Thanks Dr. P - been following your channel for a while and was really looking forward to you getting a ride in the 250 Cup, ever since I drove the 220 Cup at Hethel for an Academy day in July, with the great Martin Donnelly as my tutor . Glad the weather was kind - great footage and review. Thanks for sharing .... Hope you get to trial the 311 soon (in good weather 😉)- keep posting 👍🏻🏁 thanks ( aiming for first Elise purchase in the next few months)
Thanks Paul, I hope you read the TLF article which goes into a lot more detail. I missed 2 chances to drive the 311 on track for various reasons but still might be able to drive one on the road before the year is out hopefully. I will always have a soft spot for the Elise having owned a faultless example for 5 years. I'd love to get another but the Exige V6 Cup will have to do for now ;) I hope to see some videos of your Elise when you get it! Which model do you have your eye on?
HI Dr P. With a lottery win it will be an Exige V6 S 😃🏁. in Elise territory, I'd love an Elise R, but they are v rare in the used market here in Australia. An Elise either supercharged or 1.8 Toyota engine most likely. Cars hold their value well over here and I'll be keeping my eyes out when funds become available.I'm based in Western Australia and cars are few and far between and only one dealership here. Off to Sydney in October and will visit the main dealership there. I used to live in Ashtead in UK not far from Bell and Colville Lotus dealers and I think my love for the brand started there years ago.
great vid as always, I must come and say hi next time you're at GW. I especially loved the V6 comparison... I'm pretty sure I'm still braking too early still and haven't turned the TC completely off yet... although my old Elise didn't have any! :))
Everytime i watch this video or any videos on circuit driving,....every approach to the braking zones,..upon reaching the brake markers...my right foot starts to move trying to find the brake pedal ,... while my eye is looking straight at the apex......!?!..... Pepole around looking at me might think im crazy......... I need a kart or a lotus now,....Help meeee..!!!!!!
Thanks Craig, as I'm sure you know you get the Elise and Exige as track only cars in the US. Quite a few owners here trailer their Exiges to tracks anyway so it's not as crazy an idea as it might sound. I know that's just not a practical reality for many but the Cup cars are way more fun on the track so at least you will be getting the best of them! Better to never go on the road than never go on the track with these cars!
I have thought about it! The dealer near me in Covina (LA) has an Elise Cup R as well an Exige V6 Cup. Sadly, even the Elise is beyond my budget. I do, however, have an 05 Elise, which I enjoy in the canyons and on the track. As you said in your write-up, there's something really special about the high-revving 2ZZ. We may not see it's like again in this age of turbo charging.
Totally agree, that engine in an Elise is definitely something special. One of those in the Canyons is something we dream about over here in Europe! ;)
Sounds like withdrawal is kicking in! The 250 Cups are very quick on the road and very durable track cars, running costs put an Exige to shame. Sport 220 or older Elise might be more playful though perhaps. Cup 250s just stick and don't let go. Downforce is proper too, 67kg at 100mph, more than any of the Exiges. Even Cup 430 Exige makes 57kg @100mph. Should offer much better residuals than most of the alternatives too.
DrPittenstein I felt the 211 in the dry at least had too much grip. It’s the Lotus way. Might be fun in a 250 cup to fit Michelin’s PS4 tyres like in the Alpine A110 and get it moving about at lower speeds. With the 250 Cup I see it as 90% of what the 211 offered on track with 100% more road usability and I could even take the roof off. Win, win. And yes I’m having huge withdrawals!!!
