Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Lotus pops the top on Exige S Roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/lotus-pops-the-top-on-exige-s-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/lotus-pops-the-top-on-exige-s-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/lotus-pops-the-top-on-exige-s-roadster/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lotus Exige S Convertible

With the Elise slowly shuffling off this mortal coil, Lotus needs another slinky soft-top to fill out its lineup. In the run-up to the Geneva Motor Show, we assumed that would be a convertible version of the Evora, but we were wrong. This is the Lotus Exige S Convertible, which begs the question: What took 'em so long?

The only thing that separates the two models is ripping off the fixed roof on the Exige and replacing it with a removable cloth top or optional hard top. The same supercharged 3.5-liter V6 is mounted amidships, outputting 345 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Mated to the standard six-speed manual, 60 miles per hour comes and goes in 3.8 seconds, but Lotus will also offer the Roadster with its new Serial Precision Shift (SPS) automated manual gearbox, complete with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Sales are expected to begin throughout Europe later this year, but with the Elise and Exige twins already gone from the U.S., don't look for the Roadster to hit Stateside Lotus dealers anytime soon.

Lotus pops the top on Exige S Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exigegenevageneva 2012geneva motor showlotuslotus exigelotus exige s convertibleTue, 06 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20186666/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/06/lotus-pops-the-top-on-exige-s-roadster/20186666/article-detail.xml 20186666 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-evora-s-convertible-live-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-evora-s-convertible-live-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus Exige to get V6 power, Esprit gets optional hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/lotus-exige-to-get-v6-power-esprit-gets-optional-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/lotus-exige-to-get-v6-power-esprit-gets-optional-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/lotus-exige-to-get-v6-power-esprit-gets-optional-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lotus Exige S

Autocar has the skinny on the next-generation Lotus Exige and Esprit. Dany Bahar, Group Lotus chief executive, dropped a few details on both models while speaking to the publication about the renewal of his contract with the sports car maker.

Bahar has signed on with Lotus for another four years, which means he'll be around to see the launch of the 2013 Esprit. The vehicle is crucial to Bahar's five-year plan for Lotus and should give the company a legitimate halo vehicle when it goes on sale. Motor Authority reports the vehicle will be available as a hybrid that uses an in-house V8 engine paired with an electric motor.

Meanwhile, additional Esprit models will provide no-compromise performance. Speaking of performance, word has it Lotus will work up its own V6 engine in the near future for use in the company's next-generation Exige. Currently, Lotus relies on Toyota to supply its powerplants.

Bahar has also made it clear that Lotus will expand its motorsport endeavors in the near future as part of his quest to make Lotus a British version of Porsche. We certainly can't complain about that.

Lotus Exige to get V6 power, Esprit gets optional hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dany baharespritesprit hybridexigehybridlotuslotus espritlotus exigeWed, 14 Dec 2011 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127240/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/14/lotus-exige-to-get-v6-power-esprit-gets-optional-hybrid/20127240/article-detail.xml 20127240 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lotus-exige-s-628-1323810153_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/lotus-exige-s-628-1323810153.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus teaser for Frankfurt. What the F... indeed.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/lotus-teaser-for-frankfurt-what-the-f-indeed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/lotus-teaser-for-frankfurt-what-the-f-indeed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/lotus-teaser-for-frankfurt-what-the-f-indeed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Lotus is getting ready to put on a show in Frankfurt, and the automaker has released a teaser video to provide some insight into its auto show plans. Apparently Lotus has hired a David Lynch wannabe to direct it's latest video, because we're not exactly sure what's going on here. We don't even know if Lotus knows what's happening in the video.

We do know that the video shows a boxer preparing for a match with a car. The vehicle in question appears to be either a new Elise, the next-generation Exige or even the Evora GTE Road Car. It's hard to tell from the clip, which you can watch for yourself after the jump.

We've watched it now a few times now, and we're still a bit confused. It's clear that Lotus is ready for a fight, however, and we're excited to see what it has in store for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Continue reading Lotus teaser for Frankfurt. What the F... indeed.

