Any changes to Exige for '09?

[SUTOL111x]

Originally Posted by s2exiges

Anyone knows when is possible to order the S260?

With dealer deliveries planned for around January/February, I would guess November/December at the earliest for an order. I am hoping for the specs on the build to be finalized in time to bring a car in for the LA Auto Show in November. I can't wait to see what the Lotus gods have come up with this time!!!

[s2exiges]

Originally Posted by SUTOL111x

With dealer deliveries planned for around January/February, I would guess November/December at the earliest for an order. I am hoping for the specs on the build to be finalized in time to bring a car in for the LA Auto Show in November. I can't wait to see what the Lotus gods have come up with this time!!!

Me too

[skottoman]

Still waiting to see what final specs/costs are on '09 Exige S 260. Anyone placed an order yet?

[SUTOL111x]

As far as I know, the dealers have not received the final specs yet, but they are due to receive them no later than the LA Auto Show dates. Once they receive them, orders can be placed. Abe will update us when he can, or just get Randy to post another of his "girl in boots" pics here in this thread and Abe should show up sooner.

[Vishus_1]

Originally Posted by Abe

There will be a 240 for '09 and you will have the option to choose a different color interior.

A different interior color - now that is interesting.

I wonder what choices we might have? It would be nice to get something like the Club Racer had with Alacantra. It would also be nice if they put the embroidered Exige back into the seat instead of cheaply putting it on the floor mats where it gets soiled easily.

Hmmmm also thinking of a magnolia interior on Ice White?

Given current economic conditions - it would be nice if Lotus offers an incentive program like they poorly attempted last year. Just sweeten the deal more for current owners and allow enough time to order and who knows... they might sell a few more.

[shay2nak]

prolly 2010 is gonna be 260

[SUTOL111x]

Originally Posted by shay2nak

prolly 2010 is gonna be 260

That's news to me, unless something has dramatically changed in the last few weeks (like this economic pit we have fallen into and Lotus has changed its release date).

[Monsi]

Abe specifically said S260 this year... they are just gonna put some street bits on the cup

[Bgwilly31]

LA auto Show is NEXT week...

So we should expect concrete info next week>?

[shay2nak]

Originally Posted by Bgwilly31

LA auto Show is NEXT week...

So we should expect concrete info next week>?

i'm sure they will.

[MickOpalak]

The '09 Exige S260 will not have a rear window any longer, just firewall all the way up to the roof. Don't know if they'll remove the rear view mirror or not.

[mevistox5]

And some more info on the 2-11 GT4


12/11/08 - Racebred 2-Eleven Unleashed

The Lotus Sport 2-Eleven GT4 Supersport race car asserts itself at the pinnacle of the 2-Eleven range, combining race winning pedigree with unparalleled handling and balance.

Building on the success of the 2-Eleven road and track variants, Lotus Sport has developed this GT4 Supersport race car to compete in the European SRO GT4 Supersports category.

The Lotus Sport GT4 Supersport pushes the limits to the extreme: wearing a dramatic composite body, full rollcage and with increased power and a sequential gearbox it provides a race winning package. The GT4 Supersport offers an advanced aerodynamic package, with aggressive styling alluding to its searing performance and phenomenal racing potential.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc said, "Lotus has an enviable motor racing heritage that includes some of the most successful racing cars in history. We are confident that the 2-Eleven will continue our winning tradition and become a classic of the future. The 2-Eleven GT4 Supersport offers one of the most cost effective, competitive and easiest routes into this level of motorsport".

Lotus Sport has increased the power and torque available in the GT4 Supersport car to 270 PS and 247 Nm from the standard supercharged cars 255 PS and 242 Nm engine. The increases in power and torque have been gained through improved induction and exhaust systems, and with a high ratio supercharger drive system for increased levels of boost. To maximise the upgrades to the engine the engine management system has been remapped and optimised.

Lotus Sport is offering a 6 speed sequential gearbox with a centrally mounted push/ pull lever and gear selector display. The gearbox is integrated with the engine management system to allow flat shifts up through the box and an “autoblip” rev matching system on downchange. This transmission offers lightning quick gear changes, shaving those all important tenths off each gear change. A plate type limited slip differential, employed to improve traction out of corners competes the setup.

Chris Arnold, Head of Lotus Sport, said "the GT4 Supersport has some exceptional new features and provides a compelling package that has race winning credentials. This is a hugely exciting new car for Lotus Sport, we have already had good success in mainland Europe with the test car and we are looking forward to our customers successes in the 2009 season".

There will be an initial run limited to 10 cars priced at £78 255 MSRP with delivery dates in March ready for the '09 racing season. Some GT4 Supersport features can be retro-fitted to 2-Elevens that have already been purchased, offering increased versatility and allowing owners to upgrade their car as they hone their skills.

