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Lotus Exige

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Lotus Exige
Lotus Exige Series 2
Overview
ManufacturerLotus Cars
Production2000–present
AssemblyHethel, Norfolk, England
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutTransverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
PlatformLotus Elise
RelatedLotus Elise
Vauxhall VX220
Rinspeed sQuba
Tesla Roadster
Hennessey Venom GT
Powertrain
Engine1.8L I4/1.8L supercharged I4
Transmission6-speed manual
Dimensions
Length149.5 in (3,797 mm)
Width68.0 in (1,727 mm)
Height45.6 in (1,158 mm)
Kerb weight2,015 lb (914 kg)

The Lotus Exige /ɛɡˈziːʒ/ is a British two-door, two-seat sports car made by Lotus Cars since 2000. It is essentially a coupé version of the Lotus Elise, a mid-engined roadster in production since 1996.

Series 1

Lotus Exige S1
Rear view of Exige S1

The original Exige was launched in 2000 with a naturally aspirated 1.8 L Rover K Series engine in VHPD (Very High Performance Derivative) tune. It produces 177 bhp (132 kW; 179 PS) at 7,800 rpm in standard form.[1] There was also a "track spec" version with 192 bhp (143 kW; 195 PS) available. The car has a five-speed manual gearbox, and a claimed top speed of 219 km/h (136 mph). Zero to sixty mph achieved was 4.7 seconds, with 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds.[1]

The first Exige used the round, less aggressive headlights of the first generation Elise, although the Elise was updated soon after the introduction of the Exige. The Series 1 was built until 2002, in 604 examples, and was not replaced until the Series 2 of 2004.[2]

Series 2

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 lb (45 kg) of downforce at 100 miles per hour (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:[citation needed]

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 (2006–2007)

Exige S
Overview
ManufacturerLotus
Production2006–2011
AssemblyHethel, Norfolk, England
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutMR layout
RelatedLotus Elise, Lotus Exige
Powertrain
Engine1.8L Toyota supercharged I4
Transmission6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase90.6 in (2,301 mm)
Length2006–07: 149.5 in (3,797 mm)
2008–2011: 149.0 in (3,785 mm)
Width2006–07: 68.0 in (1,727 mm)
2008–2011: 67.7 in (1,720 mm)
Height2006–07: 45.8 in (1,163 mm)
2008–2011: 45.0 in (1,143 mm)
Kerb weight2,057 lb (933 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorLotus Elise, Lotus Exige

In February 2006, Lotus announced the Exige S model which used a supercharged Toyota 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
ManufacturerLotus
ProductionNon-Production
AssemblyHethel, Norfolk, England
Body and chassis
ClassSports Car
Body style2-door coupe
LayoutMR layout
RelatedLotus Elise, Lotus Exige
Powertrain
Engine1.8L Toyota supercharged I4
Transmission6-speed manual
Dimensions
Length149.5 in (3,797 mm)
Width68.0 in (1,727 mm)
Height45.8 in (1,163 mm)
Kerb weight2,050 lb (930 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorLotus Elise, Lotus Exige

The Exige 265E is a factory-built 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 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)

Exige GT3
Overview
ManufacturerLotus
ProductionNon-Production
AssemblyHethel, Norfolk, England
Body and chassis
ClassSports Car
Body style2-door coupe
LayoutMR layout
RelatedLotus Elise, Lotus Exige
Powertrain
Engine1.8L Toyota supercharged I4
Transmission6-speed manual
Dimensions
Length153.8 in (3,907 mm)[8]
Width71.9 in (1,826 mm)[8]
Height44.4 in (1,128 mm)[8]
Kerb weight2,050 lb (930 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorLotus Elise, Lotus Exige

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–)

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, bodywork extending 8 cm rearward, widening 10 cm 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–)

It is a limited (35 units) version of Lotus Exige S with 1.8 litre supercharged and intercooled engine from Exige Cup 260 (rated 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp)@8000rpm and 236 N⋅m (174 lb⋅ft)@6000rpm), 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 to 120 mm, 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.[13][14]

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.[15] 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.[16]

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2010 LA Auto Show.[17]

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.[18]

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.[19]

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.

Specification

  • 257 bhp
  • Full Lotus exterior colour range was available (standard & metallic paints at no extra cost, lifestyle & limited paints at an extra cost).
  • Three-element rear wing, splitter, side scoops and roof scoop.
  • Body coloured rear wing, splitter, side scoops and roof scoop.
  • Double shear track control arm brace.
  • Y type 5-spoke forged alloy wheel in black finish (6" Front, 7.5" Rear).
  • Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

Upgrade options included

  • Sport Pack: ProBax sport seats, Lotus Traction Control System (TCS), BS4 T45 steel roll-over hoop and struts and Adjustable front anti-roll bar.
  • Touring Pack: padded leather door panels, perforated leather door inserts, leather trimmed center console, black perforated leather handbrake-lever gaiter, black carpet mats with embroidered Exige logo, noise insulation material, iPod stereo connection and trinket tray divider and cup holder.
  • Track Pack: Track suspension (Ohlins dampers and adjustable ride height)

Series 3

Exige S V6 (2012–)

Lotus Exige V6

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).[20][21][22][23]

Engine: 345 bhp, 257 kW (349 PS; 345 hp), 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft). Weight: 1,080 kg (2,381 lb). Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. Top speed: around 300 km/h (186 mph). [24] Price: starts at around £56,000.[22] To accommodate the V6 engine, the new model is approximately 25 cm longer and 5 cm wider than the model with the 4 cylinder engine,[21] being 4,052 mm (159.5 in) long, 1,802 mm (70.9 in) wide (not counting the mirrors) and 1,153 mm (45.4 in) tall. The drag coefficient is 0.433.

