Lotus Exige

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The Lotus Exige is a sports car from Lotus Cars based on the Lotus Elise .

The Exige was created for racing and, unlike the Elise, has a hatchback . The third generation is available with a hood like the Elise or, like the older Exige, with a targa roof and rear wing . The air scoop on the roof is typical of the first two generations .

First generation Lotus Exige
The first generation fastback

Generation 1 (2000-2001)

The first series was built a total of 604 times in 2000 and 2001 (251 of which are said to be left-hand drive vehicles). It has a four-cylinder engine from the Rover K series with an output increased to 130 kW or, in the racing version, to 140 kW and a five-speed gearbox. Lotus used fiberglass-reinforced plastic for the body parts . The widened fenders allowed a wider track and wider rims than the Elise. Downforce is generated through the front with spoiler, the tear -off rear ( comb-rear ) and the rear wing. A downforce of 800 N was measured at 161 km / h, 450 N of which was attributable to the rear axle and 350 N to the front axle. Air conditioning was offered as an option shortly after the start of series production. The curb weight in the basic configuration was 780 kg.

Generation 2 (2004-2011)

Second generation Lotus Exige
The rear of the second generation

Similar to the second series of the Elise, the Exige was also revised in 2004. Lotus modified the chassis and the body. The Exige also got the Toyota engine with 141 kW (192 PS) offered in the Elise 111R and a six-speed gearbox as well as Yokohama 048 LTS sports tires (Lotus version of the 048R Yokohama) specially tailored to the vehicle. Optionally, air conditioning (15 kg additional weight), oil cooler, lighter forged wheels and a roll cage could be ordered. The weight was a minimum of 875 kg (compared to 780 kg of the S1-Exige). The downforce at 160 km / h in the second generation is 193 N at the front and 219 N at the rear axle. Most body panels are made from GRP . The standard equipment for the United Kingdom consisted of: Blaupunkt-Lausanne-CR-R / W radio including speakers, additional lights on the front and central locking. The 141 kW version was discontinued in 2007.

The Exige S, which was presented later, has an output of 163 kW (221 hp) thanks to supercharging , making it another 22 kW (30 hp) more powerful than the Exige.

A performance package for the Exige S has also been available since model year 2008, increasing the output of the four-cylinder engine to 176 kW. It includes a Magnuson / Eaton M62 compressor, enlarged air intake on the roof; Larger injection nozzles and a reinforced clutch, slotted and internally ventilated brake discs with a diameter of 308 mm, front with 4-piston AP racing calipers, improved brake pads front and rear, a variable traction control that can be set in several stages and a so-called launch control . The acceleration values ​​improve to 4 s for the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h and 9.7 s to 160 km / h. The top speed is just under 250 km / h.

In 2010 the Exige received a slight facelift in which the front and rear wing were changed.

Lotus Exige 240R (2005)

In 2005 Lotus offered this special model with a Toyota VVTI engine, supercharger, other wheels, T45 motorsport roll bars, chassis parts from Öhlins and an additional oil cooler. It has an output of 182 kW (247 hp) at 930 kg. The driving performance is an acceleration of less than 4 seconds to 100 km / h and a top speed of almost 250 km / h. 3.8 kg / hp are achieved as a power-to-weight ratio . The vehicle was only available in Sport Black and Sport Yellow , which were only available for the 240R special model. The model was only built 50 times and cost around 62,000 euros.

Lotus Sport Exige (2005)

The Lotus Sport Exige is the racing offshoot of the 240R and is powered by a 298 kW six-cylinder V-engine with a displacement of 3 liters. A free AP Racing brake system ensures the appropriate deceleration. OZ -Magnesium racing bikes in combination with 250 (front) and 280 Yokohama racing tires (rear) ensure grip on the asphalt. It is shifted via a sequential six-speed gearbox. The vehicle was only made once and was an anticipation of the future of the Exige.

Lotus Exige Cup and Cup 240 (2006)

Lotus Exige Cup 240

The "Exige Cup" and the "Cup 240" are sports versions developed by the Lotus Sport motorsport department . The Exige Cup has a 140 kW four-cylinder engine with 1.8 l displacement and a maximum torque of 181 Nm, the Cup 240 has 1.8 l displacement, a compressor and charge air cooling. It develops 182 kW at 8000 rpm and delivers a maximum of 236 Nm at 7000 rpm. The vehicles are based on the Exige model year 2006 and are completely ready to race, but street legal.

Additional improvements include an improved clutch, sports exhaust system, adjustable suspension, improved brakes, limited slip differential, adjustable traction control , a T45 steel roll bar and a frame with attachment points for racing belts, fuel and ignition kill switches and a Fire extinguishing system. An FIA-approved six-point roll cage is a free option. The Exige Cup reaches 100 km / h in 5.2 s and 160 km / h in 13.2 s and a top speed of 237 km / h. The Cup 240 reaches the 100 km / h mark in 4.5 s and 160 km / h in 11.3 s. The top speed is 249 km / h.

