Lotus Exige 260 - lots of carbon fiber

[L&E]

Full Press Release & Photo

LA Auto Show:
LOTUS LAUNCHES LIGHTER, MORE POWERFUL EXIGE 260

November 20, 2008

With a 17 hp bump in power and the removal of 50 lbs of weight, Lotus has once again improved upon the Exige. It’s actually hard to believe this car can get any better.

The new model will weigh just 2,020 lbs thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber parts, including carbon for the front splitter, roof panel, rear engine cover, front access panels, side air intake ducts, rear spoiler, sill covers and even the top of the dash.


Lotus didn’t stop there, however, switching out many other parts on the car for lighter versions. These include a lightweight “motorsports” battery, lighter 12-spoke forged alloy wheels, a revised rear engine subframe, a lightweight flywheel, alloy piping for the supercharger and intercooler and a composite bulkhead panel that replaces the rear window.

The removal of weight will be even more noticeable with the addition of 17 more horsepower, which brings the total to 257 (260 PS). All 257 hp are available at a loft 8000 rpm and torque of 174 ft-lbs comes on at 6000 rpm.

As expected the price has also increased, to $74, 995, but it’s a small price to pay for a machine that is this capable.

 

[CL65 Captain]

$75k????? WTF?

Ah... I think I would rather have a Z06 or GTR.

or a $10k used Miata with another $10k in turbo, suspension and brake mods that would run circles around the Lotus.

 

[matteni]

wowza!!!

Performance
The Exige 260 is one of the quickest road cars around a circuit. Key to this incredible performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces over 88 lbs. of downforce at 100 mph increasing grip and stability at higher speeds. With a top speed of 150 mph, a zero to 100 mph in about 9.9 seconds and 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.0 seconds, the 2009 Exige 260 is the perfect partner for the serious driving enthusiast.

 

[fullracehonda]

an elise/exige would be insane with a fully built honda k24 motor, pushing around 320whp 225trq naturaly aspirated ofcourse

 

[jordansx]

They should've all come a Honda engine instead. Kind of like this beast...

an elise/exige would be insane with a fully built honda k24 motor, pushing around 320whp 225trq naturaly aspirated ofcourse

Is it okay if its not NA? 550 hp in that tiny car sure sounds like a lot of fun

 

[fullracehonda]

Is it okay if its not NA? 550 hp in that tiny car sure sounds like a lot of fun

ehh, id prefer not to die:tongue:

320whp na in a 2000 pound mid engine car would already smoke pretty much everything while being able to enjoy it(not pooping your pants while you see your life flash before your eyes at WOT)

 

[Q]

As much as I like the Exige, the price point is out of hand. That car should really be no more than $50K tops.

 

[tosugrad]

$75k is a bunch but thats a lot of car (or actually NOT a lot, weight wise) for the money. This should spank a ZO6 around a track, no? I guess it depends on how many straights there are.

 

[Semnos_NSX]

ehh, id prefer not to die:tongue:

320whp na in a 2000 pound mid engine car would already smoke pretty much everything while being able to enjoy it(not pooping your pants while you see your life flash before your eyes at WOT)

You're not living if you're not pooping your pants at WOT!! :tongue: