Mike Kimberley to step down as Group Lotus CEO

Mike Kimberley
Mike Kimberley

The Chief Executive of Group Lotus, Mike Kimberley, announced today that he is stepping down from his role due to an ongoing back problem. An Executive Committee comprising current Group Lotus board members supported by the shareholder, Proton Holdings Bhd, will assume day-to-day control of the business until a successor is appointed.

Mike, who will be 71 in August, has been suffering from severe back pain for a number of months and underwent surgery in late 2008 which was only partially successful. His doctors have now advised him to retire so as not to jeopardize his long term health. Under these circumstances, the board has regretfully accepted his resignation.

Dato’ Syed Zainal, Managing Director of Proton Holdings Bhd, said: “It is a great shame that Mike’s health has forced his departure earlier than any of us would have liked. He has been a great asset to Lotus over four decades. Since his return in 2006, we have seen a huge turnaround in the fortunes of this great company. He leaves Lotus with our deep gratitude and our very best wishes for his retirement.”

Under Mike’s leadership, Lotus has produced the award-winning Lotus Evora, which was recently launched to the world’s press with universal acclaim. He has also overseen the expansion of Lotus Engineering, one of the world’s most respected high-technology engineering consultancy businesses. Group Lotus now has a positive and stable platform despite the global economic downturn and is delivering against its defined growth targets in the company’s strategic business plan.

Mike Kimberley said: “Sadly, it is on doctor’s orders that I am stepping down but I will leave confident that Lotus is in great shape with a strong management team fully supported by our shareholder in Malaysia. It’ll be very hard to leave knowing that there are such exciting times ahead but I’ll take with me many very happy memories. I want to extend my thanks to the company’s shareholder for their unfailing support, my management team and the wonderful staff both at Hethel and at our various operational locations throughout the world. Most of all I want to thank our Lotus customers and loyal fans worldwide for their support over the years.”

Mike will leave Lotus on 17 July 2009.

Mike Kimberley – a Very Brief Resume

Michael J. Kimberley (“Mike”) C.Eng., F.I. Mech. E., F.R.S.A., F.I.E.D, F.I.M.I has had a remarkable career in the motor industry over the last 56 years, working with some of the great engineers, innovators and leaders of the worlds motor companies.

Mike started as an apprentice with Jaguar in 1953 before rapidly progressing to becoming in Section Leader, Special Projects at Jaguar in 1965 where he lead the team developing the Jaguar XJ13 Le Mans car, under such famous names as Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons and Jaguar race director Frank (Lofty) England.

In 1969, he joined Lotus as Manager of Continuous Engineering, with the Lotus Europa Twin Cam being one of his most notable projects. Mike rose steadily but rapidly through the Lotus ranks, joining the Board of Lotus aged 37, and becoming Managing Director of Lotus Cars in 1976 and Managing Director of Lotus Engineering by 1980, being responsible for such Lotus icons as the Esprit, Eclat and Elite.

During the 1970s and 80s, Mike had the unique experience of having worked closely with the company’s founder Colin Chapman, with whom Mike set up the world class Lotus Engineering consultancy to enable Lotus to work for many other cars companies around the world. Lotus Engineering is now a globally recognised high technology engineering consultancy and serves many of the world’s car companies.

After Colin Chapman’s tragic and untimely death in 1982, Mike became C.E.O of Group Lotus plc, as well as holding board positions with a number of Lotus associated companies such as Chairman of Millbrook Proving Ground and President of Moog Systems Inc. With Lotus under General Motors ownership, Mike became Chairman of Group Lotus plc before leaving Lotus in 1992 to become Executive Vice President (General Motors Overseas Corporation) based in South East Asia. Two years later, Mike became director of the Vector Aeromotive Corporation, and in 1994, he became President & Managing Director of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A, being responsible for the rebuilding of Lamborghini after Chrysler’s ownership and prior to its sale to Audi AG, as part of the VW Group.

In the mid 1990s, Mike left Lamborghini and worked directly for Tommy Suharto as a board member of Timor Putra Nasional (owners of Lamborghini) until retiring with an undiagnosed tropical fever.

Returning to the automotive industry a few months later, Mike worked in a consultancy role for a number of organisations including Tata Motors Ltd.

In August 2005 Mike was appointed to the Lotus Group International Limited and Group Lotus plc Boards as well as other Boards of Proton. He was appointed acting Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc in May 2006, confirmed as Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc in September 2006.

During his second tenure at Lotus, Mike has been responsible for the creation and execution of a new 5 year strategic business plan, and the new, already award-winning Lotus Evora is the first of the range of new Lotus cars to be designed, developed, manufactured and sold by Britain’s most iconic and innovative sportscar company. Lotus Engineering has expanded to become a world-class consultancy employing over 500 highly qualified engineers in five technical centres around the globe. It is revered for innovation, outstanding driving dynamics, exciting niche vehicles and efficient performance engineering.

Mike (70) is married with 3 children and 3 grand children and lives in Norwich.

[via Lotus PR department]

Lotus to sponsor the Lotus Challenge Series

Lotus Cars USA has become the title sponsor of the Lotus Challenge Series for the 2009 season. Head on over to Lotus Challenge Series website to sign up for one of their 5 remaining dates this year including Laguna Seca (July 16-17), Infineon (Oct 8-9) and Spring Mountain (November 8–9, during WCLM 09)

PRESS RELEASE

Lotus Cars USA, Inc. Announces Title Sponsorship of Growing Lotus Challenge Series

Duluth, GA, June 25, 2009 – Lotus Cars USA, Inc. is pleased to announce that Lotus will be the Title Sponsor of the growing Lotus Challenge Series.

The Lotus Challenge Series was begun in 2008 by long-time Lotus enthusiast Jim Navarro along with critical support from other Lotus aficionados Jack Fried and Robb Bonanno. To help expand the Lotus Challenge Series to the east and continually improve the series, Jim recently took on a fellow racer as a partner in the series – Tom Hughes.

“When the Series 2 Elise came to the United States market for the first time in 2004, I immediately bought one and drove it straight to the track,” said Lotus Challenge Series founder and President Jim Navarro. “I decided it would be great to have a time trial and club race series where like-minded Lotus enthusiasts could enjoy their cars and improve their driving skills together, so Jack, Robb and I worked hard to build up the series last year. I’m proud of what we’ve built thus far in the Lotus Challenge Series and I particularly appreciate that all of our participants understand our series emphasizes safety and intelligence on the race track and they all drive accordingly.”

The inaugural year of the Lotus Challenge Series in 2008 was comprised of eight events with six at various California tracks and two events at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada. The first year of the series was a great success with full grids and a lot of fun and camaraderie enjoyed by all the Lotus racing participants.

With a good, solid first full year of learning and experience under their belt, the Lotus Challenge Series has been expanded for the 2009 season to 10 western US events (see included schedule), initially, and is now in the process of expanding further with an additional 4 events being planned for Lotus owners to enjoy in Texas. As the race schedule is expanding for the series, the variety of the venues is as well with upcoming events scheduled at the revered Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey and famous Infineon Raceway in Sonoma.

“The Lotus Challenge Series is a very well run organization that’s expanding through providing Lotus owners a fun, safe and positive environment in which to enjoy their Lotus vehicles and improve their driving skills,” said Lotus Cars USA, Inc. Director of Operations Arnie Johnson. “What Jim Navarro, Tom Hughes, Jack Fried, Robb Bonanno and all of the participants in the Lotus Challenge Series are doing is fostering tremendous enthusiasm and goodwill for our treasured Lotus marque. We’re extremely proud to support the expansion of the Lotus Challenge Series as the title sponsor and show some of our most devoted Lotus owners how much we appreciate them.”

The full array of Lotus’ current North American product offering competes in the Lotus Challenge Series including various Elise and Exige models and the track-only Exige Cup Car 255 and the current ultimate track-only Lotus 2-Eleven.

