Posted on Tuesday 26 February 2008
Lotus has upgraded its Exige S yet again for 2008, introducing a range of new features including a new performance pack boosting peak power to 232hp (179kW) at 8,000rpm from last year’s 220hp (163kW) output. This is the same output as the limited edition Sport 240, brought about by a Magnuson/Eaton M62 supercharger, faster flowing injectors, plus a higher torque clutch system and an upsized roof scoop.
This hike in power, together with an increase in torque from the standard 215Nm to 230Nm at 5,500rpm, helps rocket the updated Exige S from 0-100km/h in 4.16 seconds, 0-160km/h in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 245km/h – just 0.2 seconds and 4km/h off the track focused 2-Eleven. Fuel consumption remains at 9.1L per 100km.
Other modifications include an uprated clutch and a new clutch damper. There are also thicker, 308mm diameter cross-drilled and vented discs at the front clamped by AP Racing four-piston calipers. The standard brakes pads are replaced by new items as well, and there are braided brake hoses too.
Developers have also installed a new variable traction control, borrowed from the 2-Eleven and Exige Sport 240. A dial on the steering column selects starting revs for optimum standing starts, so all a driver needs to do is floor the throttle and quickly release the clutch. The clutch damper cushions the severity of the clutch/transmission engagement to minimise the stresses to the drivetrain .The launch control also minimizes wheelspin until 10km/h, after which the traction control takes over. The amount of traction control can also be varied, with 30 increments from seven percent tire slip to complete disablement.
Inside, the car gets a new instrument panel with a 300km/h speedo, multiple LED shift lights and a new LCD display panel with a scrolling message feature for vehicle system information.