Lotus Exige S
Date: February 10, 2006
The Lotus Exige S – breathtaking performance from the fastest accelerating Lotus ever to come off the production line
Summary
A small lightweight sportscar weighing just 935 kg (2057 lbs), powered by a 162.5 kW (218 hp, 221 PS) high
revving supercharged engine, giving a zero to 100 km/h time of just 4.3 seconds (0 – 60 mph in 4.1 seconds).
It comes straight off the production line and isn’t an “aftermarket special”.
Is this the quickest ever real-world production car?
It is certainly the quickest Lotus production car - so far!
The Lotus Exige S is the latest addition to the Exige range and is a real sportscar that redefines the term “Extreme Performance”. With 90.5 kW / litre (121.4 hp / litre, 123 PS / litre), it is one of most powerful production cars in the world for its engine size but most importantly it has full type approval for all the markets in which it will be sold. The Lotus Exige S is not a limited edition, nor is it an aftermarket special – it is manufactured from start to finish in the world leading and award winning Lotus Manufacturing facility at Hethel, Norfolk.
Because the basic car is so immensely strong but lightweight (935 kg, 2057 lbs), giving a power to weight ratio of 173.8 kW/tonne (233.2 hp/tonne, 236.4 PS/tonne), performance is phenomenal, with 100 km/h being reached from a standing start in 4.3 seconds (0 – 60 mph in 4.1 seconds) and 160 km/h (100 mph) being reached in 9.98 seconds (estimate) before topping out at 238 km/h (148 mph). Inspite of this phenomenal performance the fuel economy is impressive with an official combined figure of 9.1 litres / 100 km (31.0 mpg) - extra urban is an impressive 7.2 litres / 100 km (39.2 mpg). Lotus believes that there is no car on sale anywhere in the world that has such good performance combined with such good fuel economy! Not that many customers will be buying this car principally for its fuel economy!!
Being a Lotus, straight-line performance is not the most important factor, but every day driving on normal
roads, or around a circuit is. There are very few cars on sale today that can match the speed, agility and
safety of the Exige S in both day to day and track or circuit driving.
However the Exige S is not just a track day warrior. It is a sportscar that would be at home on the back roads, freeways and autobahns, as well as on city streets. With an extremely "torquey" engine and the classic Lotus suspension set-up of soft compliant springs and firm controllable dampers, the driving experience is an uncanny combination of telepathic-like handling with a taught and comfortable ride. There is really no car that handles quite like a Lotus.
Clive Dopson, Managing Director of Lotus Cars says, “The Exige S represents the ultimate “extreme” production Lotus, with performance that trumps other supercars costing twice or even three times as much. That it does so with the fuel economy of a family hatchback, stands as a testament to the Lotus concept of performance through light weight. Its an unbeatable package and an unbeatable drive.”
The Driving Experience
For what is probably the quickest “real world” production car, the driving experience has to be pretty special.
The lightweight composite seats with ProBax technology hug the driver and passenger giving the right amount of
support and security to cope with acceleration, braking and cornering forces of well over 1g. The steering wheel
is a small off-centre leather clad unit (both the airbag wheel and the non-airbag wheel) and is set in just the
right position for comfort, driver dexterity and feedback. The gear stick is located just 15 cm (6 inches) from the
steering wheel for quick, accurate and safe gear changes and the lightweight steel and aluminium pedals are located
in just the right position for heel and toeing. The Lotus Exige S doesn’t have a multitude of user adjustment to
the wheel or seat position – Lotus believes that the driving position is pretty close to perfect anyway!
What does acceleration feel like in a Lotus Exige S? First of all the feeling of acceleration is mildly addictive. Few vehicles, aside from racing cars, motorbikes and extreme theme-park rides, can pull this amount of g-force under acceleration, braking and cornering. This gives a safe, but fun (even exhilarating) experience that you can only get from such a finely honed sportscar.