Lotus teaser for Frankfurt. What the F... indeed. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurteliseexigefrankfurtfrankfurt motor showlotuslotus eliselotus exigelotus videovideoFri, 09 Sep 2011 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20038887/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/09/lotus-teaser-for-frankfurt-what-the-f-indeed/20038887/article-detail.xml 20038887 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lotus-what-the-f-1315584562_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lotus-what-the-f-1315584562.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Lotus Exige comes into focus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/30/next-gen-lotus-exige-comes-into-focus/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/30/next-gen-lotus-exige-comes-into-focus/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/30/next-gen-lotus-exige-comes-into-focus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Lotus Exige Spy Photo

It looks like the next-generation Lotus Exige will borrow a few styling elements from the Evora. Our army of spy photographers managed to snap a closer look at the upcoming Exige successor, and the car boasts a low, wide nose borrowed from its V6 sister. In addition, the canyon-carver wears a longer roof line and extended rear that may house the same 280 horsepower six-pot found in the grand tourer, though a 350 horsepower supercharged S variant may be in the works as well. Larger brakes are clearly visible through the spoke wheels and that massive spoiler likely helps generate some much-needed downforce at speed.

When can we expect to lay eyes on a non-camouflaged version of the Exige? Hard telling, but our guess is that it won't be long before dealers start filling out order forms.

Next-gen Lotus Exige comes into focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exigelotuslotus exigelotus exige spy photosspy photosspy shotsTue, 30 Aug 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20030309/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/30/next-gen-lotus-exige-comes-into-focus/20030309/article-detail.xml 20030309 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/lotus-exige-spy-photos-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/lotus-exige-spy-photos-630.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus presenting Evora GTE concept and matte black Exige in Monterey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/lotus-presenting-evora-gte-concept-and-matte-black-exige-in-mont/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/lotus-presenting-evora-gte-concept-and-matte-black-exige-in-mont/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/lotus-presenting-evora-gte-concept-and-matte-black-exige-in-mont/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Monterey weekend is almost upon us, boys and girls. The event at Pebble Beach is consistently packed year-in, year-out with mouthwatering classics, record-breaking auctions, historic automobile races and even a few new vehicle debuts. And this year, Lotus has some big plans.

No, it's not about to unveil six new concepts at once like it did at the Paris Motor Show last year, but it does have a couple of tricks up its proverbial sleeve. First up is the Evora GTE road car concept we've been anticipating since last month, which looks poised to take a page out of the less Lotus Exige Matte Black Final Editionweight, more power playbook employed on such favorites as the Ferrari 430 Scuderia and Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. The concept starts with the Evora GTE race car and retunes it for the road, with 420 horsepower on tap, a competition-spec sequential gearbox and center-locking forged aluminum wheels.

If you're looking for something more tangible than a concept car, though, Lotus will also be unveiling the Exige Matte Black Final Edition. Exclusive to North America, the special Exige, as you might have guessed, bids a fond farewell to the lightweight sports car with a matte black paint job, plus black Alcantara interior and a 257 horsepower upgrade. Only 25 individually numbered examples will be made, and you can follow the jump for the full press release on both these new debuts.

Continue reading Lotus presenting Evora GTE concept and matte black Exige in Monterey

Lotus presenting Evora GTE concept and matte black Exige in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evoraevora gteexigelotuslotus evoralotus evora gtelotus evora gte road car conceptlotus exigelotus exige matte black final editionmontereypebble beachTue, 16 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20018844/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/16/lotus-presenting-evora-gte-concept-and-matte-black-exige-in-mont/20018844/article-detail.xml 20018844 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/weblotus-evora-gte-road-car-concept-2-1313511784_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/weblotus-evora-gte-road-car-concept-2-1313511784.jpg <![CDATA[Next Lotus Exige dons zebra stripes but can't hide]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/next-lotus-exige-dons-zebra-stripes-but-cant-hide/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/next-lotus-exige-dons-zebra-stripes-but-cant-hide/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/next-lotus-exige-dons-zebra-stripes-but-cant-hide/#commentsFiled under: ,

spy photo lotus exige

Rain doesn't stop your local postal worker, and it clearly won't stop spy photographers. Ignoring the weather, our long-lens workers caught Lotus engineers testing the next generation Exige in the wet. To better blend in with the larger Evora, this Exige prototype wears a redesigned nose akin to its slightly more refined sibling. The car also appears longer thanks to the reworked tail.