really liked this test, you've just gained a subscriber ! Your content is really good :) I've just sold my megane rs and since i always wanted to have a lotus i'm starting to look at the market. I would love to get an exige v6 but my wallet won't allow it just yet and i don't think it would be the best pick for me, i like light cars with not too much power and i'm hesitating between an s1 111s, exige s2 NA or the elise s3 220S/250Cup. I love analog cars with no aids whatsoever, i go on track a bit and i like to get rewarded by the car when you can extract the best from it (especially when it's a bit tricky or has a character of its own) what would you recommend ? considering i love 90s cars in which you need to turn the key to start it up and their raw feeling :D
Many thanks for subscribing, it means a lot. Sounds like you would be able to appreciate a Lotus to the full. The cars you mention are all fine driver's cars. Original 111S is still quick on track, very pure and raw. Exige S2 na is a real purist's choice but might leave you wanting more go - definitely 'over-chassis'd'. S3 220S would be a fine road car straight out of the box, Cup 250 sacrifices some adjustability for huge grip, 200 would be more 'playful' on the road, Cup 250 would be hard to unstick but has an abundance of communication and feel driving within its high limits. If you are planning lots of trackdays I'd go for a Cup if you can stretch to one. If mainly road use probably the 220. Look out for the Elise S Cup and 220 Cup, they cost a lot less but use the same aero pack with the 220 motor. A real gem is the Sprint 220 if you can find one. Lighter with some reallly nice carbon parts. Let me know what you decide. Happy hunting!
@@DrPittenstein Hey ! It's been a long time since i posted this comment, but i just wanted to post a quick update : i bought an elise 220 cup three weeks ago ! This car is amazing and i wonder why i haven't pulled the trigger earlier :) And this aero kit is absolutely gorgeous, especially when you can see the car in flesh 🤤 I thought that i'd be asking for more power but i was wrong, i have the TRD airbox and a 2bular exhaust, it's definitely enough ! I already know that the next lotus will probably be an Exige V6 :) But first, i must track the car a bit, will be headed to Spa/Nurb/Hockenheim, needless to say that i cannot wait to push it harder :)
@@klotzalexandre9249 great choice and I also have a Cup 250 since I made this video so clearly I meant what I said! The 220 has just as much torque as the 250 which only has a bit more zip at high rpm under 6000rpm they are just about identical so 220 is definitely great value and you should be able to make a 250 owner wonder why he’s not pulling away! Enjoy! I hope to see some videos soon!
Thanks Juma, you're on pole again. Onur is usually very quick you are becoming the Ayrton Senna of my channel! It's a great package but everyone will buy the V6. I can't blame them for that, I did the same! But this is the Lotus for the hardcore purists!
+DrPittenstein here where I live the Elise and the exige are closely priced. I don't think that they had sold even a single Elise. My v6 is stock and I am thinking to get an upgrade maybe some shock set.
Juma Ali I really rate the Nitrons, there are different types available but the ones the factory use for the Cup cars are great, they helped develop them. The Ohlins TTX are even better and not too much harder, still useable on the road (just about!) they are better suited to the CupR aero kit which I would love to fit one day. BIG price difference to the Nitrons though for a small gain. It's always that way with dampers though as I'm sure you know.
hey Dr. i'm looking for a Exige S RGB Yellow 2011, what do you think about that car? i live in switzerland like a Hour from San Bernardino, Furka pass and Götthard pass.
Exige RGB is a total masterpiece. No finer car for the alpine passes. Great choice! But would be even nicer in the Alps with the roof panel off (this can be done).
Sadly not this time but I did drive a Cup 220 on the road and the spring and damper rates are the same. They work really well on the road. But have you seen this? Just announced today:www.lotuscars.com/news/engineering/speed-style-and-panache-elise-250-special-edition glad you found the review though, I was going to send you a link! Will do my best to answer any further questions you might have.
Thanks for the reply. I was wondering w/e, on the road, the ride of the 250 Cup is stiff and punishing or not relative to the "standard" Elise Sport 220 or to the Exige 350.
Definitely not punishing. The 220 I drove was really nice on the road and the 250 has the same springs and dampers so in theory should be no different. The Yokohama AO48s are quite firm with stiff sidewalls so that might make the ride a bit less compliant but the 220 was really nice on the road, I was surprised how supple it was. A 250 won't be as fluid as a 'standard' Elise but in my experience no worse than a 350 Exige, if anything the 220's ride was better than that and I took it on some pretty lumpy roads.
hitesh ghai very close! Exige revs harder 8,900rpm, so more exciting engine but 250 feels like stronger torque. 250 has more downforce, more grip overall but 260 Exige might be a little lighter. Exige is super rare but also similar price if you can find one. Both are awesome. Maybe Exige has the edge but if price is the same as a nearly new 250 then maybe that’s the way to go. Original 250 like this one has a bit more downforce than the latest one.
