2014 Lotus Exige S Review
You now have the choice between hardtop (coupe) or softtop (roadster) versions of the Lotus Exige S with the introduction of the low-slung model this week. And they are the same, priced at $126,990.
Sip, it's a good piece of cabbage, but when you look at what you get in a sexy two-seater with supercar performance, it's a bargain.
Design
The roadster is slightly different from the coupe in the dynamic setting, with moderately softer suspension and a more road-oriented feel, as well as 10kg lighter (1166kg). This is a far cry from previous offerings from the British sports car specialist, some of which weighed around 800kg.
The "middle" engine is more towards the rear of the car and is connected to the rear wheels via a close ratio six-speed manual transmission.
Powertrain
But the Exige S Roaster makes up for it in the engine bay. Gone was Toyota's wild 1.8-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine from previous Exige S models, which was replaced by Toyota's powerful 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine.
Lotus completely reworks the engine (Aurion) in conjunction with the blower setup, adding their own engine computer and other useful features to get it to do what they require. And that, readers, is called "to stand and speak out."
Driving
How does it capture you? 0-second 100-km/h arguably better than a Porsche, steering precision, race-grade AP brakes, ultra-grip Pirelli tires and an extruded aluminum box-section chassis with no flex whatsoever. It's the ultimate car for enthusiastic driving enthusiasts, and the damp feeling fades quickly compared to similar cars, some of which cost tens of thousands more. Compared to Lotus, they are not as attractive.
The turns are sensational and this thing clings to the road like a magnet. The engine develops a power output of 257 kW/400 Nm and accelerates very strongly immediately after idling, without a noticeable power band and power surges. This "everything goes" is accompanied by the welcome accompaniment of the high-pitched exhaust from the center-mounted twin tailpipes.
Biased Options
Some electronic control systems are used, including a form of torque vectoring to supplement three (or additional) four-position drive modes including Touring, Sport and Off. Pay a little more and you get a race mode with Launch Control, Race Setting and suspension mods. It is well suited for track racing and club-level motorsports...and more.
The bodywork is a type of high-tech resin cladding on a box section chassis that has become standard on Lotus.
Components
High-quality patented parts adorn every part of the car - Eibach springs, Bilstein dampers, AP brakes, Harrop supercharger, forged alloy wheels - but the interior looks quite plain. It is almost the same as earlier Lotus models but with a more luxurious dashboard and other minor changes and additions.
The cabin is compact and allows you to place two passengers close to each other.
The "soft top" consists of approximately one square meter of vinyl fabric that you roll by hand.
practical matters
In practice, the roadster consumes 10.1 l / 100 km from a 42-liter tank. Aerodynamics is rated at the amazing Cd41. It has 17" front and 18" rear tires.
The "trunk" is small, and the sports seats are reasonably adjustable. Tall drivers will fit easily. Four option packages are available to tailor your Exige S Roadster to your liking.
Stunning Ferrari-like performance, raw and exciting driving experience, impressive looks for a fraction of the price. This is a credit to the philosophy of Lotus founder Colin Chapman.