Rumor has it that the next Exige will be offered with the same choice of powerplants as the Evora. That means a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 for the standard car, and a 350-horsepower supercharged mill for the S variant. Excellent.

We don't doubt that our spies will be sticking around to see if the camo comes off, so stay tuned for more.

Next Lotus Exige dons zebra stripes but can't hide originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exigeexige spy shotslotuslotus exigelotus spy shotsspy photosspy shotsThu, 04 Aug 2011 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20009834/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/04/next-lotus-exige-dons-zebra-stripes-but-cant-hide/20009834/article-detail.xml 20009834 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/002-spy-shots-lotus-exige-1312490726_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/002-spy-shots-lotus-exige-1312490726.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus planning Exige-based rally car for Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/lotus-planning-exige-based-rally-car-for-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/lotus-planning-exige-based-rally-car-for-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/lotus-planning-exige-based-rally-car-for-frankfurt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lotus Exige Cup 260
Lotus Exige Cup 260 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The ambition in the Hethel offices of Lotus appears to know no bounds, its road car program rivaled only by its expanding racing operations.

The British automaker already participates, in one manner or another, in Formula 1, IndyCar, GP3 and GT racing. The company is also said to be working on a new LMP2 program to challenge for the second-tier Le Mans category. But before that comes around, reports indicate that Lotus is working on an in-house rally project.

Rather than compete in the top-tier WRC or IRC classes, reports suggest that a production-based Exige is in the works for privateer entries, presumably for tarmac rallies, set to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Despite the fact that the Exige has gone out of production, it remains a popular choice among privateers who have Lotus road cars converted to rally specifications by independent outfitters, a slice of whose pie Lotus apparently is keen to take.

The growing motorsport division at Lotus is headed by one Claudio Berro, who followed CEO Dany Behar over from Ferrari, where he was once the F1 team's manager. And, like his former boss Jean Todt, Berro comes from a background as a rally co-pilot, navigating a Talbot Sunbeam Lotus through the Group 2 Italian Rally Championship in the early '80s.

Lotus planning Exige-based rally car for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exigeexige rallylotuslotus exigelotus exige rallylotus rallyrallyThu, 30 Jun 2011 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19980637/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/30/lotus-planning-exige-based-rally-car-for-frankfurt/19980637/article-detail.xml 19980637 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/webexigecup00_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/webexigecup00.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Lotus to overhaul Exige, Evora ahead of Esprit production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/05/report-lotus-to-overhaul-exige-evora-ahead-of-esprit-productio/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/05/report-lotus-to-overhaul-exige-evora-ahead-of-esprit-productio/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/05/report-lotus-to-overhaul-exige-evora-ahead-of-esprit-productio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lotus Exige Cup 260
2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that Lotus has monumental plans in the coming years, announcing no fewer than four new models at the 2010 Paris Motor Show that it says will gradually roll out over the next several years. But there's no denying that the British firm's current level of success was built on the excellence that is the Lotus Elise, Exige and, most recently, Evora.

That being the case, we're hoping that a report from Autocar in the UK is accurate and that Lotus has plans to overhaul the Exige and give the Evora a heavily updated interior before the Esprit goes into production in late 2012. We certainly wouldn't expect wholesale changes to either machine - engineering budgets are surely being diverted elsewhere - but a little something to keep its current models fresh in the eyes of consumers would go a long way towards bridging the gap between the present and the Ferrari-fighting future.


Gallery: 2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260

2010 Lotus Exige Cup 2602010 Lotus Exige Cup 2602010 Lotus Exige Cup 2602010 Lotus Exige Cup 2602010 Lotus Exige Cup 260

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Lotus to overhaul Exige, Evora ahead of Esprit production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 lotus evora2012 lotus exigeevoraexigelotuslotus carslotus evoralotus exigeWed, 05 Jan 2011 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19787870/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/05/report-lotus-to-overhaul-exige-evora-ahead-of-esprit-productio/19787870/article-detail.xml 19787870 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/exige-cup-260_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/exige-cup-260.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Lotus terminating entire European dealer network]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/08/report-lotus-terminating-entire-european-dealer-network/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/08/report-lotus-terminating-entire-european-dealer-network/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/08/report-lotus-terminating-entire-european-dealer-network/#commentsFiled under:

Not the shape of Lotus things to come? - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lotus plans to reinvent itself, and in addition to a range of new products, a dealership makeover is in the cards. PistonHeads reports that Lotus CEO Dany Bahar sent out a letter to the company's European dealers informing them that their contracts will be terminated as of July, 2012. Why the long notice? The company's current contract with its dealers stipulates that Lotus must give two years notice prior to contract termination. The move will likely result in many dealers losing their ability to sell Lotus' wares, but current dealers will reportedly be given the opportunity to re-apply for a new contract.

