2014 Lotus Exige S Roadster arrives

Lotus launched its fastest convertible ever, the supercharged 258kW Exige S Roadster, in Australia this week.

Previously announced as a $119,990 (plus ORC) proposition, the Exige S Roadster and its Coupe counterpart saw $7000 price rises in February, pegging them both at $126,990.

Lotus says the price hikes are due to currency fluctuations in the UK, and affect the other two models in the range, Elise and Evora, with price increases ranging between $1000 and $11,000.

The newly launched Lotus Exige S Roadster is almost identical to the Coupe in terms of equipment and power output. It's propelled by the same Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6, augmented by an Australian-supplied Harrop supercharger. Driving the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, the mid-mounted engine's vital statistics are 258kW/400Nm. 

Although a kerb weight of 1166kg is significantly heavier than its four-cylinder forebear, the weight is offset by the beefier six-cylinder engine, which delivers an eye-watering 0-100km/h dash of just 3.96 seconds.

Despite the increase in price for its scalpel-sharp sports cars, the arrival of the open-top Roadster is the next step in Lotus's revamped model range and will help boost sales for the marque in Australia by 25 per cent in 2014, says the company's regional chief. According to VFACTS Lotus sold 71 cars in 2013.

"We will definitely grow sales in 2014," says Alastair Manihera, brand manager for Lotus Australia and New Zealand.

"We're looking at about 25 per cent increase in sales. That's predominantly based on this new Exige S model," says the Lotus boss.

The Exige S Coupe was launched last year and is now joined by the Roadster, and between them they will account for almost half of all Lotus sales says Manihera.

The Elise will be the other big seller, starting at $68,990, while the softer, premium Evora model will be a niche player for the brand, priced from $130,990. The key to growth, says Manihera, is the expanding product portfolio, but also Lotus's commitment to a long term plan.

"People are looking for not just a sports car, but the viability to know the brand's going to be around for a while. There's no point in buying a car and not having the continuity and know that someone's going to be there to service and support the car.

"Now potential customers are starting to see continuity and owners are talking about future product lines, so there's a future investment now, and they're starting to come back and consider a Lotus again, which is good," says Manihera.

The Lotus Exige S Roadster is 10kg lighter than its identically-priced Coupe sibling, due to the removal of the large rear wing and front chin spoiler, and features a slightly softer suspension tune.

It has a top speed of 233km/h and comes as standard with AP racing calipers that clamp 350mm discs up front and 332mm rotors at the rear. ABS and a three-mode stability control system are also gratis.

The car is fairly comprehensively equipped (for a Lotus) with air conditioning and four speaker audio system with USB port, CD player and electric windows as standard.

There's a convenience pack ($950) that adds a hand-made alloy and leather cup holder, billet trinket tray and cruise control. There's also a race pack option ($5400) that adds a fourth stability control mode, 'race', along with launch control.

Manihera says 2014 will be a stronger year for the brand in Australia thanks to a full model line-up and prompt delivery times.

"Fortunately this year we now have a full contingent of cars available, and more cars on the water [in transit via container ship], which we haven't had before. And we have cars on the line that we're satisfied will be coming through on time.

"There's a more proactive response from our community of what's going on. We still have some work to do, but it's improving," said the Lotus boss.

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