-based coupe - to be called Exige - is billed as the most uncompromising Lotus ever to hit
showrooms. It offers pin-sharp handling plus a 0-60mph time of only 4.7 seconds - which makes it faster than its 350bhp V8 Esprit stablemate - and will go on sale in June with a price tag of £32,995.
"The name means 'demanding' in French," said Lotus managing director Graham Peel. "It is a racing car on the road and not for the faint-hearted." Powered by a 177bhp tuned version of the
Elise's 1.8-litre K-Series engine, the lightweight two-seater is almost identical to the race cars which will battle it out in summer in a one-make series.
Changes to the track car's specification have only been made where necessary to make the Exige legal and practical for the road. Visually, the front spoiler has been raised slightly to
improve ground clearance, while the rear wing has been downsized and smoothed off.
Careful work in the wind tunnel has ensured the Exige's aerodynamics will provide massive
downforce which, with the wider track and stiffer bodyshell, are said to improve the Elise's already impressive handling characteristics. "Driving the Exige will feel substantially different to
the Elise," said a Lotus spokesman. At 100mph, the aerodynamic effect of the huge front and rear wings add the equivalent of 80kg to the Exige's slimline 780kg, sticking the car to the
tarmac. Yokohama tyres, developed specially for Lotus, add further grip, meaning the coupe? should be one of the best-handling cars on the road, with cornering ability superior to far costlier
models which rely on large tyres.
Stopping the Exige shouldn't be a problem thanks to bigger AP Racing calipers and cross-drilled discs - but there is no ABS or even servo assistance, saving weight and adding to
the 'raw' driving experience.
To improve visibility, the track car's solid engine bay cover has been replaced with a transparent
polycarbonate panel, while extra cooling vents will help prevent the engine from overheating in traffic. Inside, the minimalist theme will continue with bare aluminium flooring, an
Alcantara-trimmed facia and electronic race-style instruments. However, the race car's McLaren F1-style central driving position has been scrapped in favour of a conventional
two-seat set-up, so passengers can share the Lotus experience. Both occupants are secured with four-point harnesses.
Options will include a full stereo system, leather trim and a 190bhp engine upgrade, but drivers
looking for luxury or electronic safety systems will be pointed towards Esprit models or the new M250, which is due to slot in above the Exige when it is launched in 2002.
Sports car legend Lotus has taken the wraps off a new supercar with Ferrari-beating performance. The