Exige S for 2008

A revised Lotus Exige S has been announced by the local importer, Lotus Cars Australia.

For 2008, the lightweight sports car -- and the Elise on which it's based -- gains new instrumentation, improved security, a revised exterior colour palette and the option of a Performance Pack, which lifts power to 179kW and torque to 230Nm.

New instruments feature a white-on-black graphic scheme and the speedo now reads to 300km/h. Two flashing indicators ('left' and 'right') on the dash replace the single flashing light fitted previously. Drivers are now alerted to shift up a gear by three red lights that illuminate sequentially in the last 500rpm of the rev range before the redline is reached. This feature supersedes the earlier shift indicator, consisting of a single LED.

A red-on-black LCD message panel is another new feature and can scroll messages concerning the vehicle's fuel, engine temperature and odometer status. In addition, the LCD can digitally display time, distance or speed in either MPH or km/h. Warning lights are concealed and only display when necessary.

To enhance security, Lotus has introduced a one-piece key and fob, which accommodates the hardware for the immobiliser/alarm and provides a duress alarm facility.

Buyers of the Exige can specify a Performance Pack, which raises power from the standard car's 163kW to 179kW. Peak power occurs at 8000rpm. Similarly, torque is improved from 215Nm to 230Nm, at 5500rpm.

The Performance Pack consists of a Magnuson/Eaton M62 supercharger, faster-flowing fuel injectors, a heavy duty clutch system to handle the additional torque and a larger scoop on the roof. Cross-drilled and ventilated disc rotors at the front measure 308mm in diameter and are clamped by uprated pads mounted within AP Racing four-piston callipers. The brake hoses are braided for durability and efficiency.

Launch control for the Exige with the Performance Pack is operated from a dial on the steering column, allowing the driver to select the maximum revs for a standing start. A clutch damper reduces shock from the launch to the drivetrain components and the launch control restricts wheelspin until 10km/h -- at which point the standard traction control assumes command. Traction control can also be manually adjusted by the driver, with 30 incremental calibrations available -- ranging from seven per cent tyre slip to totally disabled.

Lotus claims the Performance Pack Exige S will reach 100km/h from a standing start in 4.16 seconds and top 245km/h. Even with the improved performance, the optioned Exige S returns a fuel consumption figure of 9.1L/100km.

Since the worldwide adoption of airbags as standard in the Lotus Elise and Exige, the existing option packs for the Elise and Exige have been rationalised and now comprise just two: Touring and Sport packs.

The Exige S specified with the Touring pack now features:

Leather or Microfibre suede-look interior
Leather trimmed centre console and handbrake gaiter
iPod connectivity for the audio system
Full carpets with embroidered logo
Auxiliary driving lights
Sound insulation kit
Retractable aluminium cup holder

The Exige S Sport pack includes:

Manually switchable traction control
Sport seats
Adjustable front anti-roll bar
T45 steel roll-over hoop and struts with integrated harness bar

Touring and Sport packs can be combined.

Prices are $8000 for the Exige S Touring Pack, $6000 for the Exige S Sport Pack and $11,000 for the Exige S Performance Pack.

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