Good write ups from AndyG etc. I had the 211 in for service while down training in Edinburgh so I got to have a nosy around. I'd not booked a slot, wasn't intending buying one and was happy to leave the available time to others. There happened to be a bit of spare time in the schedule though so it would have been rude not to have a wee run...cheers Brandon.
Hopefully my opinions might be interesting...
First of all great to catch up with Graeme, thanks for putting up with me sweaty and smelly from training and joking about 'high scores'...
The pics don't do it justice, does look awesome in person. I'm not 100% on the styling front and rear, prefer the Evora nose. Real presence though and it seems crowd appeal - sore necks all round at the bus stop and MR2's on oppo trying to keep up.
First impressions are likewise the damping quality and exquisite noise.
From the drivers seat it's all very familiar but subtly improved. I'm not sure how the wheel position has changed, closer to the driver I think, maybe a bit higher? It's certainly more comfortable for me.
Steering heavier than previous Exiges, not an issue though. I actually liked the gearchange.
I only had a wee blat around the loop so can't really comment on the outer reaches of the handling but great on the smooth stuff and magically soaks up the bumpy and broken surfaces, still with great control.
Brakes good but I didn't feel I really worked them hard (pax was encouraging braking occasionally...).
Proper power, ample torque and linear delivery. Traction fantastic in the dry.
It would be interesting to try one in the wet, I can imagine it would be even better fun but not sure what the balance would be or how adjustable.
Can't wait for the track test drive day...(hint)
Maybe contrary to what others have said I did feel the extra width, it's not going to be quite as threadable on the ultimate goat track adventures. Certainly as I came home in the 211 over Cairn o' Mount I reflected the Exige would have been hard work in comparison (placement is fine it's just the additional size).
Overall I think it's a fantastic package. A truely epic Frolic car - 1000 mile blat in serenely damped comfort then proper track pace. Habitable on a day to day basis but still a real occasion driving it. I imagine it putting a smile on your face after even the worst day at the office...
It's probably not quite the perfect car for me but then I'm comparing it with 2 cars to do the same job, I have pretty skewed priorities and I'm a fussy bugger! I have an extreme track/occasional road car in the 211 and another car for the day to day road use (currently the 370Z but a basic Evora would be interesting).
For me that final % on track is vital and I don't think it would match the clarity or focus of the 211. On the road the Exige would be fantastic, almost too fast though (for my licence!) and I'd also worry about wasting it's potential doing the daily slog. The fact that it can come so close is probably it's biggest complement and on that basis would seem a bit of a bargain...
Money no object I'd have one...and keep the 211.
