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2000 Lotus Exige

Lotus Exige (Series 1)

 2000 Lotus Exige

The original Exige was launched in 2000 with a naturally aspirated 1.8 L Rover K Series Inline-four engine in VHPD (Very High Performance Derivative) tune. It produces 177 bhp (132 kW; 179 PS) at 7,800 rpm in standard form. There was also a “track spec” version with 190 bhp (142 kW; 193 PS) available. The car has a five-speed manual gearbox, and a claimed top speed of 219 km/h (136 mph). 0–60 mph (97 km/h) was achieved in 4.7 seconds and 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds. The first Exige used the round, less aggressive headlights of the first generation Elise, although the Elise was updated soon after the introduction of the Exige. The Series 1 was built until 2002, in 604 examples, and was not replaced until the Series 2 of 2004.

Related: Lotus Race Car List / Lotus Current Lineup / All Lotus Models / Lotus News

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Specs & Performance

submitted by Richard Owen
engine Inline-4
valvetrain DOHC 4 Valves / Cyl
displacement 1796 cc / 109.6 in³
power 143.2 kw / 192.0 bhp @ 7800 rpm
specific output 106.9 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 246.15 bhp per tonne
torque 197.9 nm / 146.0 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm
driven wheels Transverse Mid Engine / RWD
front tires 195/50ZR-16
rear tires 225/45ZR-17
front brakes Vented & Cross Drilled Discs
f brake size mm / in
r brake size mm / in
front wheels F 40.6 x 17.8 cm / 16.0 x 7.0 in
rear wheels R 43.2 x 21.6 cm / 17.0 x 8.5 in
steering Unassisted Rack & Pinion
curb weight 780 kg / 1720 lbs
transmission 5-Speed Manual
gear ratios :1
top speed ~218.9 kph / 136.0 mph
0 – 60 mph ~4.6 seconds