Even when the Lotus Exige is no longer available in the United States, its successor, the Exige Race 380, was presented this Friday by Lotus automaker. This new model is a track exclusive adaptation of the former Exige Sport 380 model released in November last year.
The Exige Sport 380 presented in 2016, used a 3.5-liter supercharged V6, a common engine in lots of Lotus cars. This engine is set to produce over 375 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque.
In the new Exige Race 380, there is the inclusion of Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission that will make possible for the driver to perform faster shifts, controlled by carbon fiber paddle shifters located on the back of the wheel. This new model also has as innovations an oil cooler and an exhaust system made of titanium.
According to the Lotus automaker, this new model will be able to achieve 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2, surpassing the Exige successor that reached that speed in 3.5 seconds. The reason for this improvement is that Lotus made the new Exige Race 380 more light as the car weighs only 2,200 pounds.
The Exige Race 380 broke a Lotus record
When the new car did its traditional test laps at the Hethel test track in England, it registered unseen marks from any of Exige’s models presented to date. It completed the lap in just 1 minute and 23.5 seconds, making it the fastest Exige car from Lotus, a vehicle that has over 15 different models.
This impressive time was not only because the great strength that the 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine brings to the car, but because of the new design that Lotus included in the model. The new modified bodywork of the Exige Race 380 allows the car to reach great speeds.
According to Lotus, their new vehicle can produce over 240 kilograms (529 pounds) of downforce at 170 mph. This proves that the amazing bodywork of the car is not just for aesthetic reasons.
Lotus said that it added a new ventilation system to avoid pressure on the wheel wells, a brand new rear grille that will allow a better air circulation within the engine compartment and a new rear diffuser and rear spoiler.
The new model also features Michelin Pilot Sports Cup 2 tires, along with a lightweight seat, a fire extinguisher, and a thin film transistor instrument display.
Currently, the Exige Race 380 is available in the United Kingdom for 99,500 pounds, which translates into $120,000 ($121,450 with taxes). To this date, Lotus has not discussed the Exige U.S. availability or price.
However, it is expected that new models of the Exige and Elise cars came to the United States in 2020, after the automaker updates its safety equipment and meet the country’s standards regarding safe measures.
Source: Digital Trends