 |
|
Lotus Exige Gallery
|
|
Lotus' Exige is a coupé based on its popular Elise roadster. Now in its second generation, it has changed from being K-Series-powered, and gets a 1.8-litre Toyota VVT-i engine, from the Corolla and Celica T-Sport. Using this engine, which develops 189bhp, has also allowed Lotus to sell the Elise in the US market.
The original S1 Exige was developed for the road from the Elise Sport racing cars, and used a highly-tuned version of Rover's K-Series engine, putting out 177bhp. A kit to raise power to 190bhp was optional, though, and most owners bought it. The latest car is even quicker than the souped-up S1, straight out of the box.
That's not only down to the engine, but to a raft of mechanical changes too. The latest bodywork produces worthwhile downforce (41kg at 100mph), 95 percent of the chassis has changed since the original and the superb, sticky A048 tyres have been specifically developed for this car. Although developed with track use in mind, unlike many track-day specials, the Exige performs brilliantly on the road, too.
|