Generation 3 (since 2013)

Exige 3
Lotus Exige S V6 model year 2012

Lotus Exige S V6 model year 2012

Production period: since 2012
Body versions : Coupé , roadster
Engines: Petrol engines :
3.5 liters
(258–321 kW)
Length: 4084 mm
Width: 1802 mm
Height: 1129 mm
Wheelbase : 2370 mm
Empty weight : 1074-1093 kg
Rear view

The next generation of the Lotus Exige was presented at the IAA 2011 in Frankfurt, production of which should start in mid-2012. The Lotus initially named as Exige S V6 third generation was the with compressor -charged six-cylinder - V-engine of the Lotus Evora equipped S, the first 258 kW (350 hp) and was able to make a maximum of 400 Nm torque. The transversely installed motor drives the rear axle via a manual six-speed gearbox. The third generation of the Lotus Exige is a little heavier (1176 kg) and larger compared to its predecessors, in particular the wheelbase has been lengthened because of the wider engine.

After initial difficulties with the production of the third generation of the Lotus Exige, which the company had established with quality assurance measures, but which were also connected with a change of management and liquidity problems at the time, the first customer vehicles in England were not delivered until the beginning of January 2013.

In addition to the Exige S Coupé, the Exige S Roadster with a convertible top instead of a hardtop, the same engine, but without a rear wing, without a front splitter and with a top speed limited to only 233 km / h was offered in parallel from 2013 .

The GRP Targa roof of the Exige S Coupé, like the Exige S Roadster and the predecessors of the Exige and the open Elise, which are identical in terms of the basic chassis, does not have a supporting function of the body, which is why it can be removed and often by the owners is complemented by the lotus fabric roof.

The third generation of the Lotus Exige has been significantly improved compared to its predecessor. In addition to the V6 engine, it has a completely newly developed chassis with a wider track width (front axle +25 mm, rear axle +38 mm) and for the first time has a stabilizer on the completely redeveloped rear axle suspension. In addition, the wheelbase grew by 70 millimeters in length. A special feature of the Lotus Exige is the so-called Lotus DPM (Dynamic Performance Management), which allows up to four different driving modes such as Touring, Sport or Race via a selector switch. The Exige S V6 reached the 100 km / h mark in 4.0 s. The maximum speed was officially 274 km / h. According to a measurement by the magazine Auto, Motor und Sport, even 279 km / h.

The design of the Exige S was created by the Italian automobile designer Donato Coco , whom Lotus had recruited as Design Director from Ferrari in 2010, and who had already drawn the F430 Scuderia , F430 Spider , California , 599XX and 458 Italia there.

Lotus Exige R-GT (2012)

Lotus Exige R-GT

A version for use in the World Rally Championship was presented at the IAA 2011 . The Lotus Exige R-GT has the 3.5 liter V6 engine known from the Lotus Evora. By the FIA - regulations prescribed, 34 mm air restrictor is reduced the power to 222 kW (302 hp). The minimum weight of the rally vehicle according to the regulations is 1200 kg. The power is transmitted to the rear axle via a sequential six-speed gearbox with steering wheel shift. To accommodate the larger engine, the wheelbase has been lengthened.

The R-GT is based on the Exige S and is delivered to customer teams completely ready to race with roll cage, reinforced side impact protection, underbody paneling and the additional mandatory safety equipment of rally vehicles. Since the connecting stages are driven on public roads from special stage to special stage or to the service park, all racing cars that take part in the World Rally Championship must be approved for road traffic.

It was planned to use the Lotus R-GT in asphalt rallies such as the Monte Carlo Rally from the 2012 World Rally Championship , as the GT class is not advertised in gravel rallies. The R-GT made its debut in July 2012 at the Vinho da Madeira / Portugal rally, but after several successful runs after damage it did not enter any other races, which was probably due to the financial difficulties of Lotus at the time.

Exige LF1

Exige LF1 (2014)

This eye-catching special model of the Exige S, limited to 81 copies, was developed in 2014 by the motorsport department of Lotus. LF1 stands for Lotus Formula 1, and each vehicle symbolizes a Formula 1 victory for the manufacturer, which is why it received its own badge with the year and place of the victory. All copies are painted in the basic color black and are characterized by golden and red color accents on the paint, wheels, add-on parts and in the interior. In terms of body, technology and engine, however, the LF1 corresponds to the production model with more sophisticated equipment. In the interior there is black leather and an instrument cover made of fabric, but no carpet.

