2010 Lotus EXIGE Scura

NEWS & REVIEWS Translated as “dark” from Italian, the name “Scura” reflects the stealth character of this already fierce looking Lotus and its stunning soft-feel matte black paint finish. Limited to just 35 cars globally, this Exige evokes a desire to indulge your dark side. This is a serious looking car and enhancements to performance and a reduction in weight from the production level Exige S means that the Exige Scura demands to be driven by a serious driver. Contrasting high gloss “Phantom Black” triple stripes run the length of the car and a carbon fiber front splitter, oil cooler inlet vanes, side air scoops and rear spoiler enhance the stunning distinction between the different textures and exaggerate the tactile quality of the velvety touch to the matt black paint finish. Continuing the dark “Scura” appearance into the interior, carbon fiber is used extensively to compliment the exterior theme and reduce weight. The seats and center console are crafted from carbon fiber and the handbrake and gear knob have a special anodized treatment which leaves the metal with an anthracite color finish. All carbon-fiber components have been beautifully finished in high-gloss clear lacquer allowing the weave to remain exposed which gives the cabin a raw and racy ambiance. Whilst there is no doubt that this is a visually stunning car, the Exige Scura is not just about its looks – it begs to be taken on track, and its racing character encompasses poise, power, and technology to make it a serious contender. Equipped with the most powerful engine in the Exige range and generating 257 hp, the Exige Scura achieves a top speed of around 150 mph and reaches 0–62 mph in just 4.1 seconds. This special edition will be available on the same basis in Japan known as the “Lotus Exige Stealth.” The Lotus Exige Scura uses the 1.8-liter supercharged-and-intercooled 257-hp engine from the range-topping Exige Cup 260, including the lightweight flywheel and lightweight supercharger pipework. Coupled with Ohlins 2-way adjustable dampers and Eibach Springs with variable height spring platforms, unique matte-black lightweight forged wheels and super sticky Yokohama A048 LTS tires, ride and handling is as expected for a Lotus! The launch control allows the driver to determine the number of revs they wish to use during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, the driver then holds the throttle pedal down fully and sidesteps the clutch pedal for a very quick departure from the line. The clutch damper cushions the severity of the clutch to transmission engagement to minimize the stresses to the drivetrain. The launch control allows wheel-spin until 6 mph to further reduce drivetrain stress, after which the traction control assumes its duties at the defined level set by the driver. As with launch control, the amount of traction control required can be dialed in from the driver’s seat and altered on the move to suit the characteristics of particular corners. The amount of traction control can be varied in over 30 increments from an optimum 7 percent tire slip to completely inactive. The message display in the new instrument pack displays what degree of traction control is being currently utilized. Recommended retail prices of the standard road specification Lotus Exige Scura in the UK (including VAT) is £45,000. (an additional £950 is charged for on the road costs) PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Lotus EXIGE S

NEWS & REVIEWS The 79th International Geneva Motor Show sees the introduction of the exciting new 2010 Model Year Lotus Exige S with a newly designed front end, a new rear wing and impressive emissions of just 199 g/km CO2. The Lotus Exige is a renowned high performance coupe that has a well earned reputation of choice for drivers who demand uncompromised performance, both on the road and on the track. Lotus has always pursued efficiency and fuel economy and for the 2010 Model Year Lotus Exige S, Lotus has reduced the emissions to only 199 g/km CO2 and increased the fuel economy to an impressive 8.5 litres/100 km on the Official European Combined Cycle and a frugal 6.5 litres/100 km on the Official European Extra Urban Cycle. The 2010 Model Year also sees the introduction of a few key changes to the Exige to enhance the look and improve aerodynamic performance. A restyled front end and new larger, rear wing that not only reduces drag, but also gives a more muscular stance enhancing the lightweight shrink-wrapped look of the whole car. The composite rear wing is based on the design from the Exige GT3 road car concept shown at the Geneva Motorshow in 2007. Compared to the 2009 Model Year Exige tailgate mounted wing it is 181 mm wider and mounted 46 mm higher and 61 mm further back. It is attached to the rear bodyshell clam via rear end plates which not only increases the stiffness of the whole structure but also ensures that as much of the airflow as possible passes over the rear wing. This careful airflow management increases stability, reduces drag and, most importantly, maintains the impressive downforce figures of 42 kg at 160 km/h. The restyled front end includes a larger, more angular air intake mouth to help funnel more air through the radiator, to improve the efficiency of the engine system. Ahead of the front wheels on either side of the main aperture, two larger air intakes increase the airflow to the twin oil coolers. Horizontal vanes bisect these oil cooler air-intakes to stabilise the airflow to further increase the cooling efficiency. Since the Exige S2 was launched in 2004, the power has increased from 190 hp through 220 hp to 240 hp in standard road form more for the track centric Exige Cup 260 - and the new larger air intakes improve engine cooling for these current higher powered Exige variants. Mounted below the three new air intakes is a new aerodynamic splitter for the 2010 Model Year Exige. Made from a lightweight composite, the splitter is now extended to wrap around the whole of the front end and chiseled side lips are raised to deflect air around the tyres to reduce drag. Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus plc said, Over the years, the Lotus Exige has developed a hardcore fan base around the world and its popularity has placed it as one of the legendary sportscars of the 21st century. So far, over 5000 Exiges have been hand-built at our high-tech manufacturing facility making it a significant contributor to our global production. The lightweight Exige has one of the highest specific power outputs of any globally emissions certified car and 133 hp per litre is a perfect demonstration of Colin Chapmans philosophy of performance through light weight and of Lotus' relentless pursuit of efficiency. The same technology that makes a lightweight car a high performer also makes it efficient how many cars have performance figures of 0 100 km/h in 4.77 secs but produce only 199 g/km CO2? PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Lotus EXIGE Cup 260

