2018 Lotus Exige Sport 410 – Last of Its Generation & Certainly Not The Least Final Iteration of the Third-gen Exige Revealed in May 2018, the new Lotus Exige Sport 410 set out to become the “ultimate road-going Exige”. The Sport 410 – not available in North America due to...
Lotus Exige
A Lightweight Legend
2000 - 2021
A predator on the track and a thrill machine on the road. We'll explore every twist and turn of the Exige's history, from its hardcore origins to its modern incarnations. Get ready to unlock the secrets of uncompromised performance and Lotus's bare-bones philosophy in its purest form.
Series 1 Exige / Series 2 Exige / Series 3 Exige / Specs & Performance / Models In-Depth / Recent News
The Ultimate Guide To The Lotus Exige: Every Variant, Specs, Reviews, Performance & More
The Lotus Exige is essentially the coupé version of the Lotus Elise which has been in production since 2000. Currently the Exige has a variety of variants ranging from the 375 PS (276 kW; 370 hp) Sport 350 to the 430 PS (316 kW; 424 hp) Cup 430. All variants of the Exige feature the Supercharged Toyota DOHC V6 from the Lotus Evora.
The first Exige was based on the Elise and was known as the Exige Mk1. The philosophy behind the Exige was simple: more power, more grip and more downforce for those looking for a real track car. The basics of the Exige were figured out from Lotus' work on the 340R, a car that showed demand was there for a true race car. The Exige started out with the K-series-derived 1775 c.c. 16-valve engine. The chassis of the Exige has always been pure Elise, with tweaks like wider tracks for higher cornering limits. All Exige generations all got big front air dams, huge rear wings, composite roof and racing tech all-around.
If you ever want a true track car, any Exige is a great choice. Fun, playful and seriously quick, it will trouble almost any exotic you can find on a circuit. Below we go into everything you could ever want to know about this model. It has seen several upgrades since the initial launch, the biggest of which was in 2012 when the Mk3 Exige was launched with an all-new design and a supercharged V6 across the range. It was this update that took the Exige from a fun track car to a track car that is a legitimate competitor to something like a Porsche 911 GT3.
"The Exige is a hardcore driving experience, a riot of noise, feedback, and supercharged punch."
Top Gear
Production: 2000-2002
Lotus Exige Series 1
The Complete Guide
Lotus Exige Mk1 Guide
There has always been a strong link between Lotus racecars and road cars, but with the launch of the Exige, Lotus made the connection even stronger. Throw on some race numbers and a set of slick tires, and the Exige would be virtually indistinguishable from the Lotus Sport Elise.
Officially launched by Lotus at Brands Hatch at the first round of the Lotus Motor Sport Elise race series (9th April 2000), the Lotus Exige is a fixed roof coupe that had the same 170bhp engine as the 340R with option to upgrade to 190bhp. It features Lotus sport suspension, the close ratio gearbox and anthracite wheels. Large carbon rear wing similar to Esprit 350 Sport. Optional sports exhaust and 340R style seats are available.
The Exige was basically a road-going replica of the Sport Elise racer, albeit with a few concessions to type approval regulations and the rigors of everyday road use. But in most respects the Exige is very much what it looks like - a racecar turned road legal.
The Exige uses the same sleek and aerodynamic bodyshell as the Sport Elise (with the addition of the roof of course). The front apron/splitter assembly has been raised and modified to improve the ramp approach angles. To balance the changes of the front-end aerodynamics and to comply with European homologation regulations the rear wing design has been resized and styled to match the rear of the car. The result is an aerodynamic package that remains faithful to that of the racer and Lotus philosophy, a highly stable combination of downforce and low drag. In fact, in wind tunnel tests the car generates 80 kilos of downforce at 100 miles per hour.
0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and it shares a lot of technology from the Motor Sport Elise car with several cooling intakes added including one on the roof. It also features a higher geared steering rack (2.3 turns lock to lock) than the standard Elise. The biggest update in the S1 was that as of October 2000, air-conditioning was made a standard on the Exige.