Back in June Lotus announced to the world that it was entering the "Dawn of a New Era." Lotus has reportedly been spending its time and money picking up ex-Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin employees in an effort to build up its brand as a high-performance luxury make.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Lotus Exige Scura


[Source: PistonHeads]

Report: Lotus terminating entire European dealer network originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lotuslotus dealershipslotus european dealership overhaullotus exigeLotusDealershipsLotusEuropeanDealershipOverhaulLotusExigeThu, 08 Jul 2010 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19546638/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/08/report-lotus-terminating-entire-european-dealer-network/19546638/article-detail.xml 19546638 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/ex630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/ex630.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Lotus to upgrade Elise and Exige with V6 engine?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/01/report-lotus-to-upgrade-elise-exige-with-v6-engine/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/01/report-lotus-to-upgrade-elise-exige-with-v6-engine/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/01/report-lotus-to-upgrade-elise-exige-with-v6-engine/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A Lotus Exige-based mule has again been spotted out and about wearing tacked-on fender extensions to facilitate a significantly wider track than current versions. Sources suggest that this machine is drawing power from the same Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 found in the new Evora due to the fact that this particular Exige had a very similar exhaust note to an Evora that was running nearby.

We're not so sure that stuffing the V6 into the Elise/Exige would be such a positive move given the extra bulk it would add. Newer direct inject injected and boosted inline fours can easily match the output of the V6 in a smaller package.

It's also worth noting that the reported sound of this mule isn't a guarantee of what's in the engine bay. After all, this is the company that invented active noise cancellation and is capable of producing almost any sound it wants from a car.

[Source: Autocar]

Spy Shots: Lotus to upgrade Elise and Exige with V6 engine? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Lotuslotus eliselotus elise v6Lotus Evoralotus exigelotus exige v6lotus toyotaLotusEliseLotusEliseV6LotusEvoraLotusExigeLotusExigeV6LotusToyotaspy photosspy picsspy shotspy shotsspy-shotsSpyPhotosSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotsTue, 01 Jun 2010 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19498025/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/01/report-lotus-to-upgrade-elise-exige-with-v6-engine/19498025/article-detail.xml 19498025 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/lotus-275101051913531600x1060_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/lotus-275101051913531600x1060.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Driver dives to escape burning Exige at N-Ring 24HR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/17/video-driver-dives-to-escape-burning-exige-at-n-ring-24hr/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/17/video-driver-dives-to-escape-burning-exige-at-n-ring-24hr/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/17/video-driver-dives-to-escape-burning-exige-at-n-ring-24hr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Roger Green bails from the number 114 Lotus Exige - Click above to watch video after the jump

Looks like EVO's Roger Green won't be struggling to find an angle for his coverage of this year's 24 Hours of Nurburgring. The guy was one of three racers piloting the number 114 Lotus Exige during the race, and while it's true that there's no better seat on a race track than the one behind the wheel, Green ran into a bit of trouble on the start of his second session in the car. No one's exactly sure what happened with the engine, but the little Lotus erupted into a proper fireball as Green pulled off of the GP circuit and onto the Nordschleife.

