Lotus Exige

Exige (2004–2006)

Lotus Exige Series 2

In 2004, the Series 2 Exige was introduced. It features a naturally aspirated 1.8 L 16-valve DOHC Toyota/Yamaha engine that produces 190 bhp (142 kW; 193 PS) with the Toyota engine designation of 2ZZ-GE.^[3] Compared to the Series 2 Elise, it has a front splitter, fibreglass hardtop roof with roof scoop, rear engine cover, and rear spoiler. The sole purpose of these aerodynamic additions to the base Elise is to create more downforce (almost 100 pounds (45 kg) of downforce at 100 mph (160 km/h) in the Exige versus 13 lb (5.9 kg) at 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) in the Elise).^[3]

In February 2005, Lotus announced a limited production run of 50 Exiges, using the Toyota engine with a supercharger. This increased the power output to 243 bhp (181 kW; 246 PS). These vehicles were only available in yellow or black, representing the colours of Lotus Sport, and are badged 240R. They have a projected 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h) time of 3.9 seconds and 0-100 mph (0–160 km/h) of 9.9 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h) at a cost of £44,000.

The North American Exige was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006.

According to Lotus, the standard Exige Series 2 model weighs 2,016 lb (914 kg) and has the following specifications:

Engine

Toyota Supplied, 1796 cc I4, DOHC with VVTL-i (variable valve timing with lift intelligence) - Designed by Yamaha - Engine Code: 2ZZ-GE

Bore/Stroke 82 mm/85 mm

190 hp (142 kW; 193 PS) @ 7800 rpm

138 lb⋅ft (187 N⋅m) @ 6800 rpm

Compression ratio: 11.5:1

Transmission

6-Speed manual built by Aisin AI, close-ratio with single-plate dry clutch

Performance

0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 4.7 seconds

0-100 mph (0-161 km/h): 12.9 seconds

Top speed: 147 mph (237 km/h)

Fuel consumption: 24 miles per imperial gallon (12 L/100 km; 20 mpg_‑US) city / 29 miles per imperial gallon (9.7 L/100 km; 24 mpg_‑US) highway

Exige S

Exige S
Overview
Manufacturer	Lotus
Production	2006–2011
Assembly	Hethel, Norfolk, England
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	MR layout
Related	Lotus Elise, Lotus Exige Lotus 2-Eleven
Powertrain
Engine	1.8L Toyota supercharged I4
Transmission	6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	90.6 in (2,301 mm)
Length	2006–07: 149.5 in (3,797 mm) 2008–2011: 149.0 in (3,785 mm)
Width	2006–07: 68.0 in (1,727 mm) 2008–2011: 67.7 in (1,720 mm)
Height	2006–07: 45.8 in (1,163 mm) 2008–2011: 45.0 in (1,143 mm)
Kerb weight	2,057 lb (933 kg)

In February 2006, Lotus announced the Exige S model which used a supercharged Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine producing 220 bhp (164 kW; 223 PS).^[4] The S was also made available in North American markets as a 2007 model.

According to Lotus, the Exige S model, weighing 2,057 lb (933 kg), has the following specifications:

Engine

Toyota supplied, 1796 cc I4, DOHC with VVTL-i (variable valve timing and lift - intelligent), supercharged and intercooled

Bore/Stroke 82 mm/85 mm

218 hp (163 kW; 221 PS) @ 7800 rpm

158.6 lb⋅ft (215 N⋅m) @ 5500 rpm

Compression ratio: 11.5:1

Transmission

6-speed, close ratio with single-plate dry clutch

Performance

0-60 (0-100 km/h): 4.1 seconds

0-100 mph (0-161 km/h): 9.98 seconds

Top speed: 148 mph (238 km/h)

Fuel consumption: 24 miles per imperial gallon (12 L/100 km; 20 mpg_‑US) city / 29 miles per imperial gallon (9.7 L/100 km; 24 mpg_‑US) highway

Exige S 240 (2008-2011)

In 2008, the Exige S was replaced by the Exige S 240. Power output increased by 9% over the outgoing model to 240 bhp (179 kW; 243 PS). The S 240 also received upgraded AP Racing brakes from the Exige Cup 240 and a larger roof scoop utilised by the Exige Cup 255. 0-60 mph (0–97 km/h) times improved to 4.0 seconds.^[5] The S 240 base manufacturer suggested retail price was $65,690.

Exige S 260 (2009–2011)

The Exige S 260 produced an additional 7% power output over the S 240 resulting in 257 hp (192 kW). Even with a full fuel tank, extensive use of weight-saving materials such as carbon fiber reduced the vehicle's gross weight to 2,020 lb (920 kg) compared to 2,077 lb (942 kg) in the S 240. 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) arrived in 4.0 seconds.^[6] After 2009, both the S 240 and S 260 received distinctively new and enlarged rear spoilers mounted to the rear clam instead of the motor bay cover. The base manufacturer suggested retail price for the S 260 was $74,995.

Exige 265E

Exige 265E
Overview
Manufacturer	Lotus
Production	1 Produced
Assembly	Hethel, Norfolk, England
Body and chassis
Class	Sports Car
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	MR layout
Related	Lotus Elise, Lotus Exige
Powertrain
Engine	1.8L Toyota supercharged I4
Transmission	6-speed manual
Dimensions
Length	149.5 in (3,797 mm)
Width	68.0 in (1,727 mm)
Height	45.8 in (1,163 mm)
Kerb weight	2,050 lb (930 kg)

The Exige 265E is a factory-built version of a Exige S optimised to run on E85 fuel, which is 85% ethanol. The higher octane of this biofuel allows for a higher compression ratio and/or more supercharger boost. In this model, which saw the ECU re-mapped as well as upgraded injectors and fuel pump to cope with the new fuel type, the brakes have also been upgraded to four-piston AP Racing calipers with increased diameter 310 mm (12.2 in) sport brake pads mated with drilled and vented discs at the front. Brembo single-piston sliding rear calipers with 282 mm (11.1 in) diameter discs are fitted at the rear. Lotus says it has no intention to build the 265E (265 indicates the approximate horsepower and the E indicates the "environmentally favourable bio-ethanol E85 fuel" powering the engine) as a limited number standard production car, and that it is simply a biofuels demonstrator.^[7] According to Lotus, the Exige 265E model has the following specifications:

Engine

Toyota supplied 2ZZ-GE 1,796 cc inline-4, DOHC with VVTL-i (variable valve timing with lift intelligence), supercharged and intercooled

Bore/Stroke 82 mm/85 mm

264 hp (197 kW) at 8,000 rpm

184 lb⋅ft (249 N⋅m) at 5,500 rpm

Compression ratio: 11.5:1

Transmission

C64 6-Speed, close ratio with single-plate dry clutch

Exige 265E performance

0-60 (0-97 km/h): 3.88 seconds

0-100 mph (0-161 km/h): 9.2 seconds

Top speed: 158 mph (254 km/h)

Fuel consumption: ~25 miles per imperial gallon (11 L/100 km; 21 mpg_‑US) city / 65 miles per imperial gallon (4.3 L/100 km; 54 mpg_‑US) highway

Exige GT3 prototype (2007)

According to Lotus, the Exige GT3 model has the following specifications:^[9]

Engine

Toyota supplied 2ZZ-GE, 1796 cc I-4, DOHC with VVTL-i and Lotus T4e engine management system, Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger and intercooled^[9]

Bore/Stroke 82.0 mm / 85.0 mm

275 PS (202 kW; 271 hp)@8000rpm^[9]

250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft)@7000rpm^[9]

Compression Ratio: 11.5:1

Transmission

C64 6-speed, close ratio with uprated clutch and cover, open differential^[9]

Gear ratios I/II/III : 3.166:1 / 2.050:1 / 1.481:1

IV/V/VI : 1.166:1 / 0.916:1 / 0.815:1

R/final drive : 3.250:1 / 4.529:1

Exige GT3 performance

0-60 mph : 3.9 seconds^[9]

0-100 km/h : 4.0 seconds^[9]

0-100 mph (0-160 km/h) : 9.8 seconds^[9]

Top Speed : 160 mph (260 km/h) - electronically limited^[9]

Power-to-weight ratio : 361 bhp (269 kW; 366 PS) per tonne

Note: While the mass of the vehicle was not disclosed, it is estimated to be around 1,650 lb (750 kg) from the disclosure of the power-to-weight ratio.

