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  • Lotus Exige Scura: Matte Black Special Coming To Tokyo

    Lotus Exige Scura: Matte Black Special Coming To Tokyo October 19th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 19th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    Lotus Exige Scura: Matte Black Special Coming To Tokyo

    In a way, all Lotus cars are limited-editions, in that they don't produce hundreds of thousands of vehicles per year. On the other hand, there are the truly special models, like the Scura, or "Stealth," unveiled today ahead of the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

    Just 35 examples of the Scura will be built globally, making this Exige exclusive in the extreme. It's purely an appearance package, however, with the  internals more than up to the job of special-edition duty.

    “The Exige Scura is a stunning vehicle which offers an adrenaline fuelled experience and is a real head-turner!  Our Exige customers choose Lotus because we deliver thrilling...

    In a way, all Lotus cars are limited-editions, in that they don't produce hundreds of thousands of vehicles per year. On the other hand, there are the truly special models, like the Scura, or "Stealth," unveiled today ahead of the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Just 35 examples of the Scura will be built globally, making this Exige exclusive in the extreme. It's purely an appearance package, however, with the  internals more than up to the job of special-edition duty. “The Exige Scura is a stunning vehicle which offers an adrenaline fuelled experience and is a real head-turner!  Our Exige customers choose Lotus because we deliver thrilling performance and dynamic design and this special edition fits the bill on both counts,” said Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars. It's official unveiling is set for October 21, but today's press release reveals the car in all its matte-black glory. High-gloss Phantom Black stripes offer some muted contrast, while a carbon fiber front splitter, oil cooler inlet vanes and rear spoiler give a high-tech accent. Inside, the Scura gets more carbon fiber trim and a corresponding weight reduction, cutting the dash to 62 mph to just 4.1 seconds. An anthracite anodized aluminum gearknob and handbrake lever help carry the dark theme forward, though the interior carbon fiber elements are finished in a gloss lacquer rather than matte. A number of standard features make the Exige Scura more capable and more rewarding to drive than a base-level car, including standard launch and Lotus adjustable traction control, Ohlins two-way adjustable dampers, and a track pack aerodynamics kit that yields about 90 pounds of downforce at 100 mph. Pricing starts at £45,000 in the UK and about €60,000 in the EU, so if the car makes its way Stateside, expect to hand over about $75,000-$80,000 for the chance to own one. Read More

  • 2010 Lotus Exige S 240 Preview

    2010 Lotus Exige S 240 Preview October 2nd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 2nd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    2010 Lotus Exige S 240 Preview

    Now more than ever the car industry is taking pains to get the most out of its existing products, but that doesn't mean they have to be bland repeats of previous models. Lotus, for example, carries over most of the features of the 2009 Exige S 240 for the 2010 model year, but manages to keep things exciting.

    It gets a new front clip and rear wing to help distinguish it from last year's model, but in terms of performance, the car is identical to the outgoing model. A Toyota 2ZZ-GE 1.8-liter engine fed by a supercharger generates 240 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 170 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm. That's good for a 4.1-second 0-60 mph time...

    Now more than ever the car industry is taking pains to get the most out of its existing products, but that doesn't mean they have to be bland repeats of previous models. Lotus, for example, carries over most of the features of the 2009 Exige S 240 for the 2010 model year, but manages to keep things exciting. It gets a new front clip and rear wing to help distinguish it from last year's model, but in terms of performance, the car is identical to the outgoing model. A Toyota 2ZZ-GE 1.8-liter engine fed by a supercharger generates 240 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 170 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm. That's good for a 4.1-second 0-60 mph time and a top speed of 150 mph all while returning 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The rear wing is sure to grab attention, but it's there for more than just looks: replacing the decklid-mounted spoiler from the 2009 model, the 2010 Exige S 240's wing is actually based on the one from the Exige GT3 road car concept from 2007, and it's designed to do serious work at speed. At 7.1 inches wider and 1.8 inches higher, it grabs more clean air for better performance, while mounting it 2.4 inches further back helps smooth out airflow behind the car. Big structural end plates further enhance the efficiency of the wing, enough to give 93 pounds of downforce at 100 mph. Aside from the standard fare of Lotus' track-tuned and adjustable launch and traction control, a 2,077-pound curb weight and the famed Lotus suspension tuning, the 2010 Exige S 240 also gets the same airbag, tire pressure monitoring system and instrument pack from the 2009 Exige. The 2010 Lotus Exige S 240 will be launched in the U.S. this fall, starting from the same price as last year's car at $65,690. Read More