Before too long, the brakes were shot and the writer/driver was rolling along in his own unstoppable inferno. Green steered the car toward the barrier and did his best tuck and roll to escape the flames while everything was still in motion. As near as anyone can tell, a piece of debris from the track flew up and severed the rear brake lines. From there, it didn't take much to set everything alight. Green amazingly escaped the blaze without injury. You can check the video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Driver dives to escape burning Exige at N-Ring 24HR

Video: Driver dives to escape burning Exige at N-Ring 24HR originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 Hours of Nurburgring24HoursOfNurburgringEvo Magazine LotusEvoMagazineLotusExigeLotusLotus ExigeLotus Exige FireLotus FireLotusExigeLotusExigeFireLotusFireNurburgringRoger Green Lotus FireRogerGreenLotusFireMon, 17 May 2010 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19479742/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/17/video-driver-dives-to-escape-burning-exige-at-n-ring-24hr/19479742/article-detail.xml 19479742 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/evo-fire-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/evo-fire-630.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Lotus Evora delivers performance, civility and little concession]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/13/2010-lotus-evora-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/13/2010-lotus-evora-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/13/2010-lotus-evora-first-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Lotus Evora - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a move that would have impressed Harry Houdini, Lotus has made one thousand pounds of vehicle mass seemingly disappear - yet we still know it's there. We're high in the mountains above San Diego, challenging corners in the 2010 Lotus Evora, and the larger and more luxurious two-plus-two is emulating the moves of its lightweight race-ready Elise and Exige siblings.

What gives the Evora its supernatural powers? How does the all-new Evora fit into the Lotus lineup? And, most importantly, is this the first Lotus you can park in your garage without having to explain it to the neighbors? Find out after the jump.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lotus Evora


Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lotus Evora delivers performance, civility and little concession

First Drive: 2010 Lotus Evora delivers performance, civility and little concession originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 May 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 Evora2011 Lotus2011 Lotus Evora2011Evora2011Lotus2011LotusEvoraEliseEvoraExigeFeaturedFirst driveFirstDriveLotusLotus EliseLotus Evoralotus exigeLotusEliseLotusEvoraLotusExigeSan DiegoSanDiegoThu, 13 May 2010 11:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19475412/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/13/2010-lotus-evora-first-drive/19475412/article-detail.xml 19475412 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/03lotusevora2010fdopta_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/03lotusevora2010fdopta.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Lawsuit-happy U.S. kills chances for Lotus Exige Scura, but we'll get something similar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lotus Exige Stealth - Click above for high-res image gallery

We had a chance to chat with Lotus USA spokesman Kevin Smith at the LA Auto Show and he shared a bit of news with us. He confirmed that while we unfortunately won't be getting the limited edition Exige Scura/Stealth that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show, we will will get something close. The problem is the special matte black paint on the Scura. We reported on the rubberized finish at the time after talking with Lotus vehicle engineering director Roger Becker. The matte finish can be marked up, and because of process used to apply it, it's not possible to do spot repairs on the affected area.

Because of the litigious nature of America when it comes to product liability, Lotus has apparently opted not to offer the special paint job. We will, however, get essentially the rest of the car including the new wheel design that debuted on the Scura. The rest of the mechanical bits are largely the same as the Exige 260 S that we had so much fun with a few months ago. Lotus is still finalizing the spec of the new limited edition model but Smith tells us that it will be available in four colors including Phantom Black. Approximately 20-30 units will be built for the U.S. market in two-to-three months with availability in early spring.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Lotus Exige Scura


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid, Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Lotus]

LA 2009: Lawsuit-happy U.S. kills chances for Lotus Exige Scura, but we'll get something similar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exige scuraexige stealthExigeScuraExigeStealthla auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowla2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009lotuslotus exigelotus exige scuralotus exige stealthLotusExigeLotusExigeScuraLotusExigeStealthThu, 03 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19263014/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/19263014/article-detail.xml 19263014 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/04_lotus_exige_stealth_tokyo_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/04_lotus_exige_stealth_tokyo_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/lotus-evora-gets-a-u-s-pricetag-starts-at-73-200/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/lotus-evora-gets-a-u-s-pricetag-starts-at-73-200/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/lotus-evora-gets-a-u-s-pricetag-starts-at-73-200/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Lotus Evora - click above for high res image gallery

Now that the new Lotus Evora has been successfully launched in Europe, it's time to start delivering the new model to U.S. Lotus dealers. Production of U.S.-spec cars will be starting shortly so Lotus has finally defined a price point for the car beginning at $73,200. For that price you get the 276-hp Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 and a 6-speed gearbox.

Unlike the minimalist Elise and Exige, the Evora is fully trimmed out in a fashion someone might expect of a $73,200 car, including hand-stitched leather from Muirhead and aluminum trim that hints at the structure under the plastic skin. The tiller is adjustable for reach and rake, which, along with the larger size of the car, should make getting in and out much easier than in the Exige. Final EPA numbers haven't been published yet, but the Evora is expected to top 30 mpg on the highway while the 0-60 time will be just 4.9 seconds.

