Karl on Cars

I just got back from driving the 2006 Lotus Exige. I didn't get a lot of seat time in it, but it doesn't take long to realize a few basic elements:

1. I had to remove my shoes to drive it safely

2. Getting into it makes my Ford GT's entry/egress look geriatric friendly

3. It's pretty damn fun!

Ironically, in a 13-hour time span I'd driven my 1973 Saab Sonett, my 2005 Ford GT, and this 2006 Lotus Exige all at least 30 miles. Each is a two seat sports car, but all are very different. Both the Sonett and Exige weigh approximately 2,000 pounds, but the Sonett is front engine, front drive with a V-4. Both the Exige and the GT are rear-drive and mid-engine, but the GT uses a supercharged V8 while the Exige makes due with a 1.8-liter in-line four (from Toyota). Horsepower figures are 120 (Sonett -- originally 65 but it has a new/modified engine), 190 (Exige) and 550 (GT). The Exige's horsepower is all up high in the tach, the Sonett is quite torquey down low (but it will rev if pushed) and the GT's power is pretty linear from idle to redline. While I'm not a fan of having to spin an engine to infinity before the power comes online, I will do it without complaint if the engine is responsive enough (which the Exige's is). I think the only real complaint I have with the Exige is the steering, which seems too light on- (and just off-) center. I know the whole car is light, so that may be in keeping with its philosophy, but I prefer a bit more heft during initial turn in (it does build up plenty of heft the further you turn the wheel). Ride quality is pretty stiff, but so is my Sonett's, and road/engine noise was actually better than I expected. Rear visibility is another area that could/should scare some drivers. Depending on the angle of the sun that mesh cover over the engine might as well be a brick wall in terms of transparency.

All said, a great ride! But test drive before you buy, as there are several potential deal breakers depending on your shoe size, your flexibility and your tolerance for blind spots. Both the Ford GT and Saab Sonett avoid these extremes (one for substantially less money, one for substantially more...)