- Lightweight, agile chassis
- Excellent steering feel
- Outstanding dynamics
- Track-oriented design brings shortcomings: cramped and noisy interior, stiff ride, heavy steering for low-speed manoeuvres
- Lacks features of rivals
Overview
Released in April 2001, the Lotus Series I Exige was a two-seat, mid-engined coupe. Manufactured in Norfolk, England, the rear-wheel drive Exige was powered by the 1.8-litre twin K-Series engine which featured double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable valve control (VVC) which provided continuously variable timing and duration for the inlet valve openings; a five-speed manual transmission was fitted as standard. The Series I Exige could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.
Like the Series I Elise on which it was based, the Series I Elise had an epoxy-bonded extruded aluminium chassis with a hand-finished fiberglass bodyshell. The Exige, however, had a fixed roof and was powered by the VHPD (Very High Performance Derivative) version of the Rover-sourced K-Series engine. Visually, the Exige was also differentiated by its front and rear clams, larger wheels and rear spoiler.
Dimensions
Compared to the Elise, the Exige was 54 mm longer (at 3780 mm), 19 mm wider (1720 mm) and 27 mm lower (1175 mm), though wheelbase length (2300 mm) was unchanged; kerb mass was also unchanged at 690 kg.
Suspension
The Exige had full adjustable double wishbone suspension (front and rear) with co-axial coil springs and inverted monotube dampers.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exige | 1.8-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 133 kW at 7800 rpm | 171 Nm at 5000 rpm |
Features
Standard features for the Series I Exige included alloy wheels, a radio with two speakers, air conditioning, contoured sports seats with leather and alcantara trim, driving lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an alarm and immobiliser.
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