Exige GT3 of Angelo Lazaris (2008–2011)

It is a version of Exige GT3 for the 2008 GT Championship, based on the European race car that competed in the FIA GT3 category. It included the 1.8-litre engine based on the Exige S road car rated 355 PS (261 kW; 350 hp) @7000rpm and 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft) @6000rpm, increased frontal area to accommodate the wider track, revising the front radiator inlet and outlet areas, reducing the cross-sectional areas of both, extending the nose forward by approximately 3 cm (1 inch), bodywork extending 8 cm rearward, widening 10 cm (3.9 inches) and losing almost 3 cm in height at the rear deck, body parts produced in lightweight ZPREG carbon fibre using an innovative mould-making process that features room temperature curing rather than an oven, elimination of roof scoop that fed cooling air to the engine's intercooler, change to a water-to-air intercooler.

The vehicle was unveiled in round three of the 2008 GT Championship.^[10]

Union Jack Lotus Exige S (2008)

It is a version of Lotus Exige S with a flying British flag body, developed by Lotus Design.

The car was featured in Discovery Channel's How Do They Do It? series.^[11][12]

Exige Scura/Stealth (2009)

Lotus Exige Stealth at the Tokyo Motor Show 2009

It is a limited production run version of only 35 units of the Lotus Exige S with 1,796 cc (1.8 L; 109.6 cu in) supercharged and intercooled Inline-4 engine from Exige Cup 260 rated at 260 PS (191 kW; 256 bhp) @ 8000 rpm and 236 N⋅m (174 lb⋅ft) @ 6000 rpm of torque,^[13] matte black body colour, Phantom Black triple stripes that run the length of the car, carbon-fibre front splitter, oil cooler inlet vanes, side airscoops and rear spoiler, seats and centre console made from carbon fibre, anodised handbrake and gear knob in anthracite colour, carbon-fibre components in high-gloss clear lacquer finish, Lotus Launch Control, Lotus Traction Control, variable-slip traction control, Ohlins 2-way adjustable dampers, Eibach Springs with variable-height spring platforms, matt black lightweight forged wheels with Yokohama 048 LTS tyres, ride height adjustment to reduce the ride height from 130 mm (5.12 in) to 120 mm (4.72 in), lightweight flywheel, sports-type clutch plate, heavy-duty clutch cover, C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminium casing) and Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit).

Orders for the 'Lotus Exige Scura' began from 21 October 2009 in Europe, South Korea, Australia, South Africa, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia. The vehicle was sold in Japan as 'Lotus Exige Stealth'.

Lotus Exige Stealth was unveiled in 2009 Tokyo International Motorshow.^[14][15]

Lotus Exige S RGB Special Edition (2010)

This is a version of the Lotus Exige S commemorating Roger Becker, the former Director of Vehicle Engineering for Lotus.^[16] It includes Toyota's supercharged 1.8 litre 2ZZ VVTL-i engine rated at 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp), Lotus ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels, Performance pack, Sport pack, Touring pack, choice of four body colours (Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey), Roger Becker's signature on the rear of the car, a Roger Becker numbered plaque, monochrome Lotus badges, structural shear panel (which increases the lateral stiffness of the rear subframe by 30%) and air conditioning.

The vehicle went on sale in September 2010, and ended at the end of 2010 in Europe due to changes in legislation and the introduction of "Euro 5" Type Approval which does not apply to vehicles with 1.8-litre 2ZZ VVTL-i engines.^[17]

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2010 LA Auto Show.^[18]

Exige Matte Black Final Edition (2011)

It is a limited (25 units) version of the Lotus Exige for the North America market, commemorating the end of the Exige's production. It includes an engine rated at 261 PS (192 kW; 257 hp), matte black body colour, black Alacantara sport seats and a uniquely numbered plate for each car.