The Engine
The heart of the Exige S is a Roots-type supercharger and air to air intercooler attached to the tried and tested
4-cylinder, 1.8 litre 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i engine. Using a development of the supercharger and intercooler package developed
first for the already legendary Lotus Sport Exige 240R, the Exige S has peak power of 162.5 kW (221 PS, 218 hp) at
7800 rpm, 215 Nm (158.6 lb ft) of torque at 5500 rpm (but 80% is produced at just over 2000 rpm). Maximum engine speed
is 8000 rpm (8500 rpm transient for up to 2 seconds). 162.5 kW (218 hp, 221 PS) is the figure that has been achieved
by Lotus Engineers whilst retaining full vehicle type approval for the markets in which it is sold.
A slightly redesigned air intake and roof scoop has been added to the Exige S to ensure that the air to air intercooler works as efficiently and effectively as possible in all climates and environments.
A single oval exhaust exits from the centre of the undertray.
Aerodynamics is the key
The Lotus Exige S uses the same aerodynamic package as the standard Exige. Like all Lotus cars, the Lotus Exige S
isn’t all about straight-line performance. The Lotus Exige S is one of the quickest cars on normal roads and also
around a circuit. Key to this incredible performance is the aerodynamic package, which creates 41.2 kg (90.64 lbs)
of downforce - 19.3 kg (42.46 lbs) at the front and 21.9 kg (48.18 lbs) at the rear - at 160 km/h (100 mph). This
downforce ratio between front (47%) and rear (53%) is balanced and remains constant at the speeds of which the Exige S
is capable.
This class leading aerodynamic package is provided through the contribution of the following components:
The Legendary Chassis and Body
The Lotus Exige S is built around the revolutionary and award winning extruded and bonded aluminium tub, with a light
weight steel rear subframe, as used in the Exige. The chassis tub itself weighs just 68 kg (150 lbs) and has a stiffness
of 10,500 Nm per degree.
The body of the Lotus Exige S remains unchanged from the Exige, as it is already a winning formula that is both effective and stunning to look at. However, the key body components of the rear wing, front splitter and side air intakes are body colour coded to differentiate it from its naturally aspirated cousin.
The Lotus T4e Engine Management System.
The Lotus T4e Engine Management system is used in the Lotus Exige S. This engine management system has been programmed
to optimise the supercharged engine. The lightweight C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminium casing) is fitted with the
closest ratios and gearset afforded by the transmission. The gearbox offers a fast, precise and light gearshift, ensuring
drivers have total control and flexibility to apply the power exactly as and when required.
Market Positioning and Pricing
The Lotus Exige S, being a fully homologated vehicle for the markets in which it is sold, introduces a more powerful
and higher performing series production variant of the Exige to the market. The rest of the Exige range consists of the
141 kW (189 hp, 192 PS) Exige, the Lotus Exige Cup 190 and its supercharged variant the Exige Cup 240 (both of which
are developed and converted by Lotus Sport, the performance arm of Lotus Cars) and the Lotus Sport Exige GT3 (developed
and built by Lotus Sport specifically for the FIA GT3 championships).