NEWS & REVIEWS The track focused homologated-for-the-road 2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260 takes design clues and technical innovations from the Lotus Exige GT3 racecar and combines with class leading emissions and exhilarating performance of 0-62 mph in just 4.1 seconds. Over the last four-model years several hundred Exige Cup Cars have been sold, either specifically for race and track use or for a pure road going driving experience. The latest Exige Cup 260, takes the 84 pound weight savings introduced in the last year’s model, combines them with the extensive body and aerodynamic improvements and revisions introduced on the 2010 Exige and tops them off with new components and technologies. The lightweight, unpainted carbon chord composite rear wing is based on the design from the Exige GT3 road car concept. Compared to the 2009 Model Year Exige Cup 260 tailgate-mounted wing, it is 7.1 inches wider and mounted 1.8 inches higher and 2.4 inches further back. It is attached to the rear bodyshell clam via rear end plates which not only increases the stiffness of the whole structure but also ensures that as much of the airflow as possible passes over the rear wing. The restyled front end includes a larger, more angular air intake to help funnel more air through the radiator, to improve the efficiency of the engine. Ahead of the front wheels on either side of the main aperture, two larger air intakes increase the airflow to the twin oil coolers. The Exige Cup 260 now has an evolution of the rear diffuser and structural shear panel, which increases the lateral stiffness of the rear subframe by 30% further enhancing its outstanding handling. The rear diffuser and structural shear panel links the subframe to the main chassis to give greatly increased lateral stiffness, resulting in better tire contact patch control. The 2010 Exige Cup 260 weighs in at just 1,962 pounds, giving an impressive power to weight ratio. The launch control allows the driver to determine the number of revs they wish to use during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, the driver then holds their foot down fully on the throttle pedal and sidesteps the clutch pedal for a very quick departure from the line. As with launch control, the amount of traction control required can be dialed in from the driver’s seat and altered on the move to suit the characteristics of particular corners. The amount of traction control can be varied in over 30 increments from an optimum 7-percent tire slip to completely inactive. The message display in the new instrument pack displays what degree of traction control is being currently utilized. To suit individual driving styles and road conditions, drivers will now be able to tune the Exige suspension with the Ohlins two-way adjustable dampers and ride height adjustment to reduce the ride height from 5.1 to 4.7 inches. An adjustable front anti-roll bar allows customers to tailor the handling characteristics of the car to their own requirements. The supercharged and intercooled engine in the Exige Cup 260 has a maximum power output of 257 hp at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of 174 lb-ft at 6000 rpm. The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. Charge air is cooled through an air-to-air intercooler before being fed into the engine itself. All charge air ducting has been kept as short as possible with large diameter pipes to minimize restriction and maximize throttle response and efficiency. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Lotus Evora

NEWS & REVIEWS Lotus unveiled the Evora to an awaiting public at the British Motor Show today. The Lotus Evora, which was originally under the Project Eagle code name, is a 2+2 that will be powered by a Toyota-derived 3.5L V-6 producing 276 horsepower and 252 lb/ft of torque. The car will be the heaviest auto in the current Lotus line—weighing a little less than 3,000 lbs. However, don't be fooled into thinking the car is heavy; for most manufacturers the Evora would be their lightest car. The added weight is there for customer convenience. The Evora will have wider and taller door openings with a narrower sill to enable easier ingress and egress. The cabin itself is also bigger to help accommodate the large American male. Even with the added size and girth the Lotus Evora is capable of getting up to 60 mph from a standstill in under 5 seconds and will be able to reach speeds somewhere near 160 mph. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lotus EXIGE Sector 111