If you haven't yet seen the Evora in person, Lotus has just started a 44-city dealer open house tour around the U.S. The full schedule is in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Lotus Evora


[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200

Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 Lotus2010 Lotus Evora2010Lotus2010LotusEvoraevoraLotuslotus evoralotus evora pricinglotus exigeLotusEvoraLotusEvoraPricingLotusExigeMon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19240803/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/16/lotus-evora-gets-a-u-s-pricetag-starts-at-73-200/19240803/article-detail.xml 19240803 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/lotus-2010-evora-silver-front-quarter-static-1_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/lotus-2010-evora-silver-front-quarter-static-1_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Lotus Exige Stealth, complete with soft-touch paint]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/lotus-exige-scura-stealth-tokyo-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/lotus-exige-scura-stealth-tokyo-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/lotus-exige-scura-stealth-tokyo-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lotus Exige Stealth - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lotus has unveiled the latest special edition of its maximum performance, minimum everything else Exige today at the Tokyo Motor Show. We took a moment to check out the Exige Stealth (known as the Scura in Europe) on the show floor and managed to curry some time with Lotus vehicle development director Roger Becker.

The new model gains a set of comely forged alloy wheels, but the big news with the car is the unique paint. We asked Becker about the Stealth and its special finish, and as it turns out, this is more than just a basic matte paint. Lotus has been experimenting for several years with matte finishes but was never satisfied with the results. The problem - as anyone who has ever done body repairs and worked on primer-finished cars can tell you - is that matte surfaces really show marks and stone chips. Lotus wanted something more durable before putting the car into production.

To create the Exige seen here, the entire car has to be sprayed in the base gloss coat seen on the central stripes. The stripe area was then masked off and the rest of the body abraded in order to get a surface that the matte paint will grip to. Finally, a newly formulated rubberized matte paint is applied. When you touch the car, the surface actually feels soft, and according to Becker, it is four- to five-times more resistant to marking and peeling than other finishes.

Just 35 examples are planned, so get your deposit in now.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Lotus Exige Scura


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid, Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Lotus Exige Stealth, complete with soft-touch paint

Tokyo 2009: Lotus Exige Stealth, complete with soft-touch paint originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exigelotuslotus exigeLotus Exige ScuraLotus Exige Stealthlotus scuralotus stealthLotusExigeLotusExigeScuraLotusExigeStealthLotusScuraLotusStealthroger beckerRogerBeckerscurastealthtokyotokyo 2009Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowWed, 21 Oct 2009 00:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19203468/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/21/lotus-exige-scura-stealth-tokyo-2009/19203468/article-detail.xml 19203468 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/04_lotus_exige_stealth_tokyo_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/04_lotus_exige_stealth_tokyo_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Tokyo Preview: Lotus Exige Scura and Stealth cross over to dark side]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/tokyo-preview-lotus-exige-scura-and-stealth-cross-over-to-dark/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/tokyo-preview-lotus-exige-scura-and-stealth-cross-over-to-dark/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/tokyo-preview-lotus-exige-scura-and-stealth-cross-over-to-dark/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


2010 Lotus Exige Scura - Click above for high-res image gallery

Depending on where you live, you might be able to get a new 2010 Lotus Exige Stealth or 2010 Lotus Exige Scura, but not both, and neither unless you get crackin'. In anticipation of its official coming out party at the Tokyo Motor Show, Lotus just dropped the deets on a new special edition blacked out Lotus Exige alternatively known as the Stealth or Scura (Italian for 'dark') depending on market. Whatever they call it, it is one badass car. Only 35 will be built worldwide and none of them appear headed to the States unfortunately.

This newest Exige special looks menacing with its matte black paint, contrasting gloss black stripes and carbon fiber highlights. It's powered by the 260-hp version of the ubiquitous supercharged 4-cylinder and comes standard with launch control, traction control and 2-way adjustable Ohlins dampers. And thanks to the prodigious amount of carbon fiber inside and out, this featherweight flyer drops another 10kg, allowing it to do the 0-60 sprint in 4 seconds flat. It should also reach 100 in less than ten seconds on its way to a top speed of 152 mph. Brits who hustle over to their local Lotus shoppe will have to plunk down £45,000, while EU customers can expect to pay around €61.000. Check out the gallery of high-res pics below and a long press release after the jump.