Exige V6 Cup / Cup R / Cup 360 (2014/2015)

Exige V6 Cup

The Cup models are available in different colors and primarily, the Cup R even exclusively, developed for use in motorsport. They are characterized by matt-black color accents on the body and to reduce weight they are not equipped with a radio, air conditioning and airbags, but some of these are available as options. Cup and Cup R have a removable steering wheel, Schroth belts, spring-damper units from Öhlins and a fire extinguishing system. The trunk lid no longer has a heated glass pane, but is made entirely of plastic.

Lotus Exige V6 Cup-R

In contrast to the Exige V6 Cup, the Exige V6 Cup R is not street legal, has a lower weight of 1040 kg, instead of the 4-point belts 6-point belts from Schroth and an engine output of 269 kW (366 PS). In addition, the Cup R is equipped with a roll cage and a significantly larger rear wing. In addition to the manual gearshift, it is also optionally available with a sequential gearbox with shift paddles.

In 2015, the street-legal Exige Cup was replaced by the Exige Cup 360, limited to 50 pieces, with 269 kW (360 hp) output, weight reduced to 1125 kg, matt black and red body color accents and red wheels. The exhaust system and the front service flap have also been modified. Inside, the design received special Alcantara sports seats.

Exige Sport 350 (2016)

Exige Sport 350

In 2016 the Exige S Coupé was revised in some points by Lotus and was given the new name Exige 350 Sport.

What is new is the open shift gate, the modified gearbox, the plastic tailgate, the lighter battery, the engine mount and the improved and lighter air conditioning and ventilation system. The rear wing, the front service flap, the Targa roof, the exterior mirrors and the rear are now no longer in the same color as the car, but always in black.

In addition, the interior can also be ordered with checked fabrics (tartan checks). The switches in the interior and the chassis have also been revised and the Sport 350 received the start button known from earlier models.

The engine power remained unchanged. The weight sank by 51 kg to 1,125 kg and can be further reduced by the add-on parts now available made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (KfK). The Sport 350 now accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.9 seconds, with the optional automatic transmission in 3.8 seconds.

Exige Sport 350 Roadster

The roadster version of the Exige S was also changed. This is now called the Exige Sport 350 Roadster. Compared to the Coupé, it received a further modified shape, a new rear wing (identical to that of the Elise Cup 220/250) and a modified front service flap (a version of the Exige Cup 360 model painted in the body color). The speed remains electronically reduced to 233 km / h.

Exige Sport / Cup / Race 380 (2017)

Lotus Exige Sport 380

In November 2016, Lotus introduced the Exige Sport 380 , which has been available since spring 2017. In 2017, a special version Exige Cup 380 limited to 60 vehicles was presented as well as a non-street-legal Exige Race 380.

The Sport 380 can be recognized by various red accents as well as the KfK version of the rear wing and the front service flap of the Exige Sport 350 Roadster. Lotus increased the engine output to 279 kW (380 hp), increased the maximum torque to 410 Nm and reduced the weight to 1,110 kg through numerous carbon parts and other measures. The Exige Sport 380 accelerates to 100 km / h in 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 286 km / h (automatic: 274 km / h).

The Cup 380 is characterized by an even further reduced weight, modified aerodynamic components and a Nitron chassis.

Exige Sport 410 (2018)

Exige Sport 410

In 2018 the Exige Sport 410 was presented, derived from the Exige Cup 430, and with an output of 416 hp (305 kW) and 420 Nm torque. The dry weight is 1,054 kg. The top speed is 290 km / h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h is 3.4 seconds. A convertible version of this model is also available with a limitation of 233 km / h. Like the Exige Cup 430, the Sport 410 has a slightly revised front in the area of ​​the front air intakes and the splitter, carbon rear wing, wider air inlets on the side and adjustable dampers as well as slightly wider tires on lighter forged wheels.

Exige Cup 430

Technical specifications

S. 350 sports 360 cup Sport 380 Cup 380 Sport 410 Cup 430
Construction period 03 / 2012–01 / 2016 since 02/2016 since 08/2015 02/2017-02 / 2018 04/2017-02 / 2018 since 05/2018 since 01/2018
Engine characteristics
Engine type V6 petrol engine
Displacement 3456 cc
Max. Power at min −1 258 kW (350 PS) / 7000 265 kW (360 PS) / 7000 279 kW (380 PS) / 6700 305 kW (416 PS) / 7000 321 kW (436 hp) / 7000
Max. Torque in min -1 400 Nm / 4500 410 Nm / 5000 420 Nm / 3500 440 Nm / 2600-6800
Power transmission
drive Rear wheel drive
Gearbox, as standard 6-speed manual transmission
Gearbox, optional - [6-speed automatic transmission ] - [6-speed automatic transmission] -
Readings
Top speed 274 km / h 274 km / h
[261 km / h]
274 km / h 286 km / h
[274 km / h]
282 km / h 290 km / h
Acceleration, 0-100 km / h 4.0 s 3.9 s
[3.8 s]
4.0 s 3.7 s 3.6 s 3.4 s 3.3 s
Fuel consumption over 100 km (combined) 10.1 l super 10.1 l super
[9.4 l super]
10.1 l super 10.4 l super
[9.7 l super]
10.4 l super 10.6 l super 10.8 l super
CO 2 emissions (combined) 235 g / km 235 g / km
[219 g / km]
235 g / km 242 g / km
[225 g / km]
242 g / km 240 g / km 245 g / km
Tank capacity 42 l 48 l

