A&Q about Lotus
Q:
I've had my 2006 N/A Exige for about 6 months, and 4k miles. During that time I'm noticing my ability to take 'known' curves, increase in speed. I relate that to seat time in my car. As much as I lust for the Exige S, I know that over time I will be faster anywhere in my N/A Exige.
For example I have a 2002, MINI Cooper S, that I've driven 80k miles in. I KNOW that car. I know what it feels like to slide, slip, turn, everything.
What I want to know is others experiences with knowing your car. I don't care what car, I think driving the same car over a long period of time makes you faster with THAT car.
Point in case, even though I know the Exige can be faster, I'm positive that I can drive my MINI through some corners faster that my Exige. I write that off to seat time.
I think this is normal. I can't wait to get say... 40k miles seat time in my Exige!
Cheers,
Skottoman
A:
It's totally normal. I tracked a 996 C2 for several years. At that track, TWS, I was running 2:05 to 2:07.
WHen I bought my 996 Turbo, with the same setup and tires, I was a few seconds slower for a full weekend. I was so disappointed and sad that I had purchased that car. Then after some seat time, I was running under 2 mins, so yes, I got faster, but it takes learning the new car.
A:
I was thinking about this in my 4runner the other day taking some turns in it (just local roads getting home). I know where the limit is on it (very low obviously), and can get near that limit and stay below it safely (before tipping that thing, heh.) my lotus - the limit is high, and my driving skills aren't near that limit yet. i also attribute this to driving time.
4runner - had 7 years
elise - had 4 months
anyways a 4runner is way different so the comparison can't be made and say i can drive faster in it, but i can see what you mean for sure. the cooper is probably more forgiving too so it may make you drive a little more confidently
A:
a car is an instrument, the more you play the better you meld with the instrument, and the sweeter the music you'll make with it.
A:
Here's my take. I think there is a correlation between driving and seat time BUT...I think the most important is having someone drive your car, at a track day, in order to show you the finer points. I did four track days since I bought the Elise. During the 3rd, I asked an instructor who had a new Exige to take me out in my car. What I learned in a 20 minute session would have taken months/years of trial and error to find the "sweet" spot when it comes to apex, braking, shifting and weight distribution. I reduced my need for as much seat time by doing this. Now with additional time behind the wheel I can only get better. I have also learned not to take what I learn at the track and practice on the road. Spirited drives are fun but there is a time and place.