Gallery: Tokyo Preview: 2010 Lotus Exige Scura and Stealth


[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Tokyo Preview: Lotus Exige Scura and Stealth cross over to dark side

Tokyo Preview: Lotus Exige Scura and Stealth cross over to dark side originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Exige2010 Exige Scura2010 Exige Stealth2010 Lotus2010 Lotus Exige2010 Lotus Exige Scura2010 Lotus Exige Stealth2010 Stealth2010Exige2010ExigeScura2010ExigeStealth2010Lotus2010LotusExige2010LotusExigeScura2010LotusExigeStealth2010StealthExigeExige ScuraExige StealthExigeScuraExigeStealthLotus ExigeLotus Exige ScuraLotus Exige StealthLotusExigeLotusExigeScuraLotusExigeStealthpreviewScuraSpecial Editionspecial editionsSpecialEditionSpecialEditionsStealthtokyotokyo 2009Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowMon, 19 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19200833/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/19/tokyo-preview-lotus-exige-scura-and-stealth-cross-over-to-dark/19200833/article-detail.xml 19200833 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/12-lotux-exige-scura-620op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/12-lotux-exige-scura-620op.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2009 Lotus Exige S 260 offers even more power and lightness]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/review-2009-lotus-exige-s-260-offers-even-more-power-and-lightn/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/review-2009-lotus-exige-s-260-offers-even-more-power-and-lightn/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/review-2009-lotus-exige-s-260-offers-even-more-power-and-lightn/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2009 Lotus Exige S 260 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over its 61-year history, Lotus Cars has spent a considerable amount of time clawing its way back from the brink of insolvency. The company's most recent bout with financial disrepair came in the early Nineties after the front-wheel-drive Elan proved a commercial failure (surprise!) and the Esprit toiled away in the shadows of newer, more powerful supercars. As hope for the historic marque's triumphant return began to fade, a group of Lotus engineers pooled their collective will to create an all-new, back-to-basics model that would revive Colin Chapman's company and give hardened enthusiasts the purist's driving tool they craved.

In September of 1996, the Elise was born, and four years later, its hard-top sibling - the Exige - came on the scene. Over the last decade, we've seen a raft of super-special-limited-edition variants follow in its lightweight wake, but the ultimate version is this: the 2009 Lotus Exige S 260. Packing more power and "more lightness" than the 240 Sport we sampled last year, there's no doubt it's a telepathic terror on track, but we wanted to know if it was up to the depravity of Michigan roads, so we set our chiropractor on speed dial and headed out...


Gallery: Review: 2009 Lotus Exige S 260


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Lotus Exige S 260 offers even more power and lightness

Review: 2009 Lotus Exige S 260 offers even more power and lightness originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Lotus Exige S 2602009LotusExigeS260exigeexige s 260ExigeS260featuredlotuslotus exigelotus exige s 260LotusExigeLotusExigeS260reviewreviewss 260S260Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19169262/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/22/review-2009-lotus-exige-s-260-offers-even-more-power-and-lightn/19169262/article-detail.xml 19169262 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/lotusexige260000_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/lotusexige260000_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 give us that special feeling]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260-give-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260-give-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260-give-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Another show, another pair of special editions from Lotus. This time around it's the Elise Club Racer and the Exige Cup 260, two lightweight specials based on the company's core product range.

We brought you details and photos of both a few weeks ago in the ramp-up to the show, but stopped by to have a closer look at the pair while we were there checking out the race-spec Evora. Check 'em both out in the high-res image gallery below.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260


Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260 give us that special feeling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 frankfurt2009 frankfurt auto show2009 frankfurt motor show2009Frankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShow2009FrankfurtMotorShoweliseelise club racerEliseClubRacerexigeexige cupexige cup 260ExigeCupExigeCup260falsefrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowlotuslotus eliselotus elise club racerlotus exigelotus exige cup 260LotusEliseLotusEliseClubRacerLotusExigeLotusExigeCup260Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19161932/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-lotus-elise-club-racer-and-exige-cup-260-give-us/19161932/article-detail.xml 19161932 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/01-lotus-frankfurt-620_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/01-lotus-frankfurt-620.jpg <![CDATA[Harder Core: 2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/harder-core-2010-lotus-exige-cup-260/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/harder-core-2010-lotus-exige-cup-260/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/harder-core-2010-lotus-exige-cup-260/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260 - click above image for high-res gallery

