The Lotus stand at 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show is pretty busy considering that the manufacturer brought its latest achievements including the street-legal Exige S, and the competition Exige GT with which the British company plans to make its comeback to the world of rallying.
Following the teaser released a few days ago, the road-going Exige S was finally unveiled in Frankfurt by CEO Dany Bahar. Still, it might not be the sort of Lotus Exige you were expecting because somewhat deviates from Lotus’ philosophy of making ultra-lightweight sports cars with small displacement engines as it brings in the Evora S’ 3.5-liter supercharged V6 that produces 350-ponies.
This “ultimate lightweight high performance sportscar” comes bearing a new look inside and out, as well as a brand new engine that adds an impressive 130HP increase over the previous model. On the other hand, it is also 145kg (310 pounds) heavier at 1,080kg (2,381 lbs).
At a glimpse, the new 2012 Lotus Exige S does look similar to the predecessor, but there are a number of distinct clues that set it apart. The main of which being the slightly redesigned panels including a new face, headlights and single-piece nose. From the back, it’s completely revised including new taillights, a new spoiler and a big rear wing.
The Exige S will also be equipped with a high performance bespoke tire package with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires (front 205/45 R17, rear 265/45 R18) as standard, matched up with 17- or 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels. In addition to that, it will be offered with a Lotus DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) switch that allows the driver to change between three driving modes: Touring, Sport and DPM off.
Dynamic Performance Management (DPM)
Corner Brake Control (CBC)
Drag Torque Control (DTC)
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)*
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)*
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)*
Understeer Recognition
All apart from * can be completely switched off.
While the exterior comes slightly revised, the interior for the 2012 Lotus Exige S doesn’t get a whole lot of changes, but it does some package options.
Premium Pack
Choice of leather color: Ebony Black, Ivory White, Venom Red, Cognac Brown, Imperial Blue, Cocoa Brown, Ash Grey
Leather center console
Fully covered foot well area (carpet + leather)
Sport/Premium steering wheel in full black leather leather sills
Door panels in leather
Metal bezel around gear and handbrake gaiter
Sport/Premium seats in full leather
Full sound insulating material
Dark trinket tray
Face-level air vents covered in leather
Premium Pack Sport SuedeTex
Ebony Black/Slate Grey SuedeTex interior combination, SuedeTex center console
Black floor mats
Sport/Premium steering wheel with dark grey leather
Dark grey binnacle top
Door panels in carbon effect leather
Metal bezel around gear and handbrake gaiter
Sport/Premium seats with carbon effect leather inserts
Sound insulating material
Carbon Pack (Premium Pack required)
Carbon center console
Carbon sill covers
Carbon air conditioning controls
Carbon air conditioning vents
Carbon binnacle surround and binnacle top
Carbon Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) switch panel
Race Pack
4 mode Lotus DPM system including launch control
Exhaust bypass valve override switch
Optimized suspension to suit the Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo tyre characteristics
Convenience Pack
Trinket tray divider
USB connection
cup holder
Commenting on the Exige S, Group Lotus Chief Executive Officer Dany Bahar said: “Anyone who has ever driven an Exige will tell you that it’s not for the faint-hearted. The new Exige S skips a few rungs on the ladder to give the driver the ultimate Lotus experience. Quite simply you can’t get more Lotus than the Exige S.”
As we said at first, the Exige S is accompanied by the R-GT competition model that will participate in the newly formed FIA GT category of the FIA Rally Championship on asphalt in Monte Carlo, Tour de Corse and San Remo.
The 2012 Lotus R-GT gets its power from a V6 3.5-litre engine as the new road Exige S. However, it features changes to the gearbox and the restrictors on the engine in order to control the power.
“With the new R-GT rules in rally, it’s a very interesting time for us to return to the sport,” said Lotus’ Director of Motorsport Claudio Berro.
“Naturally our approach this time around will be different to when we won the championship three decades ago, but I think our philosophy is definitely the same, we want to compete and ultimately we want to win. Our new rally car, the Exige R-GT is a dream come true for those who are passionate about GT racing – this will be their car,” Berro added.
Technical specification:
Chassis
Steel rollcage specifically designed and ASN and FIA homologated, bolted and bonded on the original aluminum chassis
Weight: 1200 kg as by FIA R-GT technical regulation
Front and rear specific underbody protections
WRC style crew side protections and lexan side windows
Roof cockpit air scoop
Suspension
Front and rear double A-arms
3 ways adjustable front and rear specific dampers
Engine
V6 supercharged 3.5l
Power 302 bhp
34 mm air restrictors as required by FIA tech rules for R-GT
Transmission
6 ratio sequential gearbox, two homologated final drives
LSD differential
Specific halfshafts
Brake
Specific front and rear disc and bells
Upgraded front and rear calipers
Hydraulic “fly-off” handbrake
Improved air cooling
Wheels and tyres
7” x 17” front rims 8”x18” alternative front rims
205-62/17 front tyre
8” x 18” rear rims
225-65/18 rear tyre