Lotus Challenge Series 2009 Competition Schedule:

* January 23 – Streets of Willow, Willow Springs
* February 21 – 22 – Streets of Willow, (SCCA School)
* March 28 – 29 – Spring Mountain Motor Sports Ranch
* April 23 – Willow Springs International Raceway
* May 30 – 31 – Buttonwillow Raceway Park
* July 16 – 17 – Laguna Seca Raceway
* August 8 – Streets of Willow, Willow Springs
* September 3 – Buttonwillow Raceway Park
* October 8 – 9 – Infineon Raceway
* November 8 – 9 – Spring Mountain Motor Sports Ranch

As the Lotus Challenge Series continues to grow in participation and expand into other parts of the country, the dates and details for new events in the south and on the east coast for 2010 will be announced in August 2009.

Team Lotus returning to F1

The Norfolk-based Litespeed Formula 3 team has announced plans to enter the 2010 Formula 1 season under the iconic Team Lotus name. The founders of Litespeed, Nino Judge and Steve Kenchington are both former Lotus engineers, and have received permission from Lotus name rights-holder David Hunt to use the evocative title for their F1 bid. Former Team Lotus driver Johnny Herbert has joined the team as driver manager and commercial ambassador.

Design work on the chassis has already been started by Mike Gascoyne who welcomed the news that the project would use the Lotus title. “I am Norfolk born and bred,” said Gascoyne. “For me to continue my F1 career under the banner of the Team Lotus name and help to bring it back to its deserving place in the world championship is a fantastic feeling and something that I am extremely proud to be doing.”

[via Autosport]

Evora reviews come pouring in

The worlds automotive press have finally gotten their hands on the Lotus Evora and the glowing reviews have been pouring in. Click through to read more:

Car and Driver

The Evora is planted and secure, yet picks apart corners with a light and playful feel that always makes mid-engine cars feel so special—think Ferrari F430, only with better steering.

Motortrend

The Evora marks a turning point for the British maker. This may be the first-ever Lotus built for everyone.

Automobile Mag

In terms of build quality and the solidity of its presentation, the Evora is easily the most mature Lotus yet. While heavier than most of its predecessors, none will doubt they are driving a car built by people who place a premium on roadholding and handling.

Autocar

However, the major surprise is the Evora’s suitability for day-long journeys; the creamy torque of the engine, the way the suspension quietly absorbs bumps and suppresses the coarse surfaces so often found in rural Scotland, the rock-like rigidity of the chassis and the richness of its cabin trim and equipment are all new areas for Lotus. This is a car truly suitable for a week’s all-roads European grand touring, the first of the marque to achieve it.

Drivers Republic

First impressions: typical Lotus ride/handling but much more grown-up. There’s even a properly good hi-fi!

Top Gear

But the really successful elements of Project Eagle – stiff, versatile chassis, stunning looks and superb handling – are what the Elise was about fifteen years ago.

Lotus and Harman International Announce Collaboration

Press release from Lotus

Lotus Engineering reaches agreement with Harman International to be granted exclusive rights for Active Noise Control technologies

Lotus Engineering, the world-renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus Cars Ltd and Harman Becker Automotive Systems, the automotive division of Harman International, have reached an agreement to jointly develop noise management solutions using Lotus’ patented Active Noise Control technologies. Exclusive rights are granted to Harman Becker to manufacture the latest technology solutions for the worldwide vehicle OEM market. The agreement includes all of Lotus’ Active Noise Control technologies comprising Road Noise Cancellation, Engine Order Cancellation, and Electronic Sound Synthesis.

The Road Noise Cancellation and Engine Order Cancellation systems will provide vehicle manufacturers with the ability to greatly improve in-cabin refinement, with additional design opportunities for optimising vehicle weight reduction and fuel economy.

Road Noise Cancellation and Engine Order Cancellation reduce both overall noise levels and specific audible frequencies which may be unpleasant in the cabin space. Electronic systems determine the signal needed to provide cancellation which is then seamlessly generated through the in-car entertainment system. The result is a quiet, controlled environment free of intrusive noises.

