Rossion impressions 1500 miles

[slaughtr]

I've put 1500 miles on the car now and thought I would post my impressions.

Styling:
It's subjective, I know, but I don't think I've owned a more beautiful car. Compared to my Elise, it's wider and a bit longer, giving it a lower overall profile. I love my Elise, but it's diminutive stature gives it a quality of "cuteness" while the Rossion has a more aggressive nature. The car simply can't be appreciated in pictures. Compared to the Noble, it's more mature and grown up and a little less kit car looking, I think. I personally like my car with the wing and stripes. Other owners like to go with the more reserved look. Yesterday, I was driving down the road and two preteenboys saw me coming. As I passed, the both dropped to their knees, held there arms above their heads and started bowing. It's that good looking.

The interior styling is nicely done as well, with all leather and alcantara. It is much more comfortable than my Elise. Compared to the Nobles I've seen... well lets just say there is no comparison. Nicely done. all around. The fit and finish is on par with most corporate cars in it's price range. It could use floor mats, however, which aren't even available to my knowledge. As opposed to the Noble, there is a real glovebox and the radio is in the center console, just like it should be.

General Exterior Items:
Every mid engined car like this should have this clam opening system. Four quick turn fasteners and the whole clam is open. Four pins, disconnect the lights, and the clam is off. Brilliant. The fasteners are linked to the alarm, so if they are opened the alarm sounds.

The car is very, very low. What does Larry always say...slow in and out of driveways... yeh, you bet. The nose is a vacuum cleaner meaning this car should never be bought without starsheild. You pick up every bug, leaf, stick... whatever is on the road. I already have rock chips on the side, which is the price for being so low I guess.

General Interior Items:

Easier to get in and out of than the Lotus. Also, much easier as a daily driver. I've had the seat in the Elise lowered, so maybe this isn't fair, but I feel like the Elise is more airy inside. The all black interior of the Rossion and the low roof-line seem more cave-like. That said, the width of the car gives more lateral room for sure. The seats are carbon fiber shells with leather and alcantara. They fit me beautifully, but are only adjustable fore and aft. The pedals are pefectly placed for heel/toe. The dead pedal is microscopic in size but actually works quite well. I thought that would be a problem but it hasn't been for me. The radio is better than my Elise, with CD, DVD, Ipod connectivity, but only has two speakers. I'm going to look into the possibility of rear speakers. I appreciate the full covered roll cage for track days coming next year. My only gripe is that the windows still don't roll all the way down as they needed the space for the air intakes on the side.

Driving Impressions:

Thus far, I have no issues with the drivetrain. It starts easily and settles into a low, rumbling idle. The exhaust sounds great. I just love it. At least 90% of the time, or really in any normal driving situation, your driving off boost. That said, this is a torquey, built V6 that has plenty of grunt around town. Compared to an Elise, there is more torque and power at the low end, even considering the additional 500 lbs of mass it's pushing around. Gas mileage has been in the mid twentys, which is spectacular in a car with this performance.

I drove the first 1500 miles or so with a lower boost setting for break in. Also, I rarely exceeded 4000 rpm's, but when boost came on, my feeling was this car was stupid fast (I mean that as a compliment). My Elise is turbocharged, with a FF 275 package and it's nowhere near as fast as this thing was with 1/2 boost levels on dial. Now that I have full boost levels (about 1.0 bar, 14 psi) I can report that this car is just insane. There is virtually no place on American roads you could use this much power. That said, I can't wait for the track. You mash the go pedal in 3rd gear at 60 or so and just hang on for dear life. Maybe I'll get used to it but I have no idea why some people modify there Nobles for even more power. (Randy)

My Elise is a high compression, low boost motor. I'm tired of people that have never driven a turbo Elise talk about turbo lag because the cars just don't have any. I mean sure, if you get caught in a school zone in 5th gear and suddenly the speed limit goes up to 75, yeh, you might have to wait a bit. Other than that, most of the power is down low and then tapers off. The Rossion is different. It is a lower compression, higher boost motor and as such has more lag at street speeds. It has a long throttle pedal travel so you can slowly bring on the boost, otherwise, with that much power coming on so fast, you may be in trouble. The power keeps building and building unlike my Lotus that falls off up top. I'm anxious to really test it out on the track next year and experience the car to it's fullest because there is no place on normal roads that you can. Interestingly, it doesn't feel at all like a big 6 liter motor, it feels like you are being beamed forward. I had a chance to drive a GT2 once and it feels very much the same.

Handling:
Let's face it, coming from an Elise, the bar was set very high but I will say that I am extremely happy with the results. No car is going to meet the standard of the Elise because it's more go kart than car, but the Rossion comes very close. In comparison, it feels wider and longer, which it is, has power steering and has much more power to contend with coming out of turns, so it needs respect. With the Lotus, you can flick it around like a little toy, with the Rossion, you need a bit more concentration. It's turns flat and turn in is immediate. The car is not set up from the factory to understeer like the Lotus is, so for people who spend gobs of time and money trying to change that on their Lotuses, they would be pleased with the Rossion. I have single adjustable Penskes on the Rossion but I have not played with them yet. The first track day next year I will.