Hi MateGreat upload !! Im thinking of buying a 250 Cup as I cant get an Exige up my drive sadly as a sunday fun car for my girlfriend and I to go out in is it a great laugh and will it give me the grin factor or is it a bit lame compared to its big brother Thanks very much all the best Marco
No it's a great car but you could buy a used V6 for the price of a 250 Cup new so it's really for the purist. It makes more downforce than any Exige currently too. Great car, cheap to run for the performance and they feel quick on the road. You may want more power at some point, it feels like it could handle 300bhp no problem. But the steering and agility are second to none. Better balanced than the Exige too but that V6 power is addictive!
For a full answer have a look here: www.thelotusforums.com/latest-news/reviews/elise-cup-250-track-test/ The short answer is I prefer the V6, especially in Cup form or the new Sport 350 version. But that doesn't stop me really loving the Elise. There are more opportunites for scalps on trackdays. Less so with the Exige which everyone expects to be fast. I'm sure that would always be fun to keep up with and pass much more powerful and expensive cars.
Can’t think of anything better than throwing a lotus 250 around good wood on a weekend.👍🇬🇧
Parfaite à tous point de vue, un trésor, une qualité de fabrication inouïe et en plus very British
Vraiment!
Thanks Dr. P - been following your channel for a while and was really looking forward to you getting a ride in the 250 Cup, ever since I drove the 220 Cup at Hethel for an Academy day in July, with the great Martin Donnelly as my tutor . Glad the weather was kind - great footage and review. Thanks for sharing .... Hope you get to trial the 311 soon (in good weather 😉)- keep posting 👍🏻🏁 thanks ( aiming for first Elise purchase in the next few months)
Thanks Paul, I hope you read the TLF article which goes into a lot more detail. I missed 2 chances to drive the 311 on track for various reasons but still might be able to drive one on the road before the year is out hopefully. I will always have a soft spot for the Elise having owned a faultless example for 5 years. I'd love to get another but the Exige V6 Cup will have to do for now ;) I hope to see some videos of your Elise when you get it! Which model do you have your eye on?
HI Dr P. With a lottery win it will be an Exige V6 S 😃🏁. in Elise territory, I'd love an Elise R, but they are v rare in the used market here in Australia. An Elise either supercharged or 1.8 Toyota engine most likely. Cars hold their value well over here and I'll be keeping my eyes out when funds become available.I'm based in Western Australia and cars are few and far between and only one dealership here. Off to Sydney in October and will visit the main dealership there. I used to live in Ashtead in UK not far from Bell and Colville Lotus dealers and I think my love for the brand started there years ago.
Good luck with the search. I look forward to seeing some of your videos one day. Cheers!
great vid as always, I must come and say hi next time you're at GW. I especially loved the V6 comparison... I'm pretty sure I'm still braking too early still and haven't turned the TC completely off yet... although my old Elise didn't have any! :))
Everytime i watch this video or any videos on circuit driving,....every approach to the braking zones,..upon reaching the brake markers...my right foot starts to move trying to find the brake pedal ,... while my eye is looking straight at the apex......!?!..... Pepole around looking at me might think im crazy......... I need a kart or a lotus now,....Help meeee..!!!!!!
Fantastic review! Really gives those of us stateside an idea of what we are missing. Especially liked the comparison with your V6 Cup.
Thanks Craig, as I'm sure you know you get the Elise and Exige as track only cars in the US. Quite a few owners here trailer their Exiges to tracks anyway so it's not as crazy an idea as it might sound. I know that's just not a practical reality for many but the Cup cars are way more fun on the track so at least you will be getting the best of them! Better to never go on the road than never go on the track with these cars!
I have thought about it! The dealer near me in Covina (LA) has an Elise Cup R as well an Exige V6 Cup. Sadly, even the Elise is beyond my budget. I do, however, have an 05 Elise, which I enjoy in the canyons and on the track. As you said in your write-up, there's something really special about the high-revving 2ZZ. We may not see it's like again in this age of turbo charging.
