A Go-kart with Style - Lotus Exige S

There has been a lot going on with Lotus in these past few years. Besides of being acquired by Proton, they had also made a comeback in F1, where another issue arises for the rightful usage of the “Lotus” name, and so forth. 

An Exige resting in the pits.

Shoving aside the boring stuff, they had also unveiled some new concept models, showing some new design line for future Lotus cars. While some say that the new designs looks cool and aggressive, others claim that the new ones had lost their original flair; the Lotus identity. Lotus cars are easily recognized by their sleek and almost organic-like sexy body. And the new ones? They’re more like Lamborghini-ish, sharp lines combined with jet-like intakes. In this subject matter, I’ve got to agree with both parties though. Yes, I do really like the new concept design Lotus had overtaken, but I’d really do love to see its iconic features to be embedded in it too. It’s like an Italian Lamborghini hypercar without its eat-yer-guts-out looks or a Japanese Mitsubishi rally machine minus its big wings, it just doesn’t work. A totally different case however, with the Exige S.

Similar, but worlds apart.

Another great creation from what Clarkson calls as “turnip farmers”, the Exige S could somehow be put in the same class as the Ariel Atom or the Caterham; a small, agile,2-seater sports car, only that it is much more lavishly equipped compared to the standards of those two. It has an aircond when it gets too hot, a boot for your stuffs, and a radio to listen to. And if those aren’t so important and still can live without, a windshield to avoid your face from being splattered with bugs, and a roof to keep you dry. Of course, when we’re talking about Lotus, most of their models today look pretty similar to the other, like Porsche’s 911 line. At the time I’m writing this, I still have difficulties distinguishing the Exige from the Elise, Europa, Estoque, Evoque, Elope, and so on. (Yes, I know the last three aren’t Lotus cars, and the last one is not even close on having four wheels) Maybe it’s also due to the entire Lotus cars’ names that start with “E”, making it a bit hard to tell them apart.

Erotic and exotic, that's how I'll describe this.

Kinda looks like a bug with those eyes.

Advan semi-slicks and AP Racing on the stoppage power. Dare to challenge the S?

Nevertheless, this road-going track-killer is no force to be reckoned with. Yes, it may only have a 1.8l Toyota engine (supercharged) in the middle with somewhere around 220 hp to push em off the line and on the numbers, it’ll definitely be minced meat by other mega-bhp monsters. But when it starts to become bendy, is where this baby shines, and have them all for dessert.

Extra nostrils, essential when hyper-ventilating the 1.8l heart.

A wing, and it's not to provide lift mind you.

Seriously, who'd ever think to give a flower's name for a car? Well I guess it's better this than... I don't know...lard?

It's so fast that I could only get a fraction of this speedy flower power.

I’ve always liked the idea of a small, nimble sports car that everyone will look down onto when you line em up on the starting line, and have the last laugh for yourself when you cross it in first, like the AE 86 or the Hachiroku. Maybe that’s why Lotus wanted to use Toyota’s engine… Coincidence? I don’t know man, I’m just sayin’. But the Lotus is definitely another triumph in British engineering, but with ownerships of Malaysians. ;)

Braving the Storm.

PG Trackies Track Day - 1st December 2011

Just when I got off my bed and took a simple glance outside, a spontaneous “Oh damn!” muttered out of my head, almost audibly. Oh great, it’s raining, in the morning. If it’s any other morning, I wouldn’t worry much about it. Just curl up in the blanket and it’ll be the best feeling ever. But today’s what I’ve been looking forward for some time, the PG Trackies Track Day. Trying to look on the bright side, I convinced myself that it’ll fade out anytime soon, but it didn't.

 

But I was determined to make it to Pasir Gudang, and I’m pretty sure that this light drizzle wouldn’t stop the PG Trackies guys from making it there neither. Or else, this speed-loving group wouldn’t bother to travel all the way, crossing the Tebrau Straits and brave out the notorious morning jam at the Pasir Gudang highway, in search of some refuge from the menacing traffic laws that had since hid the true potential of the monster that lives under their hoods.

The journey to the track wasn’t short, but I wouldn’t call it far as well. But I made it to the track though, minus the downsides along the way like unfamiliar roads, almost getting caught in a traffic jam and etc. Putting that aside, I arrived early on the track, with the sky still pouring on my head.Moments later, a long row of tuners arrived at the main gate of the Pasir Gudang Track. It was the PG Trackies!

Wet and gloomy, a simple way to describe the day

Behind bars, and inches to freedom

 

As they rolled in and settled down in the pits, their worried and disappointed faces could be clearly seen, due to the wet weather.

