111RS Fitting Bodywork and Interior

 The 111RS build has reached the point where more cosmetic components need installation.  As many of you know, the bodywork on the Elise/Exige simply hang on the chassis.  These parts are essentially cosmetic and not structural.  This car had body work done to the clams previously, so fitting them took some extra effort.  We've also started installing the interior.

Fitting the rear clam

Front clam fitment took some TLC

ReVerie side scoops were added for some added airflow and style.  These scoops are made with prepreg carbon fiber and then autoclaved.  This results in the lightest and stiffest combination.  A 5 element rear diffuser is also on tap for this car from them.  It is my favorite but does require an above diffuser muffler like our sonicFURY. as there is no hole for a muffler tip.

Seat pads to be fitted later

The interior is getting our CF Big Botom seats for ultimate comfort plus compatibility with 3pt stock belts and racing harnesses.  These seats were originally patterned after my '06 Exige.  I took the brand new seat from my Exige and handed them to our supplier to make these seats - but with one requirement.  Reshape the bottom to accommodate larger backsides and sits marginally lower for a bit more headroom.   The stock seats are notorious for cutting off blood circulation on the legs of bigger drivers.  This seat fixes that problem and has kept more than one client from selling his beloved Lotus!  We made sure they would bolt to the factory seat rails as well.  They look great as well -  especially with alcantara pads.

Our trusty V-Force Harness-bar is in place

Tail lights in place

Larini 8" + ReVerie 5 Element Diffuser Install

I am tired of overly loud exhausts on street driven cars. I like to think I am maturing... ;^) I've listened to more exhausts on these Lotus, than most people, so have become somewhat of a exhaust snob. Many of the systems are far too boomy for my taste with unbearable drone at cruising speeds.

Since I will be running Nirvana at the Laguna Seca LCS event, I needed to choose a system that would meet the

strict noise (dB) requirements of that track. I am a big advocate of naked rears (we were the first to introduce them here) because of the heat

dissipation benefit and weight savings. Plus a a rear diffuser with no exhaust hole can actually perform the task it was originally designed to do.

The Larini 8" became the exhaust of choice as it is quiet and exits above the diffuser. This exhaust is not the lightest we offer, but I love the sporty, drone free sound it delivers. When coupled with a Larini header and straight pipe, it delivers some of the best full throttle aural delights you will ever hear in a Lotus. But Project Nirvana will only receive the Larini 8" for now.

The ReVerie 5 Element Diffuser was also added to improve drag management. This prepreg, autoclaved carbon fiber rear diffuser is lighter than stock (5.5 vs. 6.35lbs). The additional vertical elements help channel the air, flowing under the car, better than a 3 element. These added elements also make it very stiff, eliminating the need for additional bracing. We supply a bracket that supports the license plate with this diffuser. When attached, it adds all the structural support needed to create a very stiff rear. This diffuser has no exhaust hole so it allows the air to flow underdisturbed by exhaust tips or fumes. Simon Farren reviewed these benefits in our aero seminar, see: ReVerie Tech video.

I added our new tailHOOK as it is our lightest rear tow hook. Plus Laguna Seca requires towing points. I also added one of our front folding tow hooks to meet their requirements.

The parts I removed weighed 40.55lbs and were replaced with items weighing 22.7lbs. The rear changes and part removal has saved about 18lbs. As we are shooting for 1900lbs, we have some serious work ahead of us!