Lotus Exige Mk1 Basics
Years: 2000-2002
Layout: Transverse mid-engine, RWD
Body style: 2-door coupe
Engine: 1.8 L Rover K-series I4
Wheelbase: 2,300 mm (90.6 in)
Length: 3,785 mm (149 in)
Width: 1,719 mm (67.7 in)
Height: 1,143 mm (45 in)
Weight: 725 kg (1,598.4 lb) ~ 755 kg (1,664 lb)
What They Said
"Essentially a hardtop version of the Elise, the Exige is as raw and unfiltered as sports cars get." - Autocar
"The original Exige feels genuinely race-bred. It's loud, cramped, and demands your full attention." - Evo Magazine
"The epitome of Lotus's 'added lightness' philosophy, the Exige sacrifices creature comforts for pure driving thrills." - Car and Driver
"A car for true enthusiasts who crave an uncompromised track weapon." - Top Gear
Lotus Exige Mk1 Model Variants
Standard Series 1 Exige Variants
Lotus Exige Series 1 (2000 - 2002)
Lotus Exige (Series 1) Models: In Depth
Lotus Exige (S1)
Years: 2000-2002
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc inline 4
Power: 192.0 bhp @ 7,800 rpm
Torque: 146 ft lbs @ 5,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
Top Speed: 136 mph
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. The car has a five-speed manual gearbox.
Production: 2004-2011
Lotus Exige Series 2
The Complete Guide
Lotus Exige Mk2 Guide
The Exige was udpated to the Series 2 in 2004, in line with the Mk 2 Elise model upgrades. Based on the same mechanicals as Elise 111R, the Mk 2 Exige got the the 192hp Toyota Celica engine and 6-speed gearbox as well as a more aggressive look than the Mk1 cars.
It gets a composite roof and fastback engine cover designed to reduce air turbulence and lift. A rear lip spoiler and big wing spoiler help the Exige generate 19kg and 21kg downforce front and rear respectively at 100mph. Engine cooling is also enhanced by larger side intakes and an additional air scoop at the roof.
As for chassis, the Mk 2 Exige rides on 10% stiffer suspension setting than the Elise 111R. But most significant is the adoption of Yokohama A048 semi-slick tires, helping the new Exige corner quicker and flatter than the Elise. It wasn't just track driving that improved, with the Mk 2 Exige cars being more comfortable and smooth on regular roads too.
In many ways, the second generation Exige was less different than its donor Elise. The first generation Exige had wider tracks and better engine, whereas the second generation of the Exige is basically just the Elise with a roof. As expected several updates were made during the second generation Exige, including for the first time over a dozen special edition and limited edition cars.
Lotus Exige Mk2 Basics
Years: 2004-2011
Layout: Transverse mid-engine, RWD
Body style: 2-door coupe
Engine: 1,796 cc Toyota 2ZZ-GE Inline 4
Engine: 1,796 cc Toyota 2ZZ-GE Supercharged I4
Wheelbase: 2,300 mm (90.6 in)
Length: 3,795 mm (149.5 in)
Width: 1,727 mm (68 in)
Height: 1,163 mm (45.8 in)
Weight: 930 kg (2,050 lb)
What They Said
"The Mk2 Exige takes the raw thrill of the original and injects a dose of usability." - Car and Driver
"The supercharged Toyota V6 engine is a powerhouse, and the handling remains as sharp as ever." - Autocar
"The Exige S is now a serious rival to established sports cars from Porsche and others." - Motor Trend
Lotus Exige Mk2 Model Variants
Standard Series 2 Exige Variants
Lotus Exige (S2) (2004 - 2006)
Lotus Exige S (2006 - 2008)
Lotus Exige S 240 (2008–2011)
Lotus Exige S 240 (2010 - 2011)
Series 2 Exige Cup Cars
Lotus Exige Cup / Exige Cup 240 (2006)
Lotus Exige Cup 255 (2007)
Lotus Exige Cup 260 (2008)
Lotus Exige Cup 260 (2009)
Lotus Exige Cup 260 (2010)
Special Edition Series 2 Exige Variants
Lotus Sport Exige (2005)
Lotus Exige 240R (2005)