External Electronic Sound Synthesis provides specified electronic sound models which can be applied to an external speaker system to improve pedestrian safety. This is especially important for electric and hybrid vehicles which can be difficult to hear at lower speeds due to their drive mechanism. A synthesised sound, dependant on speed, is projected from speakers at the front and rear of the vehicle, making it instantly recognisable that the vehicle is in motion.

Internal Electronic Sound Synthesis allows sound contouring in the cabin, enhancing the driving experience by creating engine speed and throttle dependant sounds audible through the in-car entertainment system. The system delivers audible feedback to drivers even when the engine is silent or, alternatively, it can be used to reinforce an OEM ‘sound DNA’ to the end user.

Harman International, the world-renowned high-end infotainment systems provider, will be the production system integrator and supplier, and will work with vehicle manufacturers on model specific system architecture options. Lotus Engineering, which has over twenty years of experience in Active Noise Control technologies will assist manufacturers with system performance optimisation.

“We are delighted by this agreement with Harman International, which will allow motorists to benefit from the greater levels of refinement and safety in future vehicles which these Lotus technologies enable,” said Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc. “The Active Noise Control technologies are part of a steady stream of ground-breaking innovations that Lotus has brought to the automotive industry and we are committed to pursuing further developments in vehicle refinement and environmentally friendly transport solutions.”
“We are privileged to team up with Lotus for this new development initiative, which will reinforce our mission to deliver exceptional audio and infotainment experiences for automotive customers,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Harman’s Chairman and CEO. “The rich sounds of our in-car systems will be complemented by this technology, opening new opportunities for deployment and enjoyment.”

“The utilisation of the Lotus suite of ANC technologies within our extensive product portfolio reinforces our commitment to support the increasing market demand for environmentally conscientious technologies,” said Dr. Klaus Blickle, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Harman International Automotive Division.

The result of the Lotus and Harman International technology collaboration will be to generate Active Noise Control system solutions available to vehicle manufacturers in all worldwide markets. Working systems are ready for production implementation and manufacture. The introduction of affordable noise management systems offers multiple benefits to manufacturers and consumers alike, achieving eco-friendly optimization of vehicle weight reductions and improved CO2 emissions.

2010 Model Year Elise and Exige Now Cleaner than Ever

Press release from Lotus:

For 2010 Model Year, the Elise and Exige have substantially reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel consumption

The latest Elise and Exige models are the product of continuous improvement to give up to a 9% reduction in CO2 emissions and similar increases in fuel economy.

On the combined cycle, the Elise S shows the greatest improvement in fuel efficiency offering an increase of 3.2 mpg (a decrease of 0.7 l/100km), from 34.0 mpg (8.3 l/100 km) to 37.2 mpg (7.6 l/100km). These figures are achieved by focussing on light weight technology and small, efficient engines to achieve sensational performance and class leading fuel economy.

Model Combined CO2 0-60 mph 0-100 km/h
(mpg) (l/100km) (g/km) (seconds) (seconds)

Elise S 37.2 7.6 179 5.7 6.1
Elise R 34.4 8.2 196 5.1 5.4
Elise SC 33.2 8.5 199 4.3 4.6
Exige S 33.2 8.5 199 4.5 4.7

Model Urban Extra Urban
(mpg) (l/100km) (mpg) (l/100km)
Elise S 26.6 10.6 48.7 5.8
Elise R 24.4 11.6 45.6 6.2
Elise SC 23.9 11.8 44.1 6.4
Exige S 23.7 11.9 43.5 6.5

The exceptional balance and precise handling of Lotus cars have always been the most engaging aspect of the driving experience and these class leading attributes are now complemented by greener performance.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, stated, “The Lotus philosophy of performance through light weight is even more relevant in today’s emission focused ecological world. This design philosophy has enabled Lotus to offer fantastic levels of performance, with Lotus cars being some of the greenest performance cars on the market”.

Mike Kimberley continues, “We are at the cutting edge of green transport technology and we will continue to push the boundaries with our green research and environmental strategy. We are keen to ensure that Lotus as a company and its products offer an ethical, green option that appeals to our customers”.

