Lotus has launched a new 410bhp Exige Sport 410, which it says is the “ultimate” series production version of the sports car.
The Norfolk firm says the new variant is developed from the track-focused Exige Cup 430 range-topper, taking the chassis, suspension and powertrain from that model.
The 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine has been reworked to produce 410bhp – compared to 430bhp in the Cup version – and 310lb ft of torque, driven through a six-speed manual gearbox.
The new Sport model weighs 1054kg dry, 2kg less than the Cup, and has a power-to-weight ratio of 389bhp per tonne.
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Lotus cites a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 180mph – matching the more powerful Cup model. The Sport 410 generates 150kg of downforce.
The Sport 410 runs on the same three-way adjustable Nitron dampers as the Cup model, retuned for the car’s road focus, and has adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars. It runs on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
Lotus boss Jean-Marc Gales said: “We have taken the Exige Cup 430, the ultimate track-centric Exige, and developed it into the perfect road orientated sports car.”
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The new model will be offered in coupe and roadster versions, and features a revamped frontal design, which will also be introduced on the Sport 350.
The Sport 410 will cost £85,600 in the UK, compared to £99,800 for the Cup 430.
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Profit
Lotus have managed to become profitable by reworking their existing range. I would imagine that this is what attracted Geely to invest in them. The replacement models will require investment from Geely and input from Volvo. If Lotus can spin off as many models and specials from these, they should continue to turn a profit. A lotus version of one or more Volvo SUVs should certainly boost their bottom line.
I know it's a bit like
I know it's a bit like Trigger's Broom but it's amazing to think back to the 1996 Elise and see it's effectively still in production (kind of...). I'm not even sure if there's much left from the original but Lotus have done an amazing job to keep this thing at the cutting-edge.
Working on a similar budget to the Porsche window wiper department they seem to work regular mini-miracles. This looks fantastic but I can't wait to see the new models.
£85k
Holy bat poop.