Report: Lotus Announces Updates for 2010 Exige S 240

[Administrator]

Along with a limited edition Exige S 260 model for 2010, Lotus has made upgrades to the Exige S 240 this year. Much of the car remains the same, although changes have been made to the bodywork to improve the cars aerodynamic efficiency.

A new front bumper features a larger main air intake to channel more air to the radiator, while side vents feed air to two oil coolers, with horizontal vanes to stabilize airflow. A new composite front splitter now wraps around the entire front end of the Exige to reduce drag around the tires. Finally, one of the most notable changes for 2010 is the new rear spoiler, which has been adapted from the Exige GT3 concept car that was first shown at the Geneva Auto Show back in 2007. This new wing is 7.1-inches wider and is mounted 1.8-inches higher and 2.4-inches further back, reducing drag while keeping the previous spoiler's downforce rating of 93 lbs at 100 mph.

A new option pack for 2010 is the Track Package, with adjustable Ohlins shocks and remote oil reservoirs for both the front and rear.

Otherwise, the Exige S 240 remains mostly unchanged (which is hardly a bad thing). The car weighs 2,077 lbs and is powered by a supercharged 1.8-liter Toyota-sourced four-cylinder engine making 240hp at 8000 rm and 170 ft-lbs of torque at 5500 rpm, enabling a sprint to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. All the while, the Exige S 240 boasts a fuel economy rating of 20/26 mpg (city/highway).

The starting price for the 2010 Exige s 240 remains unchanged at $65,690, with sales starting in both the U.S. and Canada this Fall.

More: Report: Lotus Announces Updates for 2010 Exige S 240 on AutoGuide.com

[robains]

I still really like this car, wish is were available back in 2007.

Too bad it'll not hit the US. But I can see why it will not come state side, just too much viable competition in the price range they would sell it at.

Rob.

[Vishus_1]

Originally Posted by robains

I still really like this car, wish is were available back in 2007.

Too bad it'll not hit the US. But I can see why it will not come state side, just too much viable competition in the price range they would sell it at.

Rob.

Rob

This Exige S240 us coming to the US - perhaps you are confused with the CUP 260 which isn't.

Personally - I think the restyle doesn't fit with the rest of the car let alone the rest of the brand. The grill has been squared up on this Exige that it doesn't really seem consistent anymore with the Elise, Evora or 2-11. And what has been done to the oil cooler vents isn't evident on any other current Lotus design either (plus it doesn't match up with anything else on the car).

One of the unique styling elements of this 2nd generation Elise and Exige has been the insect-like elliptical theme that was executed in the overall design - from the oil cooler vents, through the headlights, radiator openings to the side scoop and rear. This squarish opening for the 2010 Exige does not blend with the curved rear where the hatch is, the side scoops, radiator vents or any other part of the design - and the spoiler is just looks like a tacked-on after thought that interrupts an area that has subtle yet compound curves.

But to each their own - I'm sure there are many who dont like handle bar mustaches pin striped to the rear of the car either.

[fast+forward]

front end is way too busy...they should've just left it alone after the power and suspension updates.