Lotus Exige Espionage (2005)
Lotus Exige GT3 Prototype (2005)
Lotus Exige S 265E (2006)
Lotus Lotus Exige S British GT (2006)
Lotus Exige GT3 Roadcar Concept (2007)
Lotus Exige Cup 270E Tri-Fuel (2008)
Lotus Exige S Club Racer (2008)
Lotus Exige S Sprint (2008)
Lotus Lotus Sport Exige S (2009)
Lotus Exige Scura/Stealth (2009)
Lotus Exige S Type 72 (2010)
Lotus Exige S RGB Special Edition (2010)
Lotus Exige Matte Black Final Edition (2011)
Lotus Exige S 260 Final Edition (2011)
Lotus Exige (Series 2) Models: In Depth
Lotus Exige (S2)
Years: 2004–2006
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc inline 4
Power: 189 bhp @ 7,800 rpm
Torque: 133.5 ft lbs @ 6,800 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds
Top Speed: 147 mph
After an absence from the marketplace for 2 years, Lotus is reintroducing the Lotus Exige. The second generation Exige, unveiled as a world debut at the Geneva Motorshow in 2004. Better in every way.
Lotus Exige S
Years: 2006 – 2008
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 218 bhp @ 7,800 rpm
Torque: 158.6 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
Top Speed: 148 mph
With 121.4 bhp per liter it was one of most powerful production cars in the world for its engine size. Because the basic car is so immensely strong but lightweight 2057 lbs, it has a power to weight ratio of 233.2 bhp/ton.
Lotus Exige S 240
Years: 2008–2011
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 240 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
Torque: 170 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
Top Speed: 150 mph
In 2008, the Exige S was replaced by the Exige S 240. Power output increased to 240 bhp. The S 240 also received upgraded AP Racing brakes from the Exige Cup 240. 0-60 mph improved to 4.0 seconds.
Lotus Exige S 240
Years: 2010 – 2011
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 240 hp at 8,000 rpm
Torque: 170 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
Top Speed: 150 mph
The 2010 Exige S240 introduces a few key enhancements to update the appearance and improve aerodynamic performance. A restyled front end and new larger, low drag rear wing, not only reduces drag.
Limited, Special Edition Series 2 Exige Cars
Lotus Sport Exige
Years: 2005
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc inline 4
Power: 400 bhp @ 7,750 rpm
Torque: 294 ft lbs @ 6,500 rpm
0-60 mph: –
Top Speed: –
The Lotus designed and engineered racecar was partly manufactured by RTN, the team responsible for the Le Mans winning Bentley. This one-off racecar has been built for a South East Asian client.
Lotus Exige 240R
Years: 2005
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 243 bhp
Torque: 170 lb/ft
0-60 mph: 155 mph
Top Speed: 3.9 seconds
Lotus Sport, the performance division of Lotus Cars Ltd., has developed the Lotus Sport Exige 240R, a limited edition high performance sports car with total production limited at fifty examples.
Lotus Exige Espionage
Years: 2005
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 189 bhp @ 7,800 rpm
Torque: 133.5 ft lbs @ 6,800 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds
Top Speed: 147 mph
Based on the standard 189 hp Lotus Exige, the coupé sports car combines the elegant sophistication of the Gieves & Hawkes collection with the engineering ingenuity and style of the high performance sports car.
Lotus Exige GT3 Prototype
Years: 2005
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 285 bhp @ 7,800 rpm
Torque: –
0-60 mph: –
Top Speed: –
A prototype of the Lotus Sport Exige GT3 race car was unveiled at the annual FIA GT Championship presentation ceremony outside the world famous Casino in Monte Carlo, Monaco on 02 December, 2005.