Alternative fuel prototypes

Lotus Exige 265E (2007)

The Lotus Exige 265E is a study on the use of flexible and renewable fuel sources, a series production is not planned. The most powerful street version of the Exige to date uses bio-ethanol. Developed by Lotus Engineering , the Lotus development office, which has also worked for Opel and other companies, the engine in the 265E has an output of 197 kW. The car weighs 930 kg empty and accelerates to 100 km / h in 3.88 s. The top speed is just under 260 km / h.

The aerodynamic properties of the vehicle have also been improved, for example by making the floor level. The rear diffuser was changed and a lower front spoiler was installed, which sits only 108 mm above the road. In addition, the rear wing was fixed at an angle of 11.5 ° in order to find the best compromise between high speed and downforce.

In addition to the normal Exige S, the vehicle has undergone changes, for example wider lightweight Lotus Sport five-spoke aluminum wheels that are painted in High Power Silver . There was also an improved brake system with four-piston AP racing calipers with sport brake pads and internally ventilated discs with a diameter of 310 mm at the front and discs with a diameter of 282 mm and Brembo single-piston calipers on the rear axle. The brake hoses were reinforced in one and filled with a special brake fluid. The chassis has been upgraded with two-way adjustable Öhlins shock absorbers and an adjustable strut bar has been installed in the front of the car. An oil reserve tank and the Stage One sports exhaust were installed. In addition, two oil coolers and an air conditioning system are standard.

Lotus Exige 270E TriFuel (2008)

The Lotus Exige 270E TriFuel is a study presented at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle's engine can run on any mixture of gasoline and the alcohols methanol ( M100 or lower) and ethanol ( E100 or lower, such as the more popular E85 ). The performance similar to those of Exige 265E, only the power increased up to 201 kW at 8000 min -1 , depending on the fuel. The maximum torque is 260 Nm at 5500 Lotus with min -1 at.

If only conventional gasoline is available, this is not a problem; If methanol / ethanol can be refueled, the performance increases (but consumption also increases).

Individual evidence

  1. ^ IIA Frankfurt 2011: Lotus Exige S Reborn With Supercharged V6 . autoguide.com. September 13, 2011. Accessed May 31, 2013.
  2. Driven: V6-engined Lotus Exige S . BBC. April 25, 2012. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
  3. Early Exige S customer cars begin to arrive . SELOC. January 9, 2013. Accessed May 31, 2013.
  4. On the line with the Exige V6 . SELOC. January 31, 2013. Accessed May 31, 2013.
  5. Lotus Exige S Roadster: The fastest open Lotus of all time . AutoNEWS. May 23, 2013. Accessed May 31, 2013.
  6. 2012 Lotus Exige S . Top speed. July 13, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2013.
  7. Lotus Exige S in the driving report: Aggressive, cool and sexy . Sports car. October 8, 2012. Accessed May 31, 2013.
  8. Christian Gebhardt: Lotus Exige S Test: Sports car comeback in a fine English way. In: auto motor und sport. Retrieved April 15, 2016 .
  9. Exige LF1 | Lotus Cars. In: www.lotuscars.com. Retrieved April 15, 2016 .
  10. Exige V6 Cup R | Lotus Cars. In: www.lotuscars.com. Retrieved April 15, 2016 .
  11. Exige 360 ​​Cup | Lotus Cars. In: www.lotuscars.com. Retrieved April 15, 2016 .
  12. 380 hp meet a sports car with just 1100 kilograms . t-online.de. November 24, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  13. New top model of the Exige series . auto-motor-und-sport.de. November 24, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
  14. Clinton Deacon: Lotus Exige 265E Revealed . Black Falcon Media Group. August 24, 2006. Retrieved December 27, 2008: "The Lotus Exige 265E is purely a research vehicle for Lotus Engineering and Lotus does not intend to put the car into production or sel aftermarket kits for Lotus Cars."
  15. ^ British, Racing and very Green - Bio-Fuel ( English ) Group Lotus plc. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008. Retrieved December 27, 2008.
  16. Carsten Rose: Lotus Exige 270E Trifuel fuels three things . auto motor and sport. March 3, 2008. Archived from the original on December 21, 2008. Retrieved on December 27, 2008.

Web links

Commons : Lotus Exige  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files