GT3 is quite a different car, to put it into context, id say the lotus is a chainsaw and the GT3 is a scalpel.

The lotus is much more raw and engaging, 'a laugh'. I might argue its a better weekend toy that you can play around with, the GT3 feels much more grown up and a serious 'race' car. Typically German.

The build quality of the Porsche is on a different level, as is the interior. Id say the Porsche has a better balance of road weapon vs usability, such as a radio you can actually use when you want to, for example, which I understand some people dont care about a radio but its there when you want it. The ride is harsher in the Gt3, definitely, although, no bottoming out as yet.

The GT3 is absolutely planted, I swear it could take corners at right angles, at speed, its that good. I wouldnt say it feels any faster in terms of speed over the 380. The extra revs in the gt3 is a winner.

The lotus turned more heads! I do miss my lotus but i cant justify that kind of money for a brand still having teething issues.

I test drove many exotic brands before buying into Porsche, many with more power, a better badge or more striking looks. To me, the porsche just felt right, the one that ticked all the boxes. I can confidently say, the porsche is one of the best handling cars ive driven, on the road. Buy one now before they go turbo lol

 

 

 

[Edinburgh 111s]

@Dan.G

thank you for the insight. I absolutely agree that the brand support is poor. The dealer network is mainly amateur outfits which also doesn’t help. 
 

the car sounds fantastic, I am seriously considering something similar. Do you have any more pictures of your car ? The colour looks fantastic