[edit : 2 photos removed] I have posted the same images below in bigger resolution (scroll down or click here : http://www.rennteam.com/forum/thread/20348310/Re_Geneva__Lotus_Exige_S_Roadster/page1.html#p20348310)
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I like the look. Problem I see with the Exige - the Lotus was having huge success with the Elise because it was a lightweight super dynamic car. I doubt the Exige can step into the same direction as the 6 cylinder and the size just goes into the next level. Yes - I know the Elise is still available, but anyhow - as nice the Exige is, its neither the lightweigt car nor a real daily driver competitor for an 911.
Porker:
Isn't the Exige the more sporty variant, i.e. less equipped with luxuries thus lighter?
No, the former Exige is heavier than the Elise, by quite a margin (>50 kg - which is a lot in that weight spectrum). There aren't many differences to both designs. Apart from the obvious exterior differences (clamshells, frontlip, small wing, removable hardtop), the Exige was the first to be equipped with a supercharger (with a roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger - 220 hp). More powerful versions followed soon after, ranging from 240 hp up to 260 hp. Then there were the CUP Exiges, which had better track focused options, like a bigger brake kit (4-pot) from AP-Racing and much better adjustable suspensions from Öhlins, an Accusump, fire extinguisher, roll cage etc... The 2 last CUP 260 were the only Exiges that underwent a drastic weight-loss program, especially the very last model, which weighed in at only 895 kg (without rollcage).
The Elise SC had a smaller Eaton M45 supercharger with no intercooler (also 220 hp). The downside with this supercharger was that it was almost impossible to tune it further, without exchanging the supercharger. That's the reason why there were never more powerful versions of the Elise from Lotus (there exist aftermarket tuner solutions however, e.g. with 300 hp)
The Exige wing (in the S2 model) was not attached to the chassis, so it was more of gimmick to produce an "aggressive and sporty look". The roof was also removable, and didn't add much to the stiffness of the car. The roof scoop in the first supercharged versions was closed, so it didn't have any purpose other than to look "cool". In the later more powerful versions they suck a bit of air in.
The Exige also came out with semi slicks from the factory, unless differently ordered, while the Elise always came with road tires. This, together with the more aggressive look, was enough for the press to pretend that the Exige were the more sporty variant... although it wasn't, the Elise could have been ordered with exactly the same options. The downforce kit on the Exige was not very effective and the car itself was heavier than the Elise.
The advantages of the Exige over the Elise : it looks "cooler" if you dig the coupe like and more aggressive look and it exists in more powerful OEM versions. Many Elise owners switch over to the Exige at some point because they want "a change" and more power.
The avantages of the Elise over the Exige : for some the Exige looks "too aggressive". It is a cabriolet of some sort (although you could also take the roof off of the Exige, but this is somewhat frowned upon by the Lotus community - don't ask). The Elise is as performant than the Exige on track if both have the same power and are equipped with the same options (which is possible). The Elise is slightly more nimble due to its lighter weight, while the Exige might be slightly more stable in fast corners due to its frontlip and its small wing (but don't expect wonders, both design concepts have horrible aerodynamic coefficients).
I haven't covered the older S1 Exige/Elise for now, but it's almost the same story.
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Lotus unleashes its fastest roadster EVER: The Exige S Roadster.
More raw than a Japanese tasting menu, the Lotus Exige S Roadster combines its coupé twin’s mesmerizing grunt and handling with an open air experience that makes the driver feel all the more at one with the road.
It’s the first time an Exige model has been offered with a factory-fitted soft top roof, one which is typically lightweight and easy to put up and take down.
In true Lotus fashion the finely tuned suspension delivers a responsive ride and sublimely agile handling, whilst the supercharged 3.5 V6 engine with race-derived technologies delivers stunning performance. Reaching 100 kph from standing in a neck-snapping 4 seconds (0 – 60 mph in 3.8 seconds) and 0-160 kph (0-100 mph) in 8.5 seconds this little roadster packs a punch both on and off the track. The top speed for the Exige S Roadster is 233 kph (145 mph) and it produces just 236 g of CO2 per km.
With a targeted weight of just under 1100 kg, this is one of the lightest six-cylinder roadsters on the market by some margin.
Outside, it’s a fine balance of beauty and the beast. The drop-top adds extrovert style to the Exige’s already muscular contours, at the same time it is an elegant machine that keeps its clenched fist under wraps.
The Roadster comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, but will also be available with Lotus’ Serial Precision Shift (SPS), a paddle-operated automated manual transmission, which makes life more relaxed in the city and more F1-like when it’s let off the leash. The SPS gearbox means the driver never has to take their hands off the wheel, it prevents errors during shifting, and it is lighter and more compact than a normal torque-converter transmission.
The car comes with two different suspension settings. There’s the standard setting for an active driving experience suited to public roads; and an optional setting as part of the Race Pack for maximum performance, developed for track use. The launch control system can be activated when the car is in Race mode.
Inside, the car is a lesson in stylish minimalism and functionality. The customer can specify a comfort enhanced plush interior or go for a more stripped down, sporty option.
The car has been developed for the main markets such as Europe and Asia. The Exige S Roadster will not be available to the U.S market.
Fuel economy figures for the Exige S Roadster with manual gearbox: Urban 14.5 l/100km (19.5 mpg), Extra urban 7.6 l/100km (37.2 mpg), Combined 10.1 l/100 km (28.0 mpg). CO2 emissions for the Exige S Roadster: 236 g/km
[Source]
Mar 8, 2012 12:51:04 PM