Lotus Exige 'stealth' car

As one of only two international car manufacturers exhibiting at the 2009 Tokyo motor show, Lotus is injecting a touch of European flair by unveiling the new Exige Scura in Japan.

Scura, which can be translated from Italian as 'dark', characterises the car's persona, evidenced in its menacing matte black finish and carbon fibre accents.

Just 35 Exige Scura special edition models will be built by Lotus and the few that make it to Japan will be badged as Exige 'Stealth'.

Powered by a mid-mounted, supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that propels the compact sports car from rest to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds, the Lotus Exige Scura is lighter than its donor car, thanks to a smattering of carbon fibre.

Tipping the scales at 925 kilograms, it's 10kg lighter than the Exige S, due to carbon fibre body kit parts -- front splitter, side air intakes, oil cooler inlet vanes, rear spoiler -- and interior components, such as carbon sports seats and dash pad elements.

The matte black colour scheme features body-length "Phantom Black" and the forged alloy wheels get a dark finish as well, shod with ultra-sticky Yokohama A048 LTS tyres.

With a redone carbon fibre interior, the car's stealthy image is matched by a combination of blistering performance and remarkable fuel economy.

While generating 191kW at a screaming 8000rpm, it still manages an average fuel consumption figure of 8.5L/100km and emits 199 grams of CO2 per kilometre -- more economical than the re-engineered VE Commodore's 3.0-litre six.

Peak torque of 236Nm hits the crankshaft at 6000rpm and is transferred to the rear wheels via a C64 six-speed manual gearbox. The 0-100km time is 4.1 seconds, while the zero to 160km/h is 9.9 seconds. The car has a v-max of 245km/h.

The Lotus Exige Scura also benefits from variable slip traction and launch control systems, which are designed to maximise the race track experience. Two-way adjustable Ohlins dampers are also part of the package and keen drivers can adjust the car's ride height.

The order book for the new 'stealth' car begins on October 21st and Lotus says it will accept orders from Australian buyers. It is priced at £45,950 in the UK, which is about A$80,000. However the Lotus Exige S currently sells for $114,990, so expect the Scura to be priced slightly higher.

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