Lotus’ cars fair well against other manufacturers of performance cars in terms of CO2 emissions against performance. The table below compares vehicles with similar performance and highlights their emissions of CO2. This table illustrates the efficient performance of the Elise SC.

Combined
(l/100km – mpg) CO2 g/km 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)
Lotus Elise SC 8.5 – 33.2 199 4.6
Porsche Boxster S 9.5 – 29.7 223 5.3
Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG 12.0 – 23.5 288 4.9
Ferrari F430 Spider 15.2 – 18.6 345 4.1
Figures displayed above are from manufacturers’ websites as at 8/4/09

The exciting new 2010 model year Elise and Exige are on sale now at Lotus dealers.

Elise S: 179 g/km CO2
7.6 l/100 km (37.2 mpg) Combined Cycle
10.6 l/100 km (26.6 mpg) Urban Cycle
5.8 l/100 km (48.7 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle

Elise R: 196 g/km CO2
8.2 l/100 km (34.4 mpg) Combined Cycle
11.6 l/100 km (24.4 mpg) Urban Cycle
6.2 l/100 km (45.6 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle

Elise SC: 199 g/km CO2
8.5 l/100 km (33.2 mpg) Combined Cycle
11.8 l/100 km (23.9 mpg) Urban Cycle
6.4 l/100 km (44.1 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle

Exige S: 199 g/km CO2
8.5 l/100 km (33.2 mpg) Combined Cycle
11.9 l/100 km (23.7 mpg) Urban Cycle
6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle

Ends

Notes:
About Lotus

The main operating subsidiary of Group Lotus plc is Lotus Cars Limited, which has two operating divisions – Lotus Engineering and Lotus Cars. Lotus Engineering is an internationally recognised automotive engineering consultancy based in Norfolk, UK. Global facilities include those in Michigan (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), China and offices in Germany.

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive and versatile consultancy services to many of the world’s OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, offering a full engineering service from initial concept and project design through development and integration of the complete vehicle to meet all worldwide markets and customers to full production. This includes third party ‘niche vehicle’ engineering and manufacture worldwide.

Lotus Cars builds world class, prestige, high performance sports cars for sale in 37 countries. These include the iconic Lotus Elise, and the Exige and Europa. Lotus’ latest model, the Lotus Evora, goes on sale from Summer 2009. Lotus is a global high-tech company, expanding rapidly and committed to driving forward technology for both Lotus Cars and its Engineering clients, spearheading research into such areas as hybrids, electric vehicles and renewable fuels.

Lotus Receive the 2008 Dewar Trophy for Technical Excellence

Dewar trophy presentation

The Royal Automobile Club has named Group Lotus plc as the recipients of the historic Dewar Trophy for 2008.  The Dewar Trophy is awarded for an outstanding British technical achievement in the automotive field and the Dewar Trophy Technical Sub-Committee unanimously agreed that Lotus should be recognised for the company’s development of its Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) chassis technology.

Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) has been developed to exploit the benefits of producing at low to medium volumes but for niche markets.  Engineering a bespoke low-volume platform is an expensive, time-consuming solution, whilst sharing a mainstream chassis normally results in compromises in performance and design.  VVA exploits Lotus Engineering’s expertise in aluminium, steel and composite body engineering, joining techniques, and vehicle systems integration. This innovative technology offers a fast-to-market, cost-effective approach without the compromise that stems from conventional ‘platform sharing’.

evora-chassis

The Lotus Evora enters the sports car market as currently the world’s only mid-engined 2+2. Powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280PS, and weighing just 1350kg (prototype specification), the Evora promises breathtaking performance and uses a low volume application of Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture.

John Wood, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club’s Dewar Trophy Technical Sub-Committee, said: “The thing that particularly impressed the judges was the single minded determination with which the team at Lotus had sought to find the best possible solution to the particular problem of building an uncompromised lightweight chassis for a low volume road car, and then continually developed and refined that concept to respond to emerging requirements.