The 2-Eleven double wishbone suspension is uprated with stiffer race focused springs and dampers. The dampers are the race proven 2-way adjustable Ohlins units, allowing the handling to be fine tuned for optimum track setup. The rear suspension has been upgraded with the addition of race spec rear toe links. Semi-slick AO48 Yokohama's are fitted as standard.

Another new addition for 2009 is the Lotus manufactured FIA compliant carbon fibre race seats. The Lotus Sport seats are HANS approved and are complimented with a Schroth 6-point race harness. A 70 litre FIA approved bag tank is fitted as part of the GT4 Supersport spec along with a plumbed-in fire extinguisher system. A concession to easier ingress and egress comes in the form of a removable Lotus Sport steering wheel.

The GT4 Supersport has a rigid tonneau cover to improve aerodynamics. The aero package is improved with significant levels of downforce generated by a carbon fibre rear wing and rear diffuser, balanced by a deep front splitter. The GT4 Supersport generates up to 80 kg of positive downforce at 100 mph, which is over 10 % of the cars weight.

The race car retains the excellent sports tuned ABS, variable traction control and launch control systems available on the current 2-Eleven. These race proven systems have been thoroughly tested and give exceptional feel and control in a wide variety of conditions.


About Lotus Sport
Lotus Sport is the extreme race track and special edition arm of Lotus Cars Ltd and is located at the Norfolk Head Office next to the famous Hethel test track. The department designs and builds extreme performance road cars, track cars and full race cars as well offering a performance parts service and bespoke driver training packages.

About Group Lotus plc:
The main operating subsidiary of Group Lotus plc is Lotus Cars Ltd, which has two operating divisions - Lotus Engineering and Lotus Cars. Lotus Engineering is an internationally recognised automotive engineering consultancy based in Norfolk, UK. Global facilities include those in Michigan (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), China and offices in Germany and Japan.

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive and versatile consultancy services to many of the world's OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, offering a full engineering service from initial concept and project design through development and integration of the complete vehicle to meet all worldwide markets and customers to full production. This includes third party 'niche vehicle' engineering and manufacture.

Lotus Cars builds world class, prestige, high performance sports cars for sale in 37 countries. These include the iconic Lotus Elise, the Exige and Europa. Lotus is a global high-tech company, expanding rapidly and committed to driving forward technology for both Lotus Cars and its Engineering clients, spearheading research into such areas as hybrids, electric vehicles and renewable fuels.

For further details please contact:
PR Department, Group Lotus plc
Group Lotus plc, Potash Lane, Hethel, Norfolk, UK, NR14 8EZ
Tel: +44 1953 608264
Fax: +44 1953 608111
Email: pr@lotuscars.co.uk

[Bgwilly31]

Originally Posted by MickOpalak

The '09 Exige S260 will not have a rear window any longer, just firewall all the way up to the roof. Don't know if they'll remove the rear view mirror or not.

As far as i know that might make it Illegal on the street in the US. From what i understand street legal cars must have a rearview mirror. Useless or not. I may be wrong though. Just what ive heard.

[EricH]

I think it is they must have at least one rear facing mirror.... so the side mirrors take care of that.

[SUTOL111x]

Originally Posted by EricH

I think it is they must have at least one rear facing mirror.... so the side mirrors take care of that.

+1 I think that is correct.

[EricH]

You guys waiting on '09's and are thinking of getting the track pack (assuming options are the same as '08's) might want to think twice. They might have changed springs in '08 which will not let you balance the car or get it to 120mm (you can do one or the other but not both). It is hard to get them under the recommended 130mm 'street' height.
Lowering track pack (ride height) even further?
I am still looking for more '08 owner examples, so far we are 2 for 2 having problems.

[SUTOL111x]

Originally Posted by EricH

You guys waiting on '09's and are thinking of getting the track pack (assuming options are the same as '08's) might want to think twice. They might have changed springs in '08 which will not let you balance the car or get it to 120mm (you can do one or the other but not both). It is hard to get them under the recommended 130mm 'street' height.
Lowering track pack (ride height) even further?
I am still looking for more '08 owner examples, so far we are 2 for 2 having problems.

Hmmm, that is troublesome and unexpected - frustrating to say the least. If it is a "Track" Pack, it makes no sense that they would change the springs so it cannot be lowered.

[Vishus_1]

Didn't the track pack change in 08? I didn't think it came with the same equipment the 07 and earlier had. I could be mistaken.

[ChrisB]

For those that can make it to the LA Auto Show, this car and the Evora will be there...be sure and make it, if you can.

[wallabyguy]

The LA Show will be an exciting event for Lotus with many announcements even beyond those mentioned in this thread. It's great to see so much activity.