The Lotus Exige S is priced at:
Market Availability
Specifications
| Vehicle Description | Technical Specifications |
| Engine |
|
| Engine management | Lotus T4e engine control unit |
| Max Power | 162.5 kW (218 hp, 221 PS) @ 7800 rpm |
| Max Torque | 215 Nm (158.6 lb ft, 22 kgf m) @ 5500 rpm |
| Power to weight ratio | 173.8kW/t ( 233.2hp/t, 236.4PS/t ) |
| Specific power output | 90.5 kW/litre (121.4 hp/litre, 123 PS/.) |
| Emissions control | |
| Transmission | C64 Gearbox, aluminium lightweight construction, 6-speed, close ratio, constant mesh helical gears and open differential. (Limited Slip Differential option) |
| Suspension | |
| Chassis | Lotus designed lightweight structure of epoxy bonded, aluminium alloy extrusions with integral steel seat-belt support structure and lightweight steel rear subframe. |
| Steering | Solidly mounted mechanical rack and pinion steering box with 2.8 turns lock-lock. |
| Brakes | Servo-assisted, track tuned 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Lotus/AP-Racing twin-piston fixed aluminium alloy front brake callipers, Brembo single-piston sliding rear calipers and 282 mm diameter, 26 mm thick front and rear cast-iron ventilated & cross-drilled discs. |
| Wheels | Unique black lightweight cast wheels of eight x Y-spoke design (16” front and 17” rear) |
| Tyres | |
| Gear ratios |
Performance Figures
| Estimated |
|
| Maximum speed | 148 mph 238 km/h (actual) |
| Fuel consumption - urban | 12.3 litre/100 km ( 22.9 mpg (UK)) |
| Fuel consumption - extraurban | 7.2 litre/100 km ( 39.2 mpg (UK) ) |
| Fuel consumption - combined | 9.1 litre/100 km ( 31.0 mpg (UK) ) |
| C02 emissions | 216 g/km |
| Weight distribution | 38% Front - 62% Rear |
| Fuel tank capacity | 43.5 litre ( 9.6 gal (UK) ) |
| Luggage capacity | 112 litre - 50 kg |
Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 2300 mm |
| Track - front | 1457 mm |
| Track - rear | 1507 mm |
| Overall length | 3797 mm |
| Overall width (door mirrors excluded) | 1727 mm |
| Overall width (door mirrors included) | 1850 mm |
| Overall height - midladen (as per unladen with 2x 75 kg occupants) | 1163 mm |
| Overhang - front | 805 mm |
| Overhang - rear | 692 mm |
| Ground clearance - midladen (as per unladen with 2x 75 kg occupants) | 130 mm |
| Vehicle mass - unladen (running order, full tank of fuel, no occupants, no luggage) | 935 kg (no options) - 949 kg (full options) |
Aero
| Drag (Cd) | 0.434 |
| Other | Aero package consists of rear diffuser, Flat underbody, Rear wing and front splitter. |
Exterior
| Standard Paint | Ardent Red, British Racing Green (Saffron Yellow, mainland EU only) |
| Metallic Paint | Arctic Silver, Storm Titanium, Magnetic Blue, Nightfall Blue, Canyon Red, Polar Blue, Racing Green (metallic), Aubergine Purple, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow |
| Lifestyle Paint | Chrome Orange, Aspen White, Laser Blue, Autumn Gold, Graphite Grey, Phantom Black, Krypton Green, Chilli Red |
| Custom | Special colours and paint schemes available on application |
| Roof | Composite hardtop with large roof vent, for intercooler air feed |
| Details | Body coloured rear wing, splitter, side scoops and roof scoop (standard fit) |
| Paint chip protection | Paint chip film applied to side rear sill and air intake |
Interior
| Seats | ProBax design seats with composite structure |
| Seat Material | Black Cloth |
| Spec | |
| Headunit | Blaupunkt CD headunit |
| Speakers (front) | Blaupunkt ODx - Light weight, flat speakers |
| Speakers (rear) | Blaupunkt GTx |
| Other: | Dipole aerial |
| Security | Immobiliser and remote activated alarm |
Options
| Touring Pack: | Electric Windows, Stowage Net, Full Leather Interior, Sound Insulation, Full Carpets – Black, Auxiliary Lights, Blaupunkt DAB/ CD/ MP3 headunit |
| Super Touring Pack: | Touring Pack Plus - Driver and Passenger Airbags and high specification steering wheel Embroidered Logo, Premium Floor Mats, Trinket Tray divider and mat, Leather Handbrake Gaiter - Black, Leather Shift Knob, Cup Holder |
| Sports Pack: | Traction control, T45 Main Hoop, Sports Seats - Black microfibre and leather, Carbon effect leather door insert panels, Black leather door panel trim, Roll hoop cross-bar - allows use of harnesses with the sports seats, available from Lotus ASO |
| Super Sports Pack: | Sports Pack Plus - 1-way adj Bilstein dampers - Remote reservoir on front dampers, Adjustable front anti-roll bar, Forged wheels of seven-twin-spoke design (6.5" front, 7.5" rear) - Black, |
| Standalone Options |
Lotus Sport Exige Competition
Date: February 5, 2006
Lotus has announced that it will bring 12 Sport Exige Competition version to the US. The cars will be for track use only and not street legal, and therefore not have any implied or written warranty.