“What they have now is a platform system that is not only ideal for high performance sports cars, but also almost infinitely versatile and well suited to the needs of niche vehicle manufacturing in an era where environmental concerns are driving a demand for lightweight structures for a multitude of applications.”

dewar trophy evora

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc said: “I would like to thank the Dewar Trophy Technical Sub-Committee for the award, and all at Lotus are most honoured to receive this accolade. It is a fantastic achievement for Lotus to win such a prestigious and recognised award for our Versatile Vehicle Architecture technology which is used in our stunning new Lotus Evora sportscar. This award is for everyone at Lotus; those who created the VVA technology, those who delivered the Evora engineering programme and those who are building our car. With incredible hard work and dedication at Lotus, using this technology our excellent staff have delivered the Lotus Evora in 27 months from a clean sheet to the first production car driving off the line, a great achievement.

Mike Kimberley continued. “The automotive industry is changing fast, and technology needs to be robust, faster to market and more cost and mass effective than ever before, and Lotus will be there at the forefront of this exciting period for the future of personal transport.”

The Dewar Trophy Technical Sub-Committee was set up to study automotive engineering excellence and determines if the candidates meet the strict terms of reference for the awarding of the Trophy in a particular year.

Dewar Trophy Technical Sub-Committee
John Wood (Chairman) Former Managing Director, Motor Industry Research Association
Ben Cussons Chairman, the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee
Alec Osborn MBE Past President, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
Karl Ludvigsen Influential and highly respected motoring author and historian.
Former Senior Executive with Ford, Fiat and General Motors
Steve Cropley Editor-in-Chief, Autocar Magazine

In total eighteen entries were considered in detail by the Dewar Trophy Technical Sub-Committee for 2008, representing a complete cross section of automotive development, covering all types of vehicles, components, engineering and systems and, throughout, technical innovation and development was evident in abundance. 2008 marks the 40th occasion the Dewar Trophy has been awarded since the first presentation to Dennis Brothers Limited in 1906.

Lotus expands Chinese Joint Venture

Europestar Lotus Persona
Europestar Lotus Persona

Youngman Lotus, a joint venture between Youngman Auto and Lotus Engineering, has started expanding its Lotus-brand sales network to cover China’s first-tier and second-tier markets by setting up 100 4S stores nationwide by the end of this year. The network will initially focus on the Europestar Lotus RCR (Jingsu) and Persona (Jingyue) models. The ventures manufacturing bases in Guizhou, Shandong and Hangzhou all will be starting mass production this year, with a combined capacity of 450,000 vehicles.

Europestar Lotus RCR
Europestar Lotus RCR

[Gasgoo.com via Lotus Enthusiast]

2010 Lotus Exige S introduced

MY_2010_Exige_S_F3QTR_11

The 79th International Geneva Motor Show sees the introduction of the exciting new 2010 Model Year Lotus Exige S with a newly designed front end, a new rear wing and impressive emissions of just 199 g/km CO2.

The Lotus Exige is a renowned high performance coupe that has a well earned reputation of choice for drivers who demand uncompromised performance, both on the road and on the track.

Lotus has always pursued efficiency and fuel economy and for the 2010 Model Year Lotus Exige S, Lotus has reduced the emissions to only 199 g/km CO2 and increased the fuel economy to an impressive 8.5 litres/100 km on the Official European Combined Cycle and a frugal 6.5 litres/100 km on the Official European Extra Urban Cycle.

The 2010 Model Year also sees the introduction of a few key changes to the Exige to enhance the look and improve aerodynamic performance.

A restyled front end and new larger, rear wing that not only reduces drag, but also gives a more muscular stance enhancing the lightweight shrink-wrapped look of the whole car.

MY_2010_Exige_S_R3QTR_9

The composite rear wing is based on the design from the Exige GT3 road car concept shown at the Geneva Motorshow in 2007. Compared to the 2009 Model Year Exige tailgate mounted wing it is 181 mm wider and mounted 46 mm higher and 61 mm further back. It is attached to the rear bodyshell clam via rear end plates which not only increases the stiffness of the whole structure but also ensures that as much of the airflow as possible passes over the rear wing. This careful airflow management increases stability, reduces drag and, most importantly, maintains the impressive downforce figures of 42 kg at 160 km/h.

