Lotus Exige coming to USA THIS FALL!!!

[pimp racer]

Thank you Lotus!

Lotus has announced that it will bring its Exige--a rebodied, hardtop version of the Elise--to the United States this fall. Mechanically, the Exige will be identical to the U.S. Elise, which means a 1.8-liter four making 190 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. (We won't see the supercharged, 243-hp engine from the Europe-only 240-R.) The Exige will use the firmer suspension tuning of the Elise with the optional sport package, but the hardtop Lotus will have a cornering advantage over its open-topped counterpart because the Exige's unique bodywork creates so much additional downforce--80 lbs. more at 100 mph to be exact. All the Exige's body panels, save the doors, are unique. The increased downforce comes chiefly from four factors: the longer, reshaped nose; the front wind splitter; the rear wing; and the covered roof. The aerodynamic tweaks help the Exige scoot around the 2-mile Lotus test track two seconds faster than the Elise. Other changes for the Exige are limited to reshaped seats (bigger bolsters and cut-outs to fit a racing harness) and black wheels (either cast aluminum or the forged wheels from the Elise sport package). Only 200-300 Exiges will come to the States annually--against 2000-plus Elises--at a price estimated in the low- to mid-$50,000 range.

 

[xcsti]

If I had the money I would pick one up. I have a feeling they wont catch on and will be quite rare in a couple of years. I can't remember but is the engine used in the 240R used in any cars available in the US *starts scheming*.

 

[McLaren]

I heard they were bringing them here 2 years ago. I guess they didn't do it.
Although Jaguar of Plano had a few used ones.

 

[eliseracer]

Yes, the same powerplant is used in all of the Exige cars. Getting a supercharger in is possible, making your car similar to the 240R. It won't be possible in the federalised Elise, as there is no vertical room for the Lotus supercharger in the Elise engine bay.

This is excellent news. What's the source?

 

[Ev0]

If only they would sell Lotuses in Canada...

 

[eliseracer]

They do. Nobody buys them though.

The Elise is aaaaaaalmost legal in Canada. Dealers are expecting demo cars in May/June. We're 80% there people! Headlights got exepmtions from TC and now the tail lights (not such a big deal) are getting examined. Soon we will see Elise on the roads of T.O./Vancouver/Montreal etc.

 

[Ev0]

Cool! I'd absolutely love to own an Elise someday, one of the ultimate driver's cars. And, this explains why they had an Elise at the car show in Ottawa last week.

And I know that Lotus does sell a limited number of cars in Canada; I see Esprits occasionally on the streets of Toronto. Absolutely beautiful cars.

 

[eliseracer]

Yeah, once every few years I see an Esprit. I've also seen both Elans around, and in Toronto once we drove by a glassfibre Europa shell on the back of a flatbed.

 

[Danny]

Are Nobles sold to the US?

 

[eliseracer]

Yes they are. I can't remember who distributes them, but at about 60 grand apiece, they're a pretty hardcore alternative to the Porsche lineup. But you could also pick up a new Elise with LSS (same tire/suspension setup as the Exige) for 45 grand, visit www.forcedfed.com and check out their turbo package for the Elise.