  • Lotus USA now offering supercharger kits for standard Elise, Exige

    Lotus USA now offering supercharger kits for standard Elise, Exige August 3rd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, August 3rd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 4 Comments

    Lotus USA now offering supercharger kits for standard Elise, Exige The power-to-lightness ratio of the naturally-aspirated Lotus Elise and Exige models has never been found lacking, being some of the most competent street/track cars available today. But for those that would like a little more grunt with their grace, Lotus Cars USA is now offering the same kit available on the Lotus Elise SC as a standalone upgrade for existing Elise and Exige owners.

    The kit uses the same supercharger and integrated intake manifold as the production Elise SC, and can be installed on any Elise or Exige with the Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine. Power output is increased from the standard 189hp to 218hp when the kit is applied in... The power-to-lightness ratio of the naturally-aspirated Lotus Elise and Exige models has never been found lacking, being some of the most competent street/track cars available today. But for those that would like a little more grunt with their grace, Lotus Cars USA is now offering the same kit available on the Lotus Elise SC as a standalone upgrade for existing Elise and Exige owners. The kit uses the same supercharger and integrated intake manifold as the production Elise SC, and can be installed on any Elise or Exige with the Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine. Power output is increased from the standard 189hp to 218hp when the kit is applied in conjunction with new high-flow fuel injectors and a reprogrammed ECU. Fitting the extra power bits into the Elise's already tight mid-engine bay is no doubt a feat of engineering, so the availability of the factory-engineered piece will be a welcome addition to many Lotus-filled garages. More than just raw power, however, the upgrade lifts torque output to 155lb-ft and moves the torque peak down to a much more available and enjoyable 5,000rpm from the 6,800rpm naturally-aspirated peak. That will give the Elise and Exige much more stoplight potential as well as better part-throttle response in real-world driving conditions. “Lotus Elise and Exige owners are genuine driving enthusiasts and that’s what has attracted them to Lotus cars in the first place,” said Lotus Cars USA Director of Operations Arnie Johnson. “They will fully appreciate the dramatically enhanced driving character these Lotus Supercharger Kits will bring their vehicles and the peace of mind from a fully warranted, factory engineered kit.” Pricing hasn't been released yet, but the kit is available for purchase and installation at all U.S. and Canadian authorized Lotus dealers. Read More

  • Mike Kimberley leaves position as Lotus CEO

    Mike Kimberley leaves position as Lotus CEO July 20th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 20th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 1 Comment

    Mike Kimberley leaves position as Lotus CEO With a recipe for lightweight, fun and fast trackday cars for the street, Lotus Cars has been on a roll of late. The new Evora has been widely hailed as a styling hit, and as initial test drives roll in, it is also being recognized as an able sportscar. But for Mike Kimberley, CEO of Lotus, the ride stops here.

    Kimberley announced his retirement on Friday. Kimberley is stepping down not due to any professional or business reason, but rather on the advice of his doctor, who has warned him that retirement is necessary to avoid further permanent injury of his problematic back, reports Automotive News.

    Having worked for Lotus several times,... With a recipe for lightweight, fun and fast trackday cars for the street, Lotus Cars has been on a roll of late. The new Evora has been widely hailed as a styling hit, and as initial test drives roll in, it is also being recognized as an able sportscar. But for Mike Kimberley, CEO of Lotus, the ride stops here. Kimberley announced his retirement on Friday. Kimberley is stepping down not due to any professional or business reason, but rather on the advice of his doctor, who has warned him that retirement is necessary to avoid further permanent injury of his problematic back, reports Automotive News. Having worked for Lotus several times, Kimberley's leadership has been undoubtedly solid over the last four years. Some of his previous projects - which included the front-wheel drive Lotus Elan roadster - were not as well-received, but the Elise, Exige and now the Evora are a strong trio of success to cap his 56-year career in the autmotive industry.2010 Lotus Evora Read More

  • Lotus backs America’s fledgling Lotus Challenge Series as official sponsor

    Lotus backs America’s fledgling Lotus Challenge Series as official sponsor June 27th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, June 27th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 0 Comments

    Lotus backs America’s fledgling Lotus Challenge Series as official sponsor The Lotus Challenge Series was begun in 2008 by long-time Lotus enthusiast Jim Navarro along with support from fellow Lotus enthusiasts Jack Fried and Robb Bonanno. To help expand the Lotus Challenge Series to the East Coast and continually improve the series, Jim recently took on a fellow racer as a partner in the series – Tom Hughes. Furthermore, Lotus’s American arm has also agreed to become the title sponsor for the 2009 season.

