Photo Gallery, Review & Specifications |
2012 Lotus Exige S Roadster
More raw than a Japanese tasting menu, the Lotus Exige S Roadster combines its coupe twin's mesmerizing grunt and handling with an open air experience that makes the driver feel all the more at one with the road. It's the first time an Exige model has been offered with a factory-fitted soft top roof, one which is typically lightweight and easy to put up and take down. (continued below)
2012 Exige S Roadster Photo Gallery |
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Exige S Roadster: Lotus Unleashes its Fastest Roadster
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Source: Lotus | Published: Tue Mar 06, 2012 |
(continued from above)
In true Lotus fashion the finely tuned suspension delivers a responsive ride
and sublimely agile handling, whilst the supercharged 3.5 V6 engine with
race-derived technologies delivers stunning performance. Reaching 60 mph from
standing in a neck-snapping 3.8 seconds (0 - 100 mph in 4 seconds) and 0-100 mph
in 8.5 seconds this little roadster packs a punch both on and off the track. The
top speed for the Exige S Roadster is 145 mph (233 km/h) and it produces just
236 g of CO2 per km.
With a targeted weight of just under 2425 lbs (1100 kg), this is one of the
lightest six-cylinder roadsters on the market by some margin.
Outside, it's a fine balance of beauty and the beast. The drop-top adds
extrovert style to the Exige's already muscular contours, at the same time it is
an elegant machine that keeps its clenched fist under wraps.
The Roadster comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, but will also be available
with Lotus' Serial Precision Shift (SPS), a paddle-operated automated manual
transmission, which makes life more relaxed in the city and more F1-like when
it's let off the leash. The SPS gearbox means the driver never has to take their
hands off the wheel, it prevents errors during shifting, and it is lighter and
more compact than a normal torque-converter transmission.
The car comes with two different suspension settings. There's the standard
setting for an active driving experience suited to public roads; and an optional
setting as part of the Race Pack for maximum performance, developed for track
use. The launch control system can be activated when the car is in Race mode.
Inside, the car is a lesson in stylish minimalism and functionality. The
customer can specify a comfort enhanced plush interior or go for a more stripped
down, sporty option.
The car has been developed for the main markets such as Europe and Asia. The
Exige S Roadster will not be available to the U.S market.
Fuel economy figures for the Exige S Roadster with manual gearbox: Urban 14.5
l/100km (19.5 mpg), Extra urban 7.6 l/100km (37.2 mpg), Combined 10.1 l/100 km
(28.0 mpg).
Specifications |
Key: AT - automatic transmission, MT - manual transmission, F/R/AWD - front/rear/all wheel drive |
Powertrain |
Type |
V6, Supercharged |
Displacement |
211 cu in (3456 cc) |
Power |
346 hp @ 7000 rpm |
Torque |
295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Redline |
7200 rpm |
Driveline |
Rear Wheel Drive |
Transmission |
6 Speed Manual |
Brakes & Tires |
Brakes Front - Rear |
Ventilated Discs - Ventilated Discs |
Tire Size Front - Rear |
205/45 R17 - 265/45 R18 |
Exterior Dimensions & Weight |
Length |
n/a |
Width |
n/a |
Height |
n/a |
Curb Weight |
2425 lbs (1100 kg) |
Performance |
0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) |
3.8 s (4 s) |
1/4 Mile |
n/a |
60-0 mph Braking |
n/a |
Top Speed |
145 mph (233 km/h) |
Fuel Economy |
NEDC Fuel Consumption - Combined |
10.1 l/100 km |
Origin & Price |
Manufacturer's Origin |
United Kingdom |
Where Built |
United Kingdom |
Base Retail Price (MSRP) |
n/a |