NEWS & REVIEWS The Sector111 Exige takes Colin Chapman’s design philosophy of “Performance through lightweight” to the next level. Sector111 has turned its 2006 Lotus Exige into a hardcore, track-ready supercar capable of world-class performance. This car, which was featured on SPEED channel’s Supercars Exposed, employs many parts seen on some of the world’s best race cars as well as some of Sector111’s own “tasty bits.” Every part on the Sector111 Exige is focused and purpose built to the highest standards. The Sector111 Exige in more detail: The Sector111 Exige started life with a normally aspirated 1.8 liter Toyota 2ZZ inline-4 engine producing 189 hp. The addition of Sector111’s Katana roots hybrid type supercharger increased the high-revving engine’s power to 240+ hp. Improving engine flow is a Larini Sport 8 inch exhaust system. This hand-crafted, lightweight system saves almost 10 pounds over the stock exhaust while giving the car a great sophisticated, tuned sound. Occupant safety is a major highlight of the Sector111 Exige. A ReVerie XC carbon fiber seat and Schroth Profi II 6-point racing harness keep occupants firmly and safely in place with the help of Sector111’s sys.6.pack (a 6-point-harness ready device that also reinforces both seats). The Sector111 Exige has a comprehensive aerodynamic package that keeps the lightened supercar planted on the road or track. A ReVerie carbon fiber front splitter, carbon fiber undertray and 5-element carbon fiber rear diffuser make the Sector111 Exige a truly flat-bottom car. The aero kit also includes ReVerie carbon fiber side skirts and carbon fiber arch louvers. A ReVerie 1650mm rear wing spans the entire width of the car and keeps the rear wheels glued to the ground. A redesigned carbon fiber roof with integrated air scoop, carbon fiber rear hatch, carbon fiber access panels and ReVerie carbon fiber side scoops all do their part in keeping the Sector111 Exige’s overall weight down to a trim 1954 lbs wet. This Exige runs on Sector111 designed stellaCORSE lightweight forged wheels (16x7 fronts, 17x8 rears). Wrapped around the beautiful stellaCORSE wheels are Toyo Proxes R888 high-performance R-compound tires. The Sector111 Exige’s combination of a lightweight body and huge brakes make it one of the most powerful braking cars on the road. The car’s AP Racing Big Brake Kit issues serious stopping force from its race engineered 2-piece rotors. A Nitron Exige GT3 triple adjustable suspension system offers great on and off track performance. Low & high speed compression and rebound levels can be adjusted to insure the Sector111 Exige’s ride is uncompromised on the track or in the canyons. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lotus EXIGE Cup 260

NEWS & REVIEWS Lotus Cars Ltd, has unveiled the 2009 Exige Cup 260. A direct development of the 2008 Exige Cup Car, this years car uses advanced light-weight components and carbon-fibre body material, to reduce the overall weight by 84 pounds to a total mass less than 200 pounds. Maximum power output of 257 hp, remains the same as the 2008 car, but with careful attention to weight reduction detail, the 2009 Model Year Exige Cup 260 provides a more agile and dynamic track focused drive and is more than capable of taming Europes most challenging race circuits. Unusually for such a focused track and road machine, the 2009 Model Year Exige Cup 260 is fully homologated for road use in Europe and key markets in Asia - a must have for many race competition programmes where a road legal car has to be entered. The Lotus Exige Cup 260 is also eligible to compete in the newly announced 2009 Lotus Cup Europe race series organized and run by LoTRDC. The Exige Cup 260 exploits the Lotus philosophy of using weight reduction to increase performance and reduce emissions. Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus commented, Lotus is now recognised globally as one of the leaders in the green automotive revolution. Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus is attributed as saying Adding power makes you faster on the straights; adding lightness makes you faster everywhere and this statement is more relevant today than it ever has been, as decreasing weight increases the cars performance and most importantly efficiency. The Exige Cup 260 follows this philosophy closely - the weight saving programme has looked at all areas of the car where components can be replaced with a lighter version (without pushing the costs beyond the reach of the serious track day driver or clubman racer) or where components can be removed completely without detracting from the purity of the driving experience: Carbon fiber resulting in a 26 pound loss: Roof Panel FIA and HANS compliant Driver and Passenger Seats One piece Carbon Fibre Dash Top Panel Rear Tailgate Front Access Panels Front Splitter Side air intake ducts Rear Spoiler Lightweight components (resulting in a further weight savings of 48 pounds): Lightweight Motorsport' Battery Ultra-light 12-Spoke Forged Alloy Wheels Revised Rear Engine Subframe with lightweight Coating Lightweight Fly Wheel Lightweight composite bulkhead panel replaces rear window Alloy Supercharger U bend pipes Footwell Pads Removing some other non essential components and equipment such as the interior and boot carpets, front mudflaps, battery cover, interior mirror, sunvisors, rear tailgate gas strut, results in a further weight saving of 8 pounds. However, should a customer wish, air conditioning and an interior noise reduction pack are available, together with the complete range of Lotus metallic, lifestyle, and premium paint colours. The 2009 Exige Cup 260 weighs in at just 1962 pounds. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lotus Evora