Specifications
> Front - 7.0J x 16, Rear - 8.0J x 17
> Remote front reservoirs and threaded spring perches
> Separate compression and rebound adjustments
Deleted street items:
Air bags, air conditioning, headlights, radio, central locking, carpets, interior hardtop trim, bulkhead trim,
passenger footrest, battery cover and sound insulation
Safety Equipment
Pricing and Optional Equipment
> Standard Paint: N/C
> Metallic Paint: $590
> Lifestyle Paint: $1200
Performance
Ratios - First 3.17:1
Second 2.05:1
Third 1.48:1
Fourth 1.17:1
Fifth 0.92:1
Sixth 0.81:1
Reverse 3.25:1
Final drive 4.53:1
Only 12-15 cars will be offered at 1 per dealer on a first come first served basis
After the first 12-15 orders have been taken, the remaining orders will be placed in queue on a waiting list on a first come first served basis, if Lotus Sport determines to build any additional units.
Lotus Exige “Espionage”
Date: September 8, 2005
Lotus Exige “Espionage” makes fashionable entrance at Harrods Truly British Event
Lotus Cars, the sportscar manufacturer, and Gieves & Hawkes, the Savile Row tailor, have
conspired to form two of the most fashionable accessories for the modern day spy. The
collaboration of the British brands is part of Truly British at Harrods, which runs until 15
October, showcasing the best this country has to offer, revelling in the fascinating melting pot
of cultures that makes Britain Great.
Creating the ultimate vehicle for the secret agent demands a flair for creativity and a passion for engineering the latest innovations, therefore making Lotus the perfect candidate. With proven experience from the Lotus Esprit, made famous for its starring role in a couple of the James Bond films such as the “The Spy Who Loved Me”, the Lotus Design Team led by Chief Designer, Russell Carr, was able to develop the one-off Lotus Exige “Espionage.”
Based on the standard 189 hp Lotus Exige, the coupé sportscar combines the elegant sophistication of the Gieves & Hawkes collection with the engineering ingenuity and style of the high performance trackcar-for-the road. Complementing the Gieves & Hawkes-designed bespoke classic navy pin striped Spy Suit, the Lotus Exige features a navy exterior and a central white pinstripe flash. Inside the car, the design philosophy has been extended to the seat upholstery (squab and cushion), door inserts and dashboard, using the same Gieves & Hawkes pinstripe wool cloth used in the Spy Suit.
Silk, used in the lining of the suit has been used to clad the back of the seats. The interior also boasts tailor-made leather floormats with “eyelet” detailing, taking cues from the classic shoes worn by the ultimate English secret agent.
Commenting on the unique Lotus and Gieves & Hawkes partnership, Clive Dopson, Managing Director of Lotus Cars, explains, “In this prestigious celebration of British lifestyle and culture, it has been an exciting opportunity to change the rules, combining the style and elegance of fashion with the interior design of a high performance sportscar. To be associated with a fashion collection such as Gieves & Hawkes, synonymous with a rich tailoring heritage, has provided a unique platform for the demonstration of the design qualities which make Lotus cars such an exciting and special driving experience.”
The Lotus Exige “Espionage” and Gieves & Hawkes Spy Suit will be on display in The British Tailoring Room, on Ground at Harrods, until 15 October, 2005. Following the high level of interest, the one-off Lotus Exige “Espionage” is to be retailed at the on the road price of £39,995 following the event.