Totally agree, that engine in an Elise is definitely something special. One of those in the Canyons is something we dream about over here in Europe! ;)
I find myself watching 250 Cup videos after selling the 2-11. It could be the ideal road & track car for me. In toxic green
Sounds like withdrawal is kicking in! The 250 Cups are very quick on the road and very durable track cars, running costs put an Exige to shame. Sport 220 or older Elise might be more playful though perhaps. Cup 250s just stick and don't let go. Downforce is proper too, 67kg at 100mph, more than any of the Exiges. Even Cup 430 Exige makes 57kg @100mph. Should offer much better residuals than most of the alternatives too.
DrPittenstein I felt the 211 in the dry at least had too much grip. It’s the Lotus way. Might be fun in a 250 cup to fit Michelin’s PS4 tyres like in the Alpine A110 and get it moving about at lower speeds. With the 250 Cup I see it as 90% of what the 211 offered on track with 100% more road usability and I could even take the roof off. Win, win. And yes I’m having huge withdrawals!!!
Enjoyed that, thanks 👍
really liked this test, you've just gained a subscriber ! Your content is really good :) I've just sold my megane rs and since i always wanted to have a lotus i'm starting to look at the market. I would love to get an exige v6 but my wallet won't allow it just yet and i don't think it would be the best pick for me, i like light cars with not too much power and i'm hesitating between an s1 111s, exige s2 NA or the elise s3 220S/250Cup. I love analog cars with no aids whatsoever, i go on track a bit and i like to get rewarded by the car when you can extract the best from it (especially when it's a bit tricky or has a character of its own) what would you recommend ? considering i love 90s cars in which you need to turn the key to start it up and their raw feeling :D
Many thanks for subscribing, it means a lot. Sounds like you would be able to appreciate a Lotus to the full. The cars you mention are all fine driver's cars. Original 111S is still quick on track, very pure and raw. Exige S2 na is a real purist's choice but might leave you wanting more go - definitely 'over-chassis'd'. S3 220S would be a fine road car straight out of the box, Cup 250 sacrifices some adjustability for huge grip, 200 would be more 'playful' on the road, Cup 250 would be hard to unstick but has an abundance of communication and feel driving within its high limits. If you are planning lots of trackdays I'd go for a Cup if you can stretch to one. If mainly road use probably the 220. Look out for the Elise S Cup and 220 Cup, they cost a lot less but use the same aero pack with the 220 motor. A real gem is the Sprint 220 if you can find one. Lighter with some reallly nice carbon parts. Let me know what you decide. Happy hunting!
@@DrPittenstein Hey ! It's been a long time since i posted this comment, but i just wanted to post a quick update : i bought an elise 220 cup three weeks ago ! This car is amazing and i wonder why i haven't pulled the trigger earlier :) And this aero kit is absolutely gorgeous, especially when you can see the car in flesh 🤤 I thought that i'd be asking for more power but i was wrong, i have the TRD airbox and a 2bular exhaust, it's definitely enough ! I already know that the next lotus will probably be an Exige V6 :) But first, i must track the car a bit, will be headed to Spa/Nurb/Hockenheim, needless to say that i cannot wait to push it harder :)
@@klotzalexandre9249 great choice and I also have a Cup 250 since I made this video so clearly I meant what I said! The 220 has just as much torque as the 250 which only has a bit more zip at high rpm under 6000rpm they are just about identical so 220 is definitely great value and you should be able to make a 250 owner wonder why he’s not pulling away! Enjoy! I hope to see some videos soon!
@@DrPittenstein i saw your Cup 250 in championship gold, it's a gem ! absolutely stunning !
looks great nice overview
Thanks Juma, you're on pole again. Onur is usually very quick you are becoming the Ayrton Senna of my channel! It's a great package but everyone will buy the V6. I can't blame them for that, I did the same! But this is the Lotus for the hardcore purists!
+DrPittenstein here where I live the Elise and the exige are closely priced. I don't think that they had sold even a single Elise. My v6 is stock and I am thinking to get an upgrade maybe some shock set.
