Lotus New Exige S Launched in Japan | Lotus

Lotus Exige S

New Lotus Exige S Arrives in Japan

Born from the race model of the Elise, the car that represents Lotus,Eliseis the "Exige." The latest model in the "Exige" line, the "Exige S," which debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, has now been released in Japan.

Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)

Drive Mode Select Now Available

The new Lotus Exige S, a two-door, two-seater sports car featuring a lightweight 1,180kg body powered by a V6 supercharged engine producing 350ps and 400Nm of torque, has landed in Japan.

The transmission is a 6-speed manual. This Exige S has evolved for both daily driving and track use, equipped with "DPM (Dynamic Performance Management)," a stability control system jointly developed by BOSCH and Lotus. Normally, this DPM offers three modes: Touring, Sport, and DPM Off. With the optional "Race Pack" (¥380,000), the suspension is upgraded to a track-focused setup, and a "Race" mode, which provides maximum traction during cornering, is added to the DPM modes. A launch control function is also included.

The brakes are cross-drilled ventilated discs, AP-Racing 4-piston brake calipers, and braided hoses, similar to the "Evora S." The suspension utilizes Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs. Pirelli "P Zero Corsa" tires are standard, with optional "P Zero Trofeo" tires for dry circuit conditions (¥150,000) available. The aforementioned "Race Pack" option is configured with the suspension to complement the "P Zero Trofeo" tires.

Alongside a newly designed rear suspension, aerodynamic optimization is another key feature of the new model. The front splitter and rear diffuser enhance straight-line stability and increase cornering speeds on the track.

In addition to the standard interior, two package options are available: "Premium" and "Premium Sport." The Premium Interior Pack offers full leather upholstery in a choice of seven colors, while the Premium Sport Interior Pack features a cabin centered around sports seats available in Ebony Black leather or Ebony Black leather/Slate Grey suede.

The price starts at ¥8,500,000, with deliveries scheduled for December 2013.