Uniquely tailored features of the Lotus Exige “Espionage”:
Exige Order Guide
Date: September 26, 2005
Presentation slides with information on ordering a US Exige. (courtesy of elisetalk.com)
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Lotus Exige Coming to America.
Date: September 1, 2005
Following a record-breaking first year of sales for the Lotus Elise roadster, Lotus Cars USA will begin importing the Elise’s aggressive twin brother, the Lotus Exige. While a family resemblance to the Elise can be seen in the Exige’s bodywork, every body panel is new except for the doors. The Exige is narrowly focused on taking the Elise’s excellent handling to an even higher level of performance.
“Bringing the Exige to America allows us to reinforce our commitment to pure sports car enthusiasts” said John English, president and CEO of Lotus Cars USA. “The Exige is unique in its ability to provide incredible track capability in a package that can be driven to and from the track.”
Using the award-winning Elise chassis as a starting point, the Exige adds aerodynamic bodywork that produces nearly 100 pounds of downforce at 100 miles per hour. This is exceptional compared to the lift most cars produce at this speed. This additional downforce allows Exige to corner faster than the Elise and therefore makes it nearly 2 seconds faster around Lotus’ famous Hethel test track. New bodywork includes an aerodynamic splitter at the lower edge of the front bodywork, a sculpted hardtop and engine bay cover, side intake scoops and a rear wing. While the additional bodywork adds about 30 pounds to the weight of an Elise, the Exige will still weigh just slightly more than 2000 pounds.
All the trim including the splitter, rear wing, side scoops, rear diffuser and wheels are finished in black to add to the Exige’s aggressive look. The radiator outlet, front brake vents and engine bay outlets are finished with black mesh.
Since the focus is performance, the forged wheels, ultra high performance Yokohama A048 tires, stiffer suspension and twin oil coolers from the Elise Sport Pack are standard equipment. Sport seats are also standard and all 20 exterior colors from the 2006 Lotus palet will be available. In keeping with the black trim theme, black will be the only interior color for both the standard cloth and the Touring Pack leather.
For those looking to slightly tame the Exige, a Touring package will be available with leather seats and door panels, full carpeting, additional sound insulation and an upgraded stereo system. For those looking to add even more edge, a Limited Slip Differential, traction control and an air conditioning delete option should do the trick.
Since the bodywork on the Exige is “hand-laid” and the rest of the car is hand assembled, production will be limited to 300 to 350 cars for the U.S. The MSRP will be $50,990 when Exiges begin to arrive early in the first quarter of 2006.
Options include the following:
NEW Lotus Exige Announced
PRESS RELEASE
New Exige to Change the Rules
Hethel, UK
8th September 2003
Not since the arrival of the Elise has any car made such an impact. Now, as the current Elise improved on the original
icon, so the Exige is to perform the same feat. The new Lotus Exige bears all the hallmarks of a true racer. Large air intakes
and front splitter dominate the cars aggressive front stance. Sweeping lines and extended air scoops lead into the commanding
rear haunches and spoiler, proudly displaying the cars racing intent.
With Lotus Design working in conjunction with Lotus engineering and aerodynamic teams to achieve an optimum driving experience, the Exige performs as dynamically as it looks. Powered by a 1.8 litre 4 cylinder 16 valve engine with VVTL-i variable valve technology and mated to a close ratio six-speed manual gearbox, the Exige will sweep effortlessly past 60mph in under 5 seconds whilst breaking the 140mph mark with ease. With an output of 190bhp, the Toyota Motor Corporation manufactured engine is perfectly suited to the Exige, revving to around 8350rpm.
As with any Lotus, perfect dynamics are key to the product. Tuned by Lotus’ world famous Ride and Handling team, every conceivable component, such as suspension, wheels and tyres have been developed to provide the ultimate performance both on and off the track.
The Exige will be unveiled at the 2004 Geneva Motorshow for the UK, Europe and Asia-Pacific markets. Details of specifications and price will be announced closer to this unveiling date.
The K-Series engine will continue to be used within the Elise range for the foreseeable future.
TOP