Exige Cup / Exige Cup 240
Years: 2006
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 243 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 174.1 ft lbs @ 7000 rpm
0-60 mph: –
Top Speed: –
Developed two higher performance versions of the 2006 Model Year Lotus Exige, the Lotus Exige Cup and the Lotus Exige Cup 240, both developed for track use straight out of the box.
Lotus Exige S British GT
Years: 2006
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc inline 4
Power: 243 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: –
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
Top Speed: 148 mph
The car that replicates the race colors of 019 as raced by Lotus Sport Cadena and celebrates the winning of the British GT Championship. The car pays homage to the success of the Exige GT3 race car.
Lotus Exige Cup 255
Years: 2007
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 252 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
Torque: 179 ft lbs @ 7,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 160 mph
Road car ready for track use. Building upon the success enjoyed by the Exige Cup 240 during the 2006 season, the Exige Cup 255 presents Lotus’ most radical ‘road to track’ offering yet.
Exige GT3 Roadcar Concept
Years: 2007
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 271 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 190.3 ft lbs @ 7000 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
Top Speed: 160 mph
The Lotus Exige S is the latest addition to the Exige range and is a real sports car that redefines the term Extreme Performance. With 121.4 bhp per liter it is one of most powerful production cars in the world.
Lotus Exige S Club Racer
Years: 2008
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 218 bhp @ 7,800 rpm
Torque: 158.6 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
Top Speed: 148 mph
For 2008 Lotus Cars released its latest limited edition – the exciting “Club Racer”, a visually distinctive version of the Exige S. 25 limited edition Club Racers were made, paying homage to its racing heritage.
Lotus Exige S Sprint
Years: 2008
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 218 bhp @ 7,800 rpm
Torque: 158.6 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 150 mph
Lotus Cars has taken one of the most recognizable and iconic Lotus colour schemes from the early 1970s and reintroduced it for the first time with the limited edition Exige Sprint. Just 40 Sprints were made.
Lotus Exige Cup 260
Years: 2008
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 257 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 174.1 ft lbs @ 6000 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 147 mph
A direct development of the 2007 Exige Cup Car, this year’s car has a revised engine management system to take the maximum power output to 257 hp (260 PS), up by nearly 5 hp (5 PS) over last year.
Exige Cup 270E Tri-Fuel
Years: 2008
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 257 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 174.1 ft lbs @ 6000 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.88 seconds
Top Speed: 158 mph
The Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel is the most powerful road version yet of the Exige and it runs on any mixture of gasoline, bioethanol and methanol. 0-60 mph is only 3.88 seconds and top speed is 158 mph.
Lotus Exige Cup 260
Years: 2009
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 257 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
Torque: 174.1 ft lbs @ 6,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 147 mph
A direct development of the 2008 Exige Cup Car it uses advanced light weight components and carbon fibre body material, to reduce the overall weight by 38 kg to a total mass < 900 kg. Max power is 257 hp.
Lotus Exige Cup 260
Years: 2010
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 257 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
Torque: 174 lbs @ 6,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 147 mph
The latest Exige Cup 260 takes the 38 kg weight savings introduced in the last years model, combines them with the extensive body and aerodynamic improvements introduced on the 2010 MY.
Lotus Exige Scura/Stealth
Years: 2009
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 256 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Torque: 174 lb/ft @ 6,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
Top Speed: 152 mph
Translated as ‘dark’ from Italian, the name ‘Scura’ reflects the stealth character of this already fierce looking Lotus and its stunning soft-feel matt black paint finish. Limited to just 35 cars globally.
Lotus Exige S Type 72
Years: 2010
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc inline 4
Power: 192.0 bhp @ 7,800 rpm
Torque: 146 ft lbs @ 5,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
Top Speed: 136 mph
The Lotus Exige S Type 72 celebrates the most successful F1 car of all time, the Lotus Type 72 Formula One car, which achieved 20 Grand Prix victories between 1970 and 1975. Recognizable from its color scheme.
