[sandsmuseum]

I was at the Golden Gate Lotus Club clinic and practice autocross yesterday with the Exige. I took out the shims, lowered it, and set the shocks at the recommended 7 and 8.

I was not impressed. The car suffered from terminal understeer. All the other instructors were making fun of me! Well set up Elises with exceptional drivers were three to four seconds faster on the 45 second course.

I suspect the narrow front wheels, six inches, contribute to the understeer so I have a set of Cup wheels on order. I also do not think the 048s are a great autocross tire.

Finally I am disappointed I cannot go with smaller rims like I did with my Elise. Going to 15, 16 rims was a great way to tighten the car. Unfortunately the AP brake calipers will not clear so I am stuck with 16, 17 rims.

I think the Exige will need a significant amount of development to make it autocross competitive. But that is the fun of these cars!

Michael