MY_2010_Exige_S_F3QTR_3

The restyled front end includes a larger, more angular air intake mouth to help funnel more air through the radiator, to improve the efficiency of the engine system. Ahead of the front wheels on either side of the main aperture, two larger air intakes increase the airflow to the twin oil coolers. Horizontal vanes bisect these oil cooler air-intakes to stabilise the airflow to further increase the cooling efficiency.

Since the Exige S2 was launched in 2004, the power has increased from 190 hp through 220 hp to 240 hp in standard road form – more for the track centric Exige Cup 260 – and the new larger air intakes improve engine cooling for these current higher powered Exige variants.

Mounted below the three new air intakes is a new aerodynamic splitter for the 2010 Model Year Exige. Made from a lightweight composite, the splitter is now extended to wrap around the whole of the front end and chiseled side lips are raised to deflect air around the tyres to reduce drag.

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus plc said, “Over the years, the Lotus Exige has developed a hardcore fan base around the world and its popularity has placed it as one of the legendary sportscars of the 21st century. So far, over 5000 Exiges have been hand-built at our high-tech manufacturing facility making it a significant contributor to our global production. The lightweight Exige has one of the highest specific power outputs of any globally emissions certified car and 133 hp per litre is a perfect demonstration of Colin Chapman’s philosophy of performance through light weight and of Lotus’ relentless pursuit of efficiency. The same technology that makes a lightweight car a high performer also makes it efficient – how many cars have performance figures of 0 – 100 km/h in 4.77 secs but produce only 199 g/km CO2?”

MY_2010_Exige_S_Side_2

Like all Lotus cars, the functional components of the car are also beautifully designed as Russell Carr, Chief of Lotus Design, explains, “For 2010 we have taken the already visually extreme Exige and given it even more visual drama. The changes we have integrated into the front and rear of the Exige signal an even clearer and purposeful intent. The purposeful rear wing is race inspired, the new angular air intakes and full width splitter gives a more hard-edged and aggressive look. Overall, the Exige appears more planted and gives the illusion that both the front and rear of the car are wider than they really are without losing its agile and lithe character.”

Roger Becker, Director of Vehicle Engineering said, “The changes we have made to the Exige for 2010 Model Year are quite subtle when taken individually, but taken as a complete package they make significant improvements to aerodynamics and the overall look of the car. The Exige is a classic fit-for-purpose performance machine, the design tweaks we have made have reduced the drag, cleaned up the airflow around the front and rear of the car, whilst retaining the impressive balanced downforce figures, to give an exciting high performance drive.”

The specification of the highly successful 2009 Model Year Exige Cup 260, unveiled at the Paris Motorshow in 2008 remains unchanged.

The 2010 Exige in more detail:
Driver and passenger airbags are standard on all models while an on-board Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is standard in the USA.

The instrument pack in the Exige contains much more than just a pair of stylishly back-lit dials. It also features a high-definition LCD message panel that can display a scrolling text message with vehicle systems information.

The instrument pack always displays the fuel gauge, engine temperature and odometer, however you can select to display the time, trip distance or a digital read-out of your speed in the opposite calibration to that of your speedometer dial – if your dial is in mph, the readout is in km/h.

Warning symbols are ‘secret until lit’, keeping the instrumentation free from visual clutter and distraction until necessary. Gearchange ‘shift’ lights similarly remain hidden until required. There are three shift up warning lights, cumulatively lighting when the driver is getting closer to the rev limiter and when all three are illuminated, they flash to indicate that you should have changed up a gear by now!

A “key” issue
The Exige has a “Thatcham approved” alarm/immobiliser system and the ignition key incorporates the controls for the alarm/immobiliser and central locking functions. This key features three buttons, the one which locks the doors and sets the alarm/immobiliser is stylishly crowned with the famous Lotus roundel. The second button unlocks the doors and de-actives the alarm/immobiliser, and the final button is a panic alarm button.