Exige V6 Cup, Exige V6 CupR

Exige V6 Cup is a race car version of Exige S for track or road use. Exige V6 CupR is the race-only version of Exige V6 Cup. The Exige V6 Cup is offered for sale new 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.[25]

The vehicles were unveiled in 2013 Autosport International show.[18]

Lotus Exige 360 Cup

Limited to 50 examples, Lotus Exige 360 Cup is revealed on 14 August 2015. The car is powered by a 3.5-liter supercharged Toyota V-6 delivering 355 horsepower.[26]

Racing

Several Exiges are currently in use in the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge.[27] An Exige GT3 and some CUP Exige race in the Supercar Challenge.[28] An Exige has participated in the GT300 class of the Super GT.

Simply Sports Cars in Australia ran an Exige Cup R in endurance racing during 2014 and 2015 at the world renowned Bathurst 12 Hour, with class wins on both occasions.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Nötzli, Max, ed. (7 March 2002). Automobil Revue 2002 (in German and French). Vol. 97. Berne, Switzerland: Büchler Grafino AG. p. 369. ISBN 3-905-386-02-X.
  2. ^ Ringma, Ronald. "Genealogy: Lotus Exige". Lotus Drivers Guide.
  3. ^ a b Walton, Chris (28 June 2006). "Full Test: 2006 Lotus Exige". Edmunds Inc. Retrieved 7 March 2008.
  4. ^ Brown, Greg N. "Newcomers: 2007 Lotus Exige S". MotorTrend. Source Interlink Media, Inc. Retrieved 7 March 2008.
  5. ^ "2008 Lotus Exige S 240". Car and Driver.
  6. ^ Vaughn, Mark (23 April 2009). "Lotus Exige S 260 Sport: Track-happy two-seater gets greater". AutoWeek Magazine. Retrieved 11 May 2009.
  7. ^ Lotus Engineering, "Exige 265E Bio-Fuel: British, Racing and Very Green," http://www.grouplotus.com/engineering/casestudies.html
  8. ^ a b c Lavrinc, Damon (13 March 2008). "Lotus debuting 350 hp Exige GT3 Down Under". Autoblog/Weblogs, Inc. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i Spinelli, Mike (6 March 2007). "Geneva Showcase: Lotus Exige GT3". Jalopnik. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  10. ^ Damon Lavrinc. "Lotus debuting 350 hp Exige GT3 Down Under". Autoblog.
  11. ^ Alex Nunez. "That's a wrap! Union Jack Lotus Exige S filmed for Discovery Channel". Autoblog.
  12. ^ Capra Ovidiu (28 March 2008). "Union Jack Lotus Exige S". ZerCustoms.
  13. ^ Frank Filipponio. "Tokyo Preview: Lotus Exige Scura and Stealth cross over to dark side". Autoblog.
  14. ^ Sam Abuelsamid. "Tokyo 2009: Lotus Exige Stealth, complete with soft-touch paint". Autoblog.
  15. ^ Simona (21 June 2010). "2010 Lotus Elise SC And Exige S RGB Special Editions". Top Speed.
  16. ^ Sam Abuelsamid. "Lotus to produce Roger Becker edition Elise and Exige". Autoblog.
  17. ^ Damon Lavrinc. "LA 2010: 2011 Lotus Exige SC RGB Edition". Autoblog.
  18. ^ a b Zach Bowman. "Lotus announces race-ready Exige V6 Cup and Cup R". Autoblog.
  19. ^ Damon Lavrinc. "Lotus ending production of NA-spec Elise/Exige in August". Autoblog.
  20. ^ "Top Gear drives the Lotus Exige V6". topgear.com. January 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  21. ^ a b "2012 Lotus Exige S". topspeed.com. 6 January 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  22. ^ a b "Lotus Exige V6". evo.co.uk. 12 September 2011. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  23. ^ "2011 Frankfurt Auto Show: Lotus Exige S Reborn With Supercharged V6". autoguide.com. 13 September 2011. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  24. ^ "2012 Lotus Exige S gets 3.5 V6, unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show". caradvice.com.au. 14 September 2011. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  25. ^ "Lotus Confirms Exige V6 Cup Track Car For U.S." Motor Authority. 20 August 2012. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  26. ^ "Lotus Exige 360 Cup: Another Small-Batch Lotus". Car and Driver. 14 August 2015. Retrieved 16 August 2015.
  27. ^ "SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge". World-challenge.com. Retrieved 26 June 2010.
  28. ^ "Supercar Challenge". Supercarchallenge.nl. Retrieved 6 October 2012.
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