 Lotus has announced that it will bring its Exige--a rebodied, hardtop version of the Elise--to the United States this fall. Mechanically, the Exige will be identical to the U.S. Elise, which means a 1.8-liter Toyota four making 190 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. We won't see the supercharged, 243-hp engine from the Europe-only 240-R.
The Exige will use the same firmer suspension tuning of the Elise with the optional sport package, but the hardtop Lotus will have a cornering advantage over its open-topped counterpart because the Exige's unique bodywork creates approximately 90 lbs of downforce at 100 mph instead of the Elise's mere 12 lbs. To put that in perspective, most cars generate significant lift at 100 mph. The increased downforce comes chiefly from four factors: the longer, reshaped nose; the front wind splitter; the rear wing; and the covered roof.
All the Exige's body panels, save the doors, are unique, and these modifications help the Exige scoot around the 2-mile Lotus test track two seconds faster than the Elise. Other changes for the Exige are limited to reshaped seats (bigger bolsters and cut-outs to fit a racing harness) and black wheels (either cast aluminum or the forged wheels from the Elise sport package). Only 200-300 Exiges will come to the States annually (compared to more than 2000 Elises) at a price Lotus estimates will be in the low- to mid-$50,000 range. The yellow Exige shown in these photos is the only one in the U.S. at the time of this writing, and it is merely pit-stopping at the New York show on its way to crash testing, so keep your checkbooks at home for now. Exterior Even though the Exige looks similar to the soft-top Elise, the two sports cars use different sheet metal. Only the door panels are shared. Both are based on the same 150-pound aluminum chassis. Both models are flamboyantly styled, and each car's appearance is augmented by a variety of vents and curves — some shapely, others practical in nature.
According to Lotus, aerodynamic features on the Exige generate 90 pounds of downforce at 100 mph. Smoothed bodywork and an undertray with a rear diffuser help achieve the downforce. Forged aluminum wheels are standard.
Bilstein shock absorbers work with Eibach coil springs, and cross-drilled rotors and twin-piston Lotus/AP brake calipers are installed. Built on a 90.5-inch wheelbase, the Exige measures 149.5 inches long overall and is 45.6 inches tall.
Interior
As in the Elise, only two people can fit inside the Exige. The small steering wheel is barely more than a foot in diameter. An air conditioning-delete option is offered, and composite sport seats come only in black. An optional Touring Pack includes leather seats, additional sound insulation, an upgraded stereo system and full carpeting.
Under the HoodThe Exige's mid-mounted, 1.8-liter four-cylinder generates 190 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 138 pounds-feet of torque at 6,800 rpm. Twin oil coolers are used.
The sole transmission is a six-speed manual. A shift light integrated into the 10,000-rpm tachometer is used to warn when the 8,000-rpm redline is reached. Options include traction control and a torque-sensing limited-slip differential. Meant to distribute power more evenly between the rear tires during autocross competition, the limited-slip differential permits more aggressive acceleration when exiting corners.
Safety
The antilock brake system is specially calibrated for delayed actuation, which allows competition-oriented drivers to perform "threshold" braking. Favorite Features:
Handling and styling. The car goes like stink, corners like nothing else, and gives tremendous feedback to its driver. The car looks like a $200k supercar or like a mini Le Mans racer. It's just a thrill every time you get it out on an open country road.
Review:
The Exige is an amazing machine. Steering feel, braking & cornering are all phenomenal. The car is also beautiful to look at while being functional. I love mine, but prospective buyers need to know what they're getting. The car is not for everyone and you have to be willing to deal with its total impracticalities. It's basically a 4 wheel motorcycle. The car is best used on twisty back roads or on track. Commuting or highway cruising is a waste, in my opinion. You have to accept the attention that the car draws. It's a surprisingly comfortable car once inside. Ingress and egress are tricky but get easier with a little practice. Nothing comes close to an Exige for the money.
Suggested Improvements:
Lotus would be well advised to offer a dealer installed supercharger for the Exige. Extra low-end grunt is always welcome even though the car is far from slow as is. HID lights would also be a welcome addition. Any other creature comforts would change the nature of the beast. Leave it alone.
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