In brief, I think I will use the Lotus for autocross, where I think it's better sized and suited and the Rossion for track with it's higher horspower motor and wider stance.

Customer Service:

Dealing with Dean and Craig at Rossion is like dealing with a trusted local dealership more than a car company. I've gotten to know them both and have very good things to report. If I call or e-mail with a question, I get a call or e-mail back immediately. I'm very pleased.



I'll plan on reporting more, especially after I start tracking the car. I think it's a car that a lot of Lotus people would love, particularly if they are looking for more comfort and more power. Much more power.

[Randy Chase]

Great write up. I think I am with you just about 100%.

A minor point, there are two tweeters in the car in addition to the main two speakers.

I love the built in say nav system. For a street car, it rocks. I have 16gigs of song on a single SD card that I can navigate on the touch screen.

The doors are solid.

As to why one might want more power like my Noble... yeah, funny. I am actually thinking the car now has too much. I am driving it in valet mode on the street (350whp?) and it is enough for 99% of the driving. When I switch it to high boost (over 500hp) I find it can be more difficult to drive and requires a lot more attention. I think 450hp as is stock on the Rossion to be a good number for a street/track car like this.

Still...it is fun getting scared by just pressing the go pedal.

One major point for me is the close relationship I have developed with Dean and Ian and Craig and Serban back at the shop. They are all good guys that care about the cars and the relationships. And I appreciate that a lot.

[slaughtr]

The license plate I've applied for is:

S2PDFST

[lc_09]

great write up... but, how bout some pics.

[slaughtr]

I'll get some of the inside later.

[Randy Chase]

Here are some that someone took at the local Cars and Coffee

[Sweet Adrenaline]

Originally Posted by slaughtr

No car is going to meet the standard of the Elise because it's more go kart than car, but the Rossion comes very close. In comparison, it feels wider and longer, which it is, has power steering and has much more power to contend with coming out of turns, so it needs respect. With the Lotus, you can flick it around like a little toy, with the Rossion, you need a bit more concentration. It's turns flat and turn in is immediate.

In brief, I think I will use the Lotus for autocross, where I think it's better sized and suited and the Rossion for track with it's higher horspower motor and wider stance.


I'll plan on reporting more, especially after I start tracking the car. I think it's a car that a lot of Lotus people would love, particularly if they are looking for more comfort and more power. Much more power.

I really like and agree with your points regarding the Handling, AutoX (although it would be fun), and that Lotus Lovers would find a lot of joy and satifaction in driving the Rossion (for its comfort and exceptional power). It is an amazing vehicle!

[cstetter]

Can't wait to get one when they are available used in a more affordable price range

[Murix]

I was surprised when I saw Randy's car how well finished the interior and exterior were. It is a very well put together car. The interior looks like someplace I wouldn't mind being for a long drive.

The clamshell design and fast release pins are a great design no question. It looks like it makes the car much easier to work with.

I also agree that the extra length makes it look a lot more serious than an Elise. There is a lot to like about the Rossion!

[slaughtr]

Originally Posted by Murix

I was surprised when I saw Randy's car how well finished the interior and exterior were. It is a very well put together car. The interior looks like someplace I wouldn't mind being for a long drive.

Randy and I drove from Miami to LOG and it was a very comfortable drive.

[Sweet Adrenaline]

I was a passenger for about 3500 miles in a Rossion and it was not only fun, but very comfortable! And I did get to drive it for about 500 of those miles and that was a blast and very addicting!!

[mrcarcrazy]

gorgeous cars guys. I hate to say it, but after reading that first post....I WANT ONE!

I hope someday to get my ducks lined up so I can get one. but we shall see what the next few years bring.

[wallabyguy]

I'm really warming up to the car. I frankly held a lot against it after working at HRM and dealing with all the Nobles that came in on trade and for service. They were cas with great potential that were held back by poor craftsmanship. Rossion seems to have addressed all this. I would be so bold that I would even consider selling these myself if given the chance in the future.

[slaughtr]

Originally Posted by wallabyguy

I'm really warming up to the car. I frankly held a lot against it after working at HRM and dealing with all the Nobles that came in on trade and for service. They were cas with great potential that were held back by poor craftsmanship. Rossion seems to have addressed all this. I would be so bold that I would even consider selling these myself if given the chance in the future.

You might talk to Dean then.

I have heard that the Road and Track article is coming out as the October issue (in September). If there are pictures of a yellow car in it, it's mine.

[Raising Arizona]

What turbo's and turbine/compressor wheels do they have? compression? just curious on the boost levels.


Great car though!!!!!

[Randy Chase]

Same as the Noble. Dual Garrett T25 turbos running 1 bar of boost.

[Bavarian Motorist]

Just curious who you Rossion owners insure with.

[Randy Chase]

Hagarty will insure the car.

So does State Farm.

[def]

I saw the other thread about insurers but no mention USAA, heard anything?

[Predator]

Progressive over here.