NEWS & REVIEWS No, we’re not hot on the Evora name either. Seems it’s a city in Portugal, so at least we should be thankful they didn’t call it Lisbon. Whatever its designation, this striking two-plus-two GT is a welcome addition to the Lotus lineup. Measuring 22-inches longer than an Elise (and three-inches shorter than a 911), it’s the first practical Lotus since the gorgeous Elan Plus 2 debuted in 1967. Powered by the same Toyota 3.5-liter V-6 used in the, err, Camry, this 2,976-pound projectile is said to be good for sub-five second zero-to-60 sprints and a 160-mph top speed. Power is rated at 280 hp—thankfully, 12-hp up on the mom ’n’ pop Camry. While the Evora is badged as a two-plus-two, we’ll bet more buyers will go for the straight two seater with extra storage space. Europe gets the first cars next summer, with the United States following in late ’09. We’re guessing at a $70K sticker. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lotus ELISE SC

NEWS & REVIEWS The cute-as-a-button Lotus Elise is still the closest you can get to driving a street-legal racecar on the road, without spending $192-grand on a Porsche 911 GT2. But two-seat go-karts aren’t always the blast they’re cracked up to be, especially in the daily commute—as anyone who has experienced the Elise’s 6,500-rpm on-cam power explosion can attest. So enter the Elise SC, with SC short for “supercharged”. Instead of the extra 19 horses being the reason to celebrate, it’s more the additional 23 lb-ft of torque. It makes the new Elise’s progress a lot less frenetic, easier to live with. Of course, it’s still blisteringly quick. With the new Eaton blower puffing away, the SC will rush to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds (0.4-sec faster than the non-supercharged) and hit 100 in 10.7. The $8,230 price hike over the regular Elise might seem steep, but the benefits are huge. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Lotus ELISE Project Kahn

NEWS & REVIEWS The Lotus Elise is the ultimate British race car for the road. Now Project Kahn has developed a complete conversion to enhance the vehicle. The most prominent element within the Project Kahn Elise package is the full aerodynamic body styling system. This completely transforms the car providing a complete and encapsulating look. the styling system comprises of front spoiler, ventilated front wings, larger side air intakes ducts, side sills and a rear boot spoiler. The Project Kahn Elise also sports a complete interior upgrade, featuring quilted nappa leather, available in a variety of colours and combinations. All seats, door panels, steering wheel and centre console are re-upholstered to add a tactile quality to the driving experience. various fabrics are also available including alcantara, suede, perforated leather, grained leather, smooth leather and many more. The performance is not ignored as the vehicles air flow system is enhanced with the addition of the Kahn sports exhaust system and the suspension is lowered with 28 stage dampeners for superior handling. Kahn Design Front Spoiler. The Project kahn, Lotus Elise front spoiler hugs the ground and gives the car a more aggressive stance. As the spoiler wraps around the front bumper the appearance is transformed into that of a race car. Kahn design rear intake ducts. The Project Kahn rear intake ducts collect and force more air into the Elise’s engine bay increasing performance by allowing for improved air flow. Kahn Design Ventilated Front Wings. The Project Kahn vented front wings add style as well as function to the Lotus, allowing the front brakes enhanced cooling for increased performance. Aerodynamic Styling System Kahn design side sills. the Project Kahn side sills add to the elise by following the lines of the car, flowing into the Project Kahn front spoiler. Kahn Design Rear Spoiler. The Kahn rear spoiler follows the exact dimensions of the car whilst adding down force for increased performance. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2008 Lotus EXIGE S

NEWS & REVIEWS If ever the term “pocket rocket” applied to a car, it’s this one, the latest supercharged Lotus Exige S. Adding a blower to Toyota’s 1.8-liter four banger has bumped up the power from 190 bhp to a more meaty 220 bhp. It sees zero-to-60-mph sprinting drop to a much more exciting 4.1 seconds—especially exciting when your butt is only inches from the asphalt. But this new S isn’t about straight-line acceleration: blower power means you can fire out of corners much faster. With 19-percent more torque, the car feels like it’s the rock in the catapult. You’re wasting your $59,890 if you don’t stick vinyl numbers to the doors and head to the track with this car because it’s only here where the real magic of this thinly veiled racecar emerges. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge