Lotus makes even lighter Exige Sport 350

Lotus has  created an even lighter version of its already lightweight Sport 350 that carves another 26kg off its 1126kg kerb weight.

Claimed by the Norfolk-based car-maker as leaving the "hardest until last”, the new limited-edition Exige sheds the kilos with lighter body panels, a new lithium-ion battery, thinner sound insulation, an exposed gear lever mechanism and a new ultra-light centre console.

Only available with the six-speed manual transmission, the 350 Special Edition comes with the same 257kW/400Nm supercharged Toyota-derived 3.5-litre V6 as the Sport 350 -- and there's no new performance claims.

However, the lighter new 350 Special Edition could potentially beat the Sport's 3.9-second sprint time to 100km/h and exceed its maximum top speed of 274km/h.

As well as the weight-savings, Lotus says a revised front boot panel, some body revisions, a big rear wing and large diffuser all contribute to 42kg of downforce at 160km/h.

Available in just four colours, the 350 Special Edition also wears a pair of new lightweight matte black forged alloys wheels.

Standard equipment includes cruise control, floor mats, Bluetooth hands-free and a standard infotainment system.

It's not known if the 350 Special Edition is heading Down Under. In the UK the latest, pricing for the limited-edition Exige begins at around $97,000.