Lotus Exige - Not Your Average Luxury Sports Car

The Lotus Exige is a sports car developed by Lotus Cars, an adaptation of the Lotus Elise. It was first introduced in 2000, before undergoing various changes over the next few years. This model is built in England.

The latest in the Exige series is the Lotus Exige S, an improved version of the anterior model. This car will set you back around $58,000. In addition, Lotus is releasing a new model, the Exige Cup 255, with even more power for hitting the race track.

Engine

The Lotus Exige S was given a 1.8 L, 218 bhp engine from Toyota with a six-speed manual transmission. This turbocharged engine makes it from 0-60 in a mere 4.7 seconds and features variable timing with a lift feature.

The transmission also features an overdrive button for better performance and a shifter that is mounted in the floor. This model gets about 23 mpg while driving in the city and around 29 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy can be improved by using the overdrive feature.

Performance

With its very stylish looks, the Lotus Exige is obviously a sports car. Everything about it screams speed, from its slick aerodynamic design to its arched wheel wells. It hunches down, ready to take off at a moment's notice.

The Lotus Exige improves drastically on its predecessor, the Lotus Elise. Although the two designs share the same independent double wishbone suspension system, 6-speed transmission, and powerful engine, the Exige has distinct advantages.

It features organic steering which critics love, optional traction control and a limited slip differential. All these features make for a very nice ride.

Design

The design of the Lotus Exige is minimalist, both inside and out. The interior, with its leather steering wheel and reclining bucket seats, is not as luxurious as some. Instead, the Exige leaves you to enjoy driving without being distracted by a myriad of special functions. If you want climate control and heated cup holders, this is not the car for you. Everything about the Lotus Exige is designed to make it go faster better.

The exterior includes simple details that make all the difference, such as bumpers in the same color as the body and black alloy wheels, adding a touch of class to an already classy vehicle. Air intakes and side scoops add to the sporty nature of the vehicle and two air dams, front and rear, keep the vehicle looking smooth.

Only the door panels are shared with the Elise model, all other exterior body parts are original and unique to the Exige.

Safety

While the Lotus Exige is definitely built for speed, it also includes several important safety systems, including four wheel anti-lock brakes. Side guard door beams and crumple zones protect the occupants in case of impact. An anti-roll bar is optional, but a good idea, considering the speeds liable to be reached.

Dual airbags are also standard in the Exige, but only front ones. In the interest of speed and weight, no additional airbags are available. Three point seat belts all have pre-tensioners attached to prevent injury in the event of a crash.

To prevent theft, the car sports an engine immobilizer, remote locking system and anti-theft vehicle alarm.

Limited Editions

50 special-edition Exiges were produced in 2005, labelled 240R. These cars were available only in the official colors of Lotus Sport, that is, yellow or black. They were given the standard Toyota engine along with a supercharger, boosting power to 243 bhp.

Only about 350 Exiges are produced per year for the U.S., due to the hand-laid bodywork that sets them apart from other sports cars. Considering that this is a fairly small sports car, without all the trims, it is still fairly popular, although its predecessor, the Elise, is still a better seller.

What Critics have to say?

Although lacking in luxurious details, the Exige is enjoyed for its fluid handling, speed, and great driving experience. The racing wheels have excellent traction even on regular highways and though the braking system may take some getting used to, drivers love it.

The Lotus Exige has been described as an extreme driving experience, which is, after all, what all true drivers are looking for, isn't it?