Juma Ali I really rate the Nitrons, there are different types available but the ones the factory use for the Cup cars are great, they helped develop them. The Ohlins TTX are even better and not too much harder, still useable on the road (just about!) they are better suited to the CupR aero kit which I would love to fit one day. BIG price difference to the Nitrons though for a small gain. It's always that way with dampers though as I'm sure you know.
+DrPittenstein I think that nitrons would be a big upgrade to the stock bilstein shocks for both caterham and exige
Loved the video! Subscribed. Keep it up!
Miguel Mc thanks, much appreciated!
hey Dr. i'm looking for a Exige S RGB Yellow 2011, what do you think about that car? i live in switzerland like a Hour from San Bernardino, Furka pass and Götthard pass.
Exige RGB is a total masterpiece. No finer car for the alpine passes. Great choice! But would be even nicer in the Alps with the roof panel off (this can be done).
Well done, thanks. Did you get the chance to drive the car on the road, too?
Sadly not this time but I did drive a Cup 220 on the road and the spring and damper rates are the same. They work really well on the road. But have you seen this? Just announced today:www.lotuscars.com/news/engineering/speed-style-and-panache-elise-250-special-edition glad you found the review though, I was going to send you a link! Will do my best to answer any further questions you might have.
Thanks for the reply. I was wondering w/e, on the road, the ride of the 250 Cup is stiff and punishing or not relative to the "standard" Elise Sport 220 or to the Exige 350.
Definitely not punishing. The 220 I drove was really nice on the road and the 250 has the same springs and dampers so in theory should be no different. The Yokohama AO48s are quite firm with stiff sidewalls so that might make the ride a bit less compliant but the 220 was really nice on the road, I was surprised how supple it was. A 250 won't be as fluid as a 'standard' Elise but in my experience no worse than a 350 Exige, if anything the 220's ride was better than that and I took it on some pretty lumpy roads.
Better to be over chassis than under....ford focus rs, just saying
How do u compare it to exige cup 260 thanks
hitesh ghai very close! Exige revs harder 8,900rpm, so more exciting engine but 250 feels like stronger torque. 250 has more downforce, more grip overall but 260 Exige might be a little lighter. Exige is super rare but also similar price if you can find one. Both are awesome. Maybe Exige has the edge but if price is the same as a nearly new 250 then maybe that’s the way to go. Original 250 like this one has a bit more downforce than the latest one.
Thanks
Hi MateGreat upload !! Im thinking of buying a 250 Cup as I cant get an Exige up my drive sadly as a sunday fun car for my girlfriend and I to go out in is it a great laugh and will it give me the grin factor or is it a bit lame compared to its big brother Thanks very much all the best Marco
No it's a great car but you could buy a used V6 for the price of a 250 Cup new so it's really for the purist. It makes more downforce than any Exige currently too. Great car, cheap to run for the performance and they feel quick on the road. You may want more power at some point, it feels like it could handle 300bhp no problem. But the steering and agility are second to none. Better balanced than the Exige too but that V6 power is addictive!
Hi. Great video! What exhaust does it have on and did it have a 'decibel devil' fitted? It looked like it in the shot of the rear.
Thanks. Totally stock exhaust on this car. It could do with something a bit more fruity!
Ah, ok thanks for confirming. At 1:24 it looks like it has one bolted on. Yes the sound on them seems very dull :(
If only they could make them 750kgs again.
yes with a carbon monococ
How wide are the front tires on these?
PieterA 195 section. All new Elises come with these now. Range starts with supercharged Sport 220, no more NA Elises anymore.
@@DrPittenstein I just collected an S Club Racer and it's still on 175s, but I think I'll upgrade to 195s when need to replace them.
You prefer elise 250 cup or exige v6?
For a full answer have a look here: www.thelotusforums.com/latest-news/reviews/elise-cup-250-track-test/
The short answer is I prefer the V6, especially in Cup form or the new Sport 350 version. But that doesn't stop me really loving the Elise. There are more opportunites for scalps on trackdays. Less so with the Exige which everyone expects to be fast. I'm sure that would always be fun to keep up with and pass much more powerful and expensive cars.
Orange
Power 👽
That's a due test
車高が高過ぎ (－－〆)