Lotus Sport Exige S
Years: 2009
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc inline 4
Power: 192.0 bhp @ 7,800 rpm
Torque: 146 ft lbs @ 5,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
Top Speed: 136 mph
This special edition celebrates 10 years of Lotus Sport. With Performance Pack as standard it makes use of carbon exterior components, including front splitter, side pods and rear wing. Only 10 made.
Exige S RGB Special Edition
Years: 2010
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 257 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
Torque: 174 lbs @ 6,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 147 mph
Made in celebration the legendary input of Roger Becker (RGB) who retired in January 2010 following 44 years of service. Lotus made a series of Lotus Exige sports cars in bespoke RGB Special Edition specification.
Lotus Exige Matte Black Final Edition
Years: 2011
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 257 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
Torque: 174 lbs @ 6,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 147 mph
This final edition has a supercharged and intercooled 257bhp engine, exclusive matte black paint finish, black Alcantara sport seats and a high level of standard equipment. Only 25 made for North American market.
Lotus Exige S 260 Final Edition
Years: 2011
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 1796 cc supercharged inline 4
Power: 257 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
Torque: 174 lbs @ 6,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 147 mph
Comes with a supercharged and intercooled 257bhp engine and a high level of standard equipment, available in the full array of Lotus exterior colors. Only 30 built for the North American market.
Production: 2012-2023
Lotus Exige Series 3
The Complete Guide
Lotus Exige Mk3 Guide
The Mk 3 Exige was a big change from the prior generation both in looks and performance. Gone was the supercharged inline 4 and in was a supercharged Toyota V6 and a big jump in power, now up to 345 bhp @ 7000 rpm and torque was a mighty 295 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm, enough to propel a 2015 lbs car from standstill to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. As we know, the Exige is about more than straight line speed. Built for the adrenalin hungry sportscar aficionado, the Exige S features high performance bespoke tyre package with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres as standard. A Lotus DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) switch allows the driver to switch between three driving modes: Touring, Sport and DPM off. And if three dynamic settings are not enough, an additional Race Pack option is available which adds a fourth driving mode setting: Race. This setting provides the maximum possible traction out of corners. The Race Pack also features Launch Control and an optimized suspension setting making the car perfect for letting rip on the track.
Alongside the strong fundamental performance package, the Exige S got a completely new exterior and interior look and feel. The dramatic styling overhaul sees a completely new look for the Exige including a new front splitter and rear spoiler giving it a strong and aerodynamic profile. There were two new interior package options available: Premium and Premium Sport. The Premium Pack provides added comfort and style where as the Premium Sport option focuses on creating an internal space optimized for ultimate driver involvement.
Since the launch of the first Mk 3 Exige in 2012, there were several updates. The Exige Sport 380 added more power and had less weight. Its 3.5-liter supercharged V6 got a revised pulley to speed up the supercharger, and give the Exige another 30 horsepower, hence the name Sport 380. The peak torque arrives at 500 rpm higher the rev, but the torque curve is actually improved, sustaining longer thus you can push the car harder. To cope with the increased boost, the ECU, fuel pump and exhaust were also modified. There were no changes made to the chassis or suspensions, but the front tires got 10 mm wider to enhance front end grip, and the rubbers went from Pirelli P Zero Corsa to Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2.
For track lovers it is worth talking about the Exige Cup 430. Its power-to-weight ratio is 400hp per ton, (more than the 911 GT3). Its prominent aero set up produced 440 lbs of downforce at 180 mph. It has true track hardware, with Nitron dampers that are 3-way adjustable (rebound, low-speed compression and high-speed compression), same for the anti-roll bars too. Brakes were upgraded to new AP brake discs with J-groove patterns. The results? It can lap Hethel’s own track in 1:24.8, some 3.2 seconds faster than the Exige Sport 380.
