Lotus Exige S
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 01 August 2012
This British made gem does 0-62 mph in just 4 seconds. Better still, it can reach 100 mph in 8.5 seconds and stick to corners like a limpet.
It can, honestly.
I’ve been flung back into my seat and welded to the inside of the Exige S’ door enough times to know what this car is capable of while at the Lotus test track in Norfolk. The maximum speed reached in this brute is 170 mph, and because you’re seated so low in the confined cabin, everything about the Exige S feels even faster than it is.
The Difference
But wait, what exactly is the difference between a ‘normal’ Exige and the Exige S? Well, Lotus stopped making the standard Exige a while ago, and it’s now only producing it with the supercharged 3.5 V6 engine from the Evora S. The lump takes the lightweight sports car to new heights of power and is perfect for adrenalin craving petrol-heads.
The Exige S features a high performance bespoke tyre package with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres as standard. In addition, a Lotus DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) switch enables you to toggle between three driving modes: Touring, Sport and DPM-off.
Race Pack
And if three dynamic settings are not sufficient, an extra Race Pack option is available which adds a fourth driving mode setting: Race. This gives the maximum possible grip out of corners. The Race Pack also features Launch Control and an optimised suspension setting, making the car ideal for tearing up the track.
Along with its staggering clout the Exige S has a totally fresh look and feel. The spectacular styling revamp sees a new front splitter and rear spoiler, giving it a brawny, yet sleek, profile.
Inspires Confidence
The Exige S is not for the lily-livered. It scares the pants off you at first, but after a few minutes behind the wheel it inspires confidence and more than satisfies any lust for speed, power, grip - and the smell of burnt rubber. Quite frankly you can’t get more Lotus than the Exige S.
PROS ‘N’ CONS
PROS
- Fast
- Great looking
- Fun
- Image
CONS
- Cramped interior
FAST FACTS
- Max speed: 170 mph
- 0-62 mph: 4.0 secs
- Combined mpg: 28.0
- Engine: 3456 cc 24 valve supercharged V6 petrol
- Max. power (bhp): 345 at 7000 rpm
- Max. torque (lb/ft): 295 at 4500 rpm
- CO2: 236 g/km
- Price: £52,900 on the road
