lotus re-evaluates weight of every component for next-generation exige series

lotus re-evaluates weight of every component for next-generation exige series
all images courtesy of lotus

lotus has revealed the ‘sport 350’, the latest version of the ‘exige’ line that’s light and faster than ever before. the model is a reintroduction of the renowned ‘sport’ name designation. concentrating on what lotus does well, the two-seater has been developed to deliver a distinctive driver experience, being sharper and more direct than previous models. drawing on the core elements that have made the ‘exige’ a firm favorite with driving enthusiasts, the latest model combines lotus’ lightweight extruded aluminum chassis structure with muscular and aerodynamically efficient composite bodywork. weighing just 1125 kilograms, lotus shed 51 kilograms compared to the previous model, which was the result of a thorough re-evaluation designed to deliver a pure driving experience.

‘the lotus exile is already regarded as one of the world’s best sports cars and a benchmark for performance and handling both on road and on track,’ commented jean-marc gales CEO of lotus. ‘with the exige sport 350 we took an already phenomenally quick car and made it even faster, more dynamic and more pure, perfectly demonstrating our lotus design philosophy of ‘light and faster’.’

engineers weighed every component in order to save weight. the outcome introduces many changes – a louvered tailgate panel, a lighter battery, lightweight engine mounts, a lightweight centre console and optimized sound insulation. the 3.5 liter supercharged V6 engine generates 345 hp, that offers progressive power to the road, while resisted suspension tuning and wheel geometry contrite the dynamics and steering precision. coupled with lower mass, the lotus ‘exige sport 350’ accelerates to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 274 km/h. the latest lotus will go on sale in europe on february 2016.

engineers redesigned the rear tailgate panel to shed weightthe ‘exige sport 350’ comes in either a six-speed automatic with paddle shifting or manual gearbox