2008 Lotus Exige

2008 Lotus Exige Pictures

MSRP:: $56,990 - $64,890
Invoice:: N/A

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Overview:

The 2007 Exige S carries over for 2008 with the addition of the new S 240 and a limited edition Club Racer. The non-supercharged base model is discontinued in the U.S. The Elise and the Exige (pronounced ex-seej, �??challenging�?� in French), both first introduced in 2006, share an extruded aluminum frame and �??a family resemblance.�?� However, every Exige body panel, except the doors, is different from the Elise.

The Exige S gets the same engine as the new Elise SC. Yamaha builds the 1.8-liter Toyota engine using its variable cam/valve technology. A Roots-type supercharger producing 7.3 psi of boost is added. Its intercooler mounts atop the engine completely blocking the rear view, while an air scoop built into the Exige�??s fixed roof feeds in the cool air. The engine spins out 218 hp at 8,000 rpm with 80% of its maximum 156 lb.-ft. of torque produced at just over 2,000 rpm. Lotus gives a 4.1 second 0-60 time and 11 seconds for 0-100 with 150 mph as the top speed. Yet, with all this performance, Lotus claims 20/26 mpg for gas mileage.

The S 240 ups the power with 240 hp and 170 lb.-ft. of torque derived from the Exige S engine by recalibrating the engine management system, enlarging the roof scoop and extending it to the edge of the windshield, and using a larger intercooler. Lotus claims the gas mileage remains the same. Acceleration, however, improves slightly with the 0-60 jump accomplished in 4 seconds flat and 0-100 coming up in 10 seconds. An upgraded clutch plate cover transmits this extra power to the six-speed manual transmission.

Standard equipment only on the S 240 includes variable traction and launch controls. The traction control system allows the driver to literally dial with a knob on the steering column eleven different traction settings from one - the least to ten - the most and eleven �?? off. Launch control allows perfect blast-offs from a standing start if you follow the proper sequence: Set the rev limiter, floor the accelerator, engage the gear, slip foot off the clutch, tire smoke, gone!

Only 20 copies of the limited edition Club Racer are offered in the U.S. This model is a street legal edition aimed specifically at the racing enthusiast. Starting with the Exige S model and retaining its performance levels, the Club Racer is offered in only one paint scheme: Club Racer Blue with contrasting black center tri-stripes. The interior features Microfibre �?? a moisture wicking fabric - throughout the seats and door panels. Upgrades include 4-piston AP front calipers and pads and Alpine sound system along with Starshield and dealer-installed twin fog lamps. The Touring Pack, Super Touring Pack, air conditioning, and a new sports exhaust are also included.

Reviewers are enthusiastically unanimous in their raves for the handling, braking, and steering of the Exige line. AutoWeek�??s comments are typical, �??That means the Exige beats everything we�??ve tested in the nimbleness and tossability category, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Evos, STIs and Porsches.�?� What�??s left!

Standard equipment on all Exiges: a new gauge cluster with trip computer, an ABS system with Lotus/AP Racing and Brembo calipers with ventilated/cross-drilled brakes, forged alloy wheels (16-inch front and 17-inch rear) with Yokohama Advan Neova ultra performance tires, Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs, power windows and locks, leather-trimmed Momo steering wheel, anti-theft system with engine immobilizer, aluminum handbrake and shift knob, a four-speaker Alpine stereo with CD player, and black cloth ProBax anatomically designed seats which are said to improve blood flow to the legs negating the need for an adjustable lumbar.

Weighing in at only 2,077 pounds reviewers all noted the rather spartan interior �?? this is a driver�??s car; there is even a check box on the order form to not order the air conditioning for weight saving purposes. After all, full floor carpeting and a cup holder are part of the Touring Pack option package, which also includes a thermal and sound insulated soft top, full leather seat and door trim, a leather-trimmed center console, an iPod connector, and �??additional sound insulation.�?� Minimal safety equipment, besides the car�??s handling and braking capabilities, includes driver and passenger airbags. There is also a Track Pack for even more race course refinement by adding adjustable dampers and spring perches.

Reviewers have no doubt that the Exige is a race car that can be licensed for the street, but unless you enjoy ultra-stiff suspension it should not be driven on public roads. But for the weekend racer, Road and Track called it, �??the best street-legal production track car you can buy.�?� (less) (more)

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History of the Lotus Exige

[Edit] Here's what Lotus has to say about their cars, "A Lotus will provide a pure and unparalleled driving experience and a platform that will allow you to be fully involved while you build your driving skills." They say it's not a car but a "precision instrument that you will use in your quest for the perfect drive." Wow. Now that's confidence in one's product.
And when their product looks like this, how can they not be confident? As the coupe version of the Lotus Elise roadster, the Exige is beautiful and sleek, with everything it needs and nothing it doesn't. The first Exige was built in 2000 with various characteristics that distinguished it from the Elise. It features a rear spoiler, a split intake, and broader arches at the wheels.
The Series 2 Exige rolled out in 2004, and then the next year a limited edition supercharged Exige 240R was released; these rare cars came only in Lotus' signature colors, black or yellow. With their 1.8-liter Toyota engine, they are capable of 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds, reaching a maximum of 155 mph.
The left-hand drive 2007 Exige S for North America became available in 2006. Now its exotic beauty will be easier for Lotus enthusiasts to get their eager hands on.

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