Wet conditions simply means slow, cautious driving, thus making it almost impossible to post fast and consistent lap times. But since they got the whole track for themselves for 4 hours, they braved it out anyways. And besides, they’re here to have some fun; so it doesn’t mean that when the skies are gloomy, they’ll be the same too. So right after some briefing by the committee members about safety and whatnot, the usually serene and tranquil Pasir Gudang Track came to life with the symphony of boxer burbles and VTECs kicking in.

Mugshot!

Jerry giving his Safety First speech

 

But unfortunately, it wasn’t only the drivers that had issues with the weather. I had yet had any experience on shooting in the rain, so I could simply say that I was pretty under-equipped and lacking of skills! Although Jerry lends me an umbrella (Thanks Jerry!), I still find it a bit tricky to hold it at one hand, and shoot with the other. So before the horde goes down to terrorize the track, I quickly took the chance to take some shots of them in the pits.

The only Mitsubishi present, the Lancer Evolution X

MIVEC power!

If Ironhide were to be revived, I want em to have this look!

Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day. All the Trackies want to play. Rain, rain, go away.

A Version 9 Scooby with ADVANs. Yummy!

The proud heart of Subaru owners.

Peace out!

The only red Impreza in the group. Symbolizes something maybe? The leader? Or the fastest?

 

And while doing so, I could really say that I had a really good time! Not only because I could get up-close and personal with some great machines that I could only usually see in HyperTune or Speedhunters, but mainly because of the friendly and welcoming members of PG Trackies themselves! Honestly speaking, I was quite nervous to be there at first, considering that I’m just a new face in a well-established group, where every member has the same deep passion as everyone else in it. But I guess I worry too much, and the guys at PG Trackies are among the best I’ve ever met!

 

After some shots and socializing with the members, one by one, they start to take the track. I moved to the side of the main straight to get some panning shots, which was quite a tricky thing to do under the rain. Keeping the camera dry and regularly wipe the raindrops on the lens are just some of it. But the intoxicating sounds of the high-revving engines were just irresistible and pretty much made me forgot about the rain itself.

An Impreza braving the rain for a run.

Deutschland rivalry.

 

The track was literally littered with Subarus, Imprezas and Foresters to be precise. I guess under these conditions, AWD could really provide and extra edge for them to negotiate better under these conditions.

There’s just Subarus all over! Here’s one…

…and another…

…and another!

There were some Hondas too, and they didn’t do too bad themselves, being FWD monsters. Maybe it’s like Shawn Boswell said after all, “It’s not the ride, it’s the rider”.

"Strap in tightly bro, we’re in for a ride”...

The EK's lil bro, the FD2R.

But for some, the track at some parts was a bit too much for them. The last corner for example looks pretty easy to go through, saw a couple of guys went off course or spinning out, most probably due to the slippery conditions of the track.

The last corner; where some got bitten.

 

But was that enough for them to stop driving fast and just have a stroll in the park? Hell no! These guys actually used their full 4 hours to the max mashing their gas pedal down to the floor.

Going full speed!

The Red Devil shows how it’s done.

Don’t be fooled by its size, the Foresters here do mean business!

One of the coolest hatchback in my opinion. Looks futuristic!

This particular Integra kept red-lining (is that the term?) at the main straights. I wonder why…

Of course, they did not take the track all at once. Or else they’ll be 30+ cars zooming on the 20+ year old 3.86km circuit. After morning tea, both the track and pits were buzzing with activities, with some making adjustments on their cars while some just stopped in the pits to have some rest.

Was quite surprised that an A5 turned up that day, and he was no lost businessman.

One of the Sciroccos falling back into the pits.

DOPE!

One of the coolest Bimmer out there with its blacked-out scheme.

Taking 5

Same, but with very much difference between them.

The Exige S, one of the serious track weapons in the right hands.

 

The pits were also where one could see how by sharing the same passion could bring a lot of friends. Sharing specs, discussing driving techniques and talking about trade secrets are just some that the members exchange during their time in the pits.

$ Rings. I mean 4! Well, it does make sense anyways...

Everybody say aaaa!

Aaaaaa!

Might not be much to look at, but there are stables of wild horses in it.

Spot the not.

The Integra Trio.

After a few shots (hundreds actually!), I was quite surprised that it was already 1 pm. 4 hours passed felt like 4 minutes, but it was a very well-spent 4 minutes I’d tell you. As the Trackies packed up their stuffs and helped themselves out of the track, they gathered around for one last group shot to end their 1^st December Track Day.

Packing up the spare tires before leaving...

 

But just as this one had ended, they are already eying for future track events. Sepang probably? Well, that is entirely up to them to decide. But whatever their decision will be, I’m pretty sure that they’ll have a fantastic time with their beloved machines.

The whole awesome crew!

A million thanks to all the guys at PG Trackies, especially Jerry Lim for your kindness along the way. You guys have been most kind and I really had a good time! Really hope to see you guys again in the near future.