The Lotus Elise/Exige twins are quickly becoming the Porsche 911s of Britain. Or are they British Mustangs? In other words, totally fantastic sports cars with so many special variations that only the idiot savants among us can keep up and keep track. Case in point: meet the new for 2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260. What is it? A faster, stiffer and - you guessed it - lighter version of the already impossibly quick, nimble and skinny Exige S introduced in March of this year.

Power remains the same (257 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque from the supercharged 1.8-liter Toyota inline-four) but remember what Lotus founder Colin Chapman said: "Adding power makes you faster on the straights; subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere." With that in mind, the Cup 260 not only makes use of the 84 pounds of weight savingsthat the skeletal Exige S lords over the base Exige, but sheds further kilos of flab through some pretty aggressive dieting.

Extensive use of carbon fiber saves another 26 pounds, lightweight components (battery, wheels, subframe, fly wheel, rear-window delete, supercharger U-bend pipes) chop off a further 48 pounds. In fact, Lotus says the wheels are the lightest ever fitted to a production car. Ripping out other useless junk like the carpets, rearview mirror, sun visors and the like sheds another 10 pounds.

Add it all up and you're left with a car that weighs just 1,958 pounds, slightly more than half the weight of a Chevy Camaro SS (3,857 lbs). And where the 426 hp Camaro can hit 60 mph in five seconds, the lithe little Lotus can do it in four ticks flat, thanks in part to an all-new launch control system but also because it doesn't weigh anything. The 30% stiffer rear-end coupled with the two-way adjustable Ohlins dampers means the Exige Cup 260 should handle even better than all the numerous Exiges that came before it. Price? Nothing is set in stone (ha ha) about the U.S. MSRP but $80K seems about right - provided Lotus decides to import it. Full press release after the jump, high-res gallery splendor below.


Gallery: 2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260

2010 Lotus Exige Cup 2602010 Lotus Exige Cup 2602010 Lotus Exige Cup 2602010 Lotus Exige Cup 2602010 Lotus Exige Cup 260

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Harder Core: 2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260

Harder Core: 2010 Lotus Exige Cup 260 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colin chapmanColinChapmanExige Cup 260ExigeCup260falseLotusLotus ExigeLotus Exige Cup 260Lotus Exige SLotusExigeLotusExigeCup260LotusExigeSThu, 27 Aug 2009 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19141949/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/27/harder-core-2010-lotus-exige-cup-260/19141949/article-detail.xml 19141949 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/exigecup00-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/exigecup00-630.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus begins offering supercharger kits for all NA Elises and Exiges]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/lotus-begins-offering-supercharger-kits-for-all-na-elises-and-ex/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/lotus-begins-offering-supercharger-kits-for-all-na-elises-and-ex/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/lotus-begins-offering-supercharger-kits-for-all-na-elises-and-ex/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lotus Elise - Click above for high-res image gallery

Anyone who's picked up a Lotus Elise or Exige before the kids from Hethel began offering a factory supercharged engine, help is at hand. Drivers of normally aspirated Lotuses can now get a factory style blower kit from Lotus Cars USA. The system is completely emissions certified, warrantied and legal in all 50 states, and includes higher flow injectors, a supercharger with integrated intake manifold and new ECU calibrations. Any authorized Lotus dealer can sell and install the kit that bumps the output of the 1.8-liter Toyota engine from 189 hp/133 lb-ft to 218 hp/155 lb-ft. Although the torque gain is minimal, twist now peaks at a more usable 5,000 rpm rather than 6,800 rpm. You can get all the details in the press release below the fold, but don't look for a price -- Lotus hasn't announced the cost for the kit yet.


Gallery: Lotus Elise


Continue reading Lotus begins offering supercharger kits for all NA Elises and Exiges

Lotus begins offering supercharger kits for all NA Elises and Exiges originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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