The vehicle was unveiled in Pebble Beach Week 2011.^[19]

Production

Production of North American version of Exige ended in August 2011 after the expiration of "smart" airbags exemption, and Toyota stopping production of its 2ZZ-GE four-cylinder engine.^[20]

Exige S 260 Final Edition (2011)

Lotus Exige S 260 Final Edition #9 of 30 in Aspen White

To mark the end of an era of Lotus Exige production, Lotus created the Exige S 260 Final Edition, exclusively for North America. With power upgraded to 257 bhp, and a high level of standard equipment, the Exige S 260 Final Edition was available in multiple colour choices from the full Lotus colour range. Only 30 examples of this Exige were built, all for the North American market.

Exige S V6 (2012–2015), Exige S V6 Roadster (2013–2016)

Lotus Exige V6

Lotus Exige V6 Roadster

At the Frankfurt 2011 autoshow, the 2012 version of the Exige S was announced. It includes a supercharged 3.5 litre V6 engine (from the Evora S) rated at 345 hp (257 kW; 350 PS). In 2013 a roadster version was introduced with only minor changes to the design for the removable top. The engine and performance were virtually unchanged from the coupe and the price for both the roadster and the coupe were the same.^{[21][22][23][24][25]}

Exige V6 Cup, Exige V6 CupR (2013–2016)

Lotus Exige V6 Cup

The Exige V6 Cup is a track oriented version of the Exige S while the Exige CupR is the track-only version of Exige V6 Cup. The Exige V6 Cup is offered for sale in the United States as a track only car. If purchased, US Lotus Dealers will only provide a bill of sale instead of a title.^[29] The vehicles were unveiled at the 2013 Autosport International motor show.^[19]

Lotus Exige 360 Cup (2015–Present)

Limited to 50 examples, Lotus Exige 360 Cup was revealed on 14 August 2015. The car is powered by a 3.5-liter supercharged Toyota V6 delivering 355 hp (360 PS; 265 kW) .^[32]

Lotus Exige Sport 380 (2016–Present)

Lotus Exige Sport 380

The Lotus Exige Sport 380 is a track focused and more powerful version of the Lotus Exige lineup. It was unveiled on 23 November 2016. Lotus' CEO, Jean-Marc Gales describes it as, "The Exige Sport 380 is so good, that it is no longer the best in class, it’s now in a class of its own", and it fulfills this statement by taking on some of the powerful and expensive super cars both on the track and the streets. The 3.5-litre, super-charged V6 engine is now uprated and produces 375 hp (380 PS; 280 kW) and 410 N⋅m (302 lb⋅ft) of torque with a 6500 rpm red line achieved by revised supercharger and ECU. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 178 mph (286 km/h). The interior is also stripped out and features necessary driver aids. The Exige Sport 380 weighs 1,076 kg (2,372 lb), thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber on the exterior as well as the interior, the application of poly carbonate windows instead of traditional glass windows and a newly designed rear transom panel which features two rear lights instead of four. ^[34]

Lotus Exige Cup 380 (2016–Present)

The Lotus Exige Cup 380 is a more hardcore variant of the Exige Sport 380. Performance of the car remains the same as the Sport 380 but it features more aero components and a larger rear wing to produce more downforce at high speeds. The Exige Cup 380 generates 200 kg (441 lb) of downforce at its maximum speed of 175 mph (282 km/h); the top speed is reduced due to excess downforce and more drag. It features a more stripped out interior in order to save weight and other light weight carbon fiber components, Lotus states a lowest possible dry weight of only 1,057 kg (2,330 lb).^[35]

Lotus Exige Cup 430 (2017–Present)

Lotus Exige Cup 430

On 9 November 2017, Lotus unveiled the most powerful and hardcore version of the Exige to date called the Exige Cup 430. As the name suggests, the car produces 430 PS (424 hp; 316 kW) which is achieved due to the use of the Evora GT430's powertrain which is modified to accommodate in the small body of the Exige. The car has a large throttle body resulting in 220kg of downforce. The Cup 430 is 19 kg (42 lb) lighter than the Sport 380 due to the use of newly designed carbon fibre body panels, a high flow titanium exhaust and the extensive use of carbon fibre in the interior. The gear box is also modified resulting in more quick gearshifts than the previous model. The Cup 430 was not offered with an automatic gearbox. The Lotus Exige Cup 430 is capable of covering the Hethel circuit in 1 minute 24.8 seconds – the fastest production car to lap the famous circuit – 1.2 seconds faster than the road going Lotus 3-Eleven.