We are currently waiting to see what Lotus does with the Exige. Rumors are that a new update is coming soon, but you never know with a company like Lotus. We bet we will continue to see one-off and limited edition specials continue to trickle our for the next few years at least.
Lotus Exige Mk3 Basics
Years: 2012-2023
Layout: Transverse mid-engine, RWD
Body style: 2-door coupe
Engine: 3.5 L Toyota 2GR-FE Supercharged V6
Wheelbase: 2,300 mm (90.6 in)
Length: 3,797 mm (149.5 in)
Width: 1,727 mm (68 in)
Height: 1,158 mm (45.6 in)
Weight: 914 kg (2,015 lb) ~ 1,176 kg (2,593 lb)
What They Said
"The Exige V6 is a ferocious evolution, delivering incredible performance with surprising refinement." - Top Gear
"The supercharged V6 offers a massive power boost and a thrilling soundtrack to boot." - Car and Driver
"Lotus has managed to maintain the Exige's razor-sharp handling while making it more comfortable and usable." - Autocar
"The ultimate expression of the 'modern' Exige, balancing raw performance with daily usability." - Evo Magazine
Lotus Exige Mk3 Model Variants
Standard Series 3 Exige Variants
Lotus Exige S V6 (2012 - 2015)
Lotus Exige S V6 Roadster (2013 - 2016)
Lotus Exige Sport 350 (2015 - 2023)
Lotus Exige Sport 350 Roadster (2016 - Present)
Lotus Exige Sport 380 (2016 - 202)
Lotus Exige Sport 410 (2018 - 2023)
Special Edition Series 3 Exige Variants
Lotus Exige R - GT (2012)
Lotus Exige V6 Cup (2013 - 2015)
Lotus Exige V6 Cup R (2013 - 2016)
Lotus Exige V6 360 Cup (2015)
Lotus Exige S Club Racer (2015 - 2023)
Lotus Exige V6 350 SE (Special Edition) (2016)
Lotus Exige Cup 380 (2016 - 2023)
Lotus Exige Cup 430 (2017 - 2023)
Lotus Exige Race 380 (2017)
Lotus Exige 70th Anniversary (2018)
Lotus Exige (Series 3) Models: In Depth
Lotus Exige S V6
Years: 2012-2015
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 345 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 295 ft lbs @ 4,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
Top Speed: 170 mph
The new Exige, introduced at the IAA in Frankfurt in September 2011. The dramatic styling overhaul sees a completely new look for the Exige. The engine was upgraded to a supercharged V6 supplied from Toyota.
Lotus Exige S V6 Roadster
Years: 2013-2016
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 345 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 295 ft lbs @ 4,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 170 mph
Exige S Roadster combines its coupé twin’s mesmerizing grunt and handling with an open air experience that makes the driver feel all the more at one with the road. First time the Exige was offered with a soft top.
Lotus Exige Sport 350
Years: 2015-2023
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 345 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 295 ft lbs @ 4,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
Top Speed: 170 mph
The new Exige Sport 350 is the next model in the range to mark the reintroduction of the renowned ‘Sport’ naming designation. It delivers a lighter and even more performance-focused driving experience.
Exige Sport 350 Roadster
Years: 2016-2023
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 345 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 295 ft lbs @ 4,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 170 mph
The new Exige Sport 350 is the next model in the range to mark the reintroduction of the renowned ‘Sport’ naming designation. It delivers a lighter and even more performance-focused driving experience.
Lotus Exige Sport 380
Years: 2016-2023
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 375 bhp @ 6,700 rpm
Torque: 302 ft lbs @ 5,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed: 178 mph
The Exige Sport 380 is faster, lighter and more powerful than the previous Exige iterations. To date, the Exige Sport 380 is the fastest sports car that comes with a Hethel V6 engine. Supercar performance.
Lotus Exige Sport 410
Years: 2018-2023
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 410 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 310 ft lbs @ 3,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
Top Speed: 180 mph
The Lotus Exige Sport 410 boasts a recalibrated version of the ubiquitous supercharged Toyota 3.5L V6 engine. Class-leading power to weight ratio of 389 hp/tonne. Both coupe and roadster.
Limited & Special Edition Series 3 Exige Cars
Lotus Exige R-GT
Years: 2012
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 302 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: –
0-60 mph: –
Top Speed: –
What better way to demonstrate Lotus’ superior ride and handling than by re-entering the adrenaline filled Rally Championships? The Exige R-GT will participate in the FIA GT category of the Rally Championship.
Lotus Exige V6 Cup
Years: 2013-2015
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 345 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 295 ft lbs @ 4,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
Top Speed: 170 mph
There are two variants: a Track Day version priced at £62,995 and a full-on Competition-spec car starting at £74,995. Cup cars are new track-focused models. Performance hits 274km/h, 0-100 in 3.8 seconds, and 346hp from the 3.5 litre supercharged V6.
Lotus Exige V6 Cup R
Years: 2013-2016
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 345 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 295 ft lbs @ 4,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
Top Speed: 170 mph
The pure race-bred sibling the Exige V6 Cup car is the epic Cup R. Not clear? The Exige V6 Cup is a track oriented version of the Exige S while the Exige Cup R is the track-only version of Exige V6 Cup.
Lotus Exige V6 360 Cup
Years: 2015
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 345 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 295 ft lbs @ 4,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
Top Speed: 170 mph
Limited to 50 examples, Lotus Exige 360 Cup was revealed on 14 August 2015. The car is powered by a 3.5-liter supercharged Toyota V6 delivering 355 hp. It has several updates versus the earlier model.
Lotus Exige S Club Racer
Years: 2015-2023
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 345 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 295 ft lbs @ 4,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 170 mph
Club Racer ethos applied to searingly quick Exige S. Weight reduced by 15 kg. A choice of four exterior colors – Exige Orange, Metallic White, Metallic Yellow, Matt Black (option).
Lotus Exige V6 350 SE
Years: 2016
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 345 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 295 ft lbs @ 4,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 170 mph
Final anniversary edition celebrating 50 years at Hethel. Based on the exceptional Exige Sport 350. Distinctive lightweight options as standard, saving 26 kg. Delivers 314 hp/tonne benchmark performance.
Lotus Exige Race 380
Years: 2017
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 375 bhp @ 6,700 rpm
Torque: 302 ft lbs @ 5,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed: 178 mph
Track only version of the Exige Sport 380. Weight reduced from 1066 kg to 998 kg. No headlights, airbags, glass windows and a proper instrument cluster. Downforce has increased to 240 kg total at 170mph.
Lotus Exige Cup 380
Years: 2016-2023
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 375 bhp @ 6,700 rpm
Torque: 302 ft lbs @ 5,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed: 178 mph
Without equal and without compromise, the ballistic new Exige Cup 380 coupe provides the perfect balance between fully type approved road car and genuine race car to deliver the ultimate track-and-back Lotus.
Lotus Exige Cup 430
Years: 2017-2023
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 430 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 325 ft lbs @ 4,000 rpm
0-60 mph: 3.2 seconds
Top Speed: 170 mph
Unlimited in every sense, the new series production Exige Cup 430 is Lotus’ wildest incarnation of its fire-breathing, point-to-point two-seater sports car. New engine and supercharger up performance a lot.
Lotus Exige 70th Anniversary
Years: 2018
Lotus: Lotus 121
Engine: 3.5 L Supercharged V6
Power: 345 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque: 295 ft lbs @ 4,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Top Speed: 170 mph
Production of the Lotus Exige 70th Edition was limited to 40 examples and it was available in either 350 Sport or 380 Sport guise. Buyers had the choice between three colour schemes with ‘Lotus 70’ in places.
A more aggressive, track-focused Elise. The handling is razor-sharp, and the performance is blistering."
Car and Driver
Lotus Exige Specs & Performance
A summary of production Exige specifications and performance numbers.