    The inaugural year of the Lotus Challenge Series in 2008 was comprised of eight events with six at various California tracks and two events at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada.

    ... The Lotus Challenge Series was begun in 2008 by long-time Lotus enthusiast Jim Navarro along with support from fellow Lotus enthusiasts Jack Fried and Robb Bonanno. To help expand the Lotus Challenge Series to the East Coast and continually improve the series, Jim recently took on a fellow racer as a partner in the series – Tom Hughes. Furthermore, Lotus’s American arm has also agreed to become the title sponsor for the 2009 season. The inaugural year of the Lotus Challenge Series in 2008 was comprised of eight events with six at various California tracks and two events at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada. With a solid first full year of learning and experience under their belt, the Lotus Challenge Series has been expanded for the 2009 season to ten western U.S. events initially, and is now in the process of expanding further with an additional four events being planned for Texas. As the race schedule is expanding for the series, the variety of the venues is as well with upcoming events scheduled at the revered Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey and famous Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. The full array of Lotus' current North American product offering competes in the Lotus Challenge Series including various Elise and Exige models and the track-only Exige Cup Car 255 and the current track-only Lotus 2-Eleven. Lotus Challenge Series 2009 Competition Schedule: January 23 - Streets of Willow, Willow Springs February 21 – 22 - Streets of Willow, (SCCA School) March 28 – 29 - Spring Mountain Motor Sports Ranch April 23 - Willow Springs International Raceway May 30 – 31 - Buttonwillow Raceway Park July 16 – 17 - Laguna Seca Raceway August 8 - Streets of Willow, Willow Springs September 3 - Buttonwillow Raceway Park October 8 – 9 - Infineon Raceway November 8 – 9 - Spring Mountain Motor Sports Ranch As the Lotus Challenge Series continues to grow in participation and expand into other parts of the country, the dates and details for new events in the south and on the east coast for 2010 will be announced this August. Read More

  • Next-gen Lotus Elise and Esprit on track for 2012 launch

    Next-gen Lotus Elise and Esprit on track for 2012 launch May 10th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, May 10th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    Next-gen Lotus Elise and Esprit on track for 2012 launch For Lotus fans, the next few years should prove to be very interesting times as the company pushes ahead with its five-year-plan to update its model lineup, including successors to the Elise and Esprit. The company has already unveiled its new Evora 2+2 car, but rather than sitting still with this car, it will be preparing a number of variants of this model, as well as new models.

    A future Lotus Elise could be seen as early as 2011 according to anonymous insiders at Lotus who spoke with Autocar. This next-generation Elise will likely bring forward a number of current components into future models, rather than share its chassis with the... For Lotus fans, the next few years should prove to be very interesting times as the company pushes ahead with its five-year-plan to update its model lineup, including successors to the Elise and Esprit. The company has already unveiled its new Evora 2+2 car, but rather than sitting still with this car, it will be preparing a number of variants of this model, as well as new models. A future Lotus Elise could be seen as early as 2011 according to anonymous insiders at Lotus who spoke with Autocar. This next-generation Elise will likely bring forward a number of current components into future models, rather than share its chassis with the Evora. While the lithe Elise may not be suited to the Evora's chassis, the next-generation Esprit will likely be built on this platform but with a V8 engine providing power. While currently engineers are predicting a 2012 launch date for the new Esprit, whether or not the car gets built at all depends on whether sales of the Evora are successful. Additionally, the new Evora convertible should be arriving at a similar timeline to the new Esprit, which should allow the company some wiggling room to decide which product will be released first - for instance, if the economy is still stagnating in a few years time, the company may choose to focus on the cheaper Evora convertible rather than the Esprit supercar. All in all, Lotus is experiencing a renaissance of sorts with this raft of new models, and well-established rivals such as Porsche may just have to give the niche British sports carmaker a little more credit in the future. Read More

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