Newbie buying a 380 sport

[Ollie260]

Hi all, I’m a total newbie to the Lotus brand and looking to pull the pin in the next few months on a Sport 380 (pending finding the right car). It’ll be a 2nd car for me alongside my RS6, summer and track use only. I did have a BMW M2 Comp but wasn’t blown away by it for track use, terrible brakes and you really felt the weight when pushing hard. 
 

Any recommendations for must have options or things to lookout for? 
 

🙏

[Troyboy]

Henley-on-Thames Lotus have a nice silver 380 that has just come 8n. Lots of carbon fibre bits as well.

[R300XXX]

For track use you may want to consider a 410 for the charge cooler if budget is flexible

[Ollie260]

1 hour ago, Troyboy said:

Henley-on-Thames Lotus have a nice silver 380 that has just come 8n. Lots of carbon fibre bits as well.

Thanks @Troyboy I’ve seen this online today. Going to view it this week. Not sure on the colour combo however..

1 hour ago, R300XXX said:

For track use you may want to consider a 410 for the charge cooler if budget is flexible

@R300XXX 380 is already pushing the budget. Would love a 410, next year 😁

Edited February 13, 2022 by Ollie260

[Troyboy]

It's all a matter of taste, or not, but that silver car with candy red wheels to match the red trim on the carbon barge boards etc will look fantastic. 

[Ollie260]

Viewing it tomorrow morning. I’m sure it might be very different IRL. 

[Troyboy]

Did you get to look at the silver 380 today Ollie.

[Ollie260]

@Troyboy yes drove it back to back with a 350 and yes it’s a looker IRL.

[Troyboy]

How did it compare to the 350. I have a 350 and have wondered if there is much difference. 

[Ollie260]

i didn’t think the difference would be that much but the two cars are night and day.

380 felt far more focused and quicker (of course). 

Deposit placed against the 380 getting the paperwork sorted for a March delivery. Very excited, also slightly nervous.

[Kristof Thys]

For extended track use, a 350 might even be the better choice.

[Ollie260]

Interesting, what makes you say that? @Kristof Thys

[Kristof Thys]

@Ollie260 The 350 has a higher rev limit and has the supercharger spinning slower at all times compared to the Sport 380.  As both are non-charged cooled and running the same supercharger, you will get more heat soak in the 380.  

Peak power in the 380 comes in at 100 rpm before it cuts ignition; on the 350 you'll have 200 rpm "bandwidth" making an easier run up through the gears whilst on it on track.  (6800 vs 7200 is a lot)

Jokke Vlo on here (he has moved on) did a nice write-up on his comparison between his old V6S and then his 380 Sport.  In the end, he had the EX460 kit installed on the 380 (as he did on his V6 earlier) as the rev limit "thing" was really bothersome.

 

 

 

Edited February 18, 2022 by Kristof Thys

[Troyboy]

19 hours ago, Ollie260 said:

i didn’t think the difference would be that much but the two cars are night and day.

380 felt far more focused and quicker (of course). 

Deposit placed against the 380 getting the paperwork sorted for a March delivery. Very excited, also slightly nervous.

Brilliant news. You won't regret it. They really are fantastic cars. That silver car has lots of carbon goodies on it as well. Great choice.

[Ollie260]

Thanks @Troyboy going to change the red mirrors for carbon ones, they’re a little bit too much…. Any recommendations? 

looking forward to meeting up with people at events and track days.  
 

 

[Bibs]

@GFWilliams mirrors are great looking! 

[Ollie260]

Thanks @Bibs  @GFWilliams are you still selling carbon mirrors as I can’t see them on your site? 

[GFWilliams]

Hi Ollie

Congrats on the 380, they’re a great car and often dismissed due to the rev limit, but in reality, when you drive one you realise it’s the perfect balance on the road, plus sound amazing of course!

I do still sell mirrors, but supply is slow. I do my best, and it’s worth waiting as the quality is lovely, but there isn’t a huge amount I can do. I’m hoping to have more in in a month or two.

[Ollie260]

Thanks @GFWilliams 

that’s cool, is there any pre-order or waiting list to go on? 

[Toqcars]

You could click "Notify when Available" on the hellslow webpage and you get an email when the new stock arrives. I clicked it in October and got the email in December 😉