The contents of the Touring pack, for the Exige S includes:

• Full leather or Microfibre suede-effect interior
• Leather trimmed centre console
• Leather handbrake gaiter
• Sound system iPod* connection
• Full carpets, with embroidered logo
• Auxiliary driving lights (in markets where legally allowed)
• Sound insulation kit
• Cup holder

The Exige S Sport pack includes:
• Bilstein sports dampers
• Traction control
• Adjustable front anti-roll bar
• T45 roll bar, with integrated harness mounts

The Exige S Performance Pack – more punch, more ability for Exige S
• 308 mm front cross-drilled and vented discs with AP Racing four piston callipers
• Uprated front and rear brake pads
• Full length upsized roof scoop
• Variable slip traction control
• Uprated clutch plate and cover
• Uprated vehicle performance through enhanced power and torque delivery
• Launch control

With the Exige performance pack, the power is raised to 240 PS / 179 kW (minimum) at 8000 rpm courtesy of a Magnuson/Eaton M62 supercharger, new faster flowing injectors and higher torque clutch system and an upsized roof scoop to feed more air to the supercharger intercooler system.

This hike in power, together with an increase in torque to 170 lbft / 230 Nm / 23.5 kgm at 5,500 rpm from the standard 158.6 lbft / 215 Nm / 22 kgm at 5500 rpm, helps whisk the Performance Pack Exige S from zero to 60mph in 4.5 secs and 0-100km/h in 4.77 secs, and on to 100mph in 11.97 secs. Top speed rises to 145 mph. The power and torque of the 240 PS engine is increased across the rev range giving even more flexibility. Despite these high levels of performance the fuel economy is impressive with a new combined figure of 8.5 litres / 100 km and 199 g/km CO2 – reduced from 9.1 litres / 100 km (combined) and 216 g/km CO2 for the 2009 Model Year Exige. Continuous engineering improvements over the last year including careful whole vehicle optimisation has enabled this sportscar to be even better for fuel economy and emissions.

Of course the increased power and straight-line performance are only a couple of elements of the Performance Pack option. The clutch is uprated and a clutch damper fitted; there are thicker, 308mm diameter cross-drilled and vented discs at the front clamped by AP Racing four-piston callipers; the standard brake pads are replaced by uprated pads.

Keen to pass on lessons learned on the track with the Exige GT3 racing programme, Lotus Sport has contributed another important track specific technology to the Performance Pack – launch control combined with variable traction control.

From the driver’s seat the track orientated launch control allows you to determine the engine revs you wish to use during a standing start on the track. Having programmed that limit, it will not be exceeded when you then hold down the throttle and sidestep the clutch at departure from the line. The clutch damper cushions the severity of the clutch / transmission engagement to minimise the stresses to the drivetrain (noting that continuous abusive standing start applications will destroy the drivetrain components). The launch control also keeps wheelspin at bay until 6 mph, after which the traction control assumes its duties.

As with launch control, you can dial in the amount of traction control you require from the driver’s seats, altering it on the move to suit driving style and the characteristics of particular corners. The amount of traction control can be varied in over 30 increments from an optimum 7 percent tyre slip to completely off. The message display in the new instrument pack displays what degree of traction control you have currently dialled in.

The beauty of all the packs is that they can be combined so a customer can have the additional interior and exterior equipment from the Touring pack with the sport focussed equipment from the Sport pack.

Air conditioning, Lotus traction control and limited slip differential are available as stand-alone options.

Customers wanting to add further finishing touches to their Exige – such as specifying adjustable dampers and forged wheels can do so by ordering from an extensive range of accessories.

Colours
The Premium Colour Range has been designed to further enhance the choice for customers to individualise their cars. Most of the paints in this range require a more sophisticated application process and are from our paint supplier’s premium range. The paint colours in this range have been individually priced, and it is Lotus’ intention to extend and change this range at periodic intervals.

The 2010 Model Year Exige S will enter the EU markets in May 2009.

Exige S: 199 g/km CO2
8.5 litres/100 km (33.2 mpg) Combined Cycle
11.9 litres/100 km (23.7 mpg) Urban Cycle
6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle

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