2010 EXIGE design changes, better?

[axecreatives]

Not just because I own an 06 EXIGE, and I normally always want the "new" thing, but I honestly do not like what they have done with the rear wing and the front spoiler.

Anyone agree or disagree?

I am interested to know what members think.

+anthony

[lotusforsale]

Originally Posted by axecreatives

Not just because I own an 06 EXIGE, and I normally always want the "new" thing, but I honestly do not like what they have done with the rear wing and the front spoiler.

Anyone agree or disagree?

I am interested to know what members think.

+anthony

Cosmetically, meh.

Supposedly the new wing reduces drag (and therefore increases top end) while maintaining the same downforce. Changes in front are supposed to improve air flow and down force as well.

So performance wise, if true then they would be improvements.

[spectre]

I think it sucks...they lost the fluid nature of the design. I would have thought they could have found a more elegant way of fixing the issues...

[Stormy320]

They should have gone in a different direction. It's kinda like the last few years what Chrysler did with the Lambo Countach.

Some here have mentioned they like it though.

[MadMan Markiss]

Thumbs down on the additions. Dispite the 'improved' nature and functionality of them, it lost the sleek sporty appeal that it had before. Now it looks like its caught the adolescent modifier bug that you see on a lot of cars owned by teens. The first thing my 2010 is doing, is going right to the body shop to have that wing ripped off, holes filled, and a more civil spoiler added, much like the one from this past generation of Exiges.

P.S.- there are a few more threads on this topic throughout the site if you wish to have more feedback on the matter.

Cheers,

[sumolance]

Despite the claims of improved aero, it seems like lotus changed the front and spoiler just for the sake of change. The front openings and horizontal 'foil' doesn't tie with the sweeping motions of the overall design. Not to mention the spoiler; it resembles ricey gundam/veilside/wings west/erebuni/vis, etc. styling. No bueno. I suppose a better move would be to offer an all-alcantara interior, new wheel design, maybe misc. carbon bits, new colors, maybe new diffuser a la Reverie-style, rear camera, Hans interior option, and a nacho cheese dispenser option.

[eurosport]

What happened to the GT3 concept front end that seemed to be the next evolution? Seemed a little more consistent transition, even without the wide-body rear.

[sleepe]

The fascia looks odd, but the wing is where it should be now.

Lotus should have included sills to even out the front and back though.

[Christophe111]

Originally Posted by eurosport

What happened to the GT3 concept front end that seemed to be the next evolution? Seemed a little more consistent transition, even without the wide-body rear.

I fully agree. This should have been the next step.

[lotuspt]

Actually I was quite revolted when I saw the first pictures of the 167th Exige refresh. Front treatment and rear spoiler looked real tacky and aftermarket. For me it spoiled the pocket Group C racer look.

However...

I just saw one live at a classic car show (Lotus Club Portugal where doing a demo) and it promptly blew me away. Looks great, even more agressive, couldn't find a wrong angle. Now as a result, an Exige burning desire that was supressed as now been released again... bummer!

[jlj3394]

I like the wing. I don't like the front.

[ACE51]

its ugly as sin but I'm sure everyone might grow on it since we don't have a choice. no one likes big changes, especially for the worse.

[Vishus_1]

I am already on record in other threads that I think it is a poor execution. Every change made (however functional) on the 2010 Exige is asthetically worse and is now inconsistent with the rest of the brand. (having a rectangular grill and split oil coolers along with tacked on spoiler)

The front ends oil cooler openings with the divider does not have any continuity with any other design element on the Exige - period. That divider doesn't line up with anything and looks like a Mazda design element or Saturn Sky.

The rectangular shapes work against the elliptical theme of the overall style. The headlights aren't retangular or squared up - the radiatior vent isn't - the windshield shape - etc)

The multi-piece front splitter than now extends up the sides to the front wheel arch reflectors (on US cars) looks tacked on rather than an intrinsic designed part.

The spoiler (you can't call it a wing anymore since it attaches on the sides) also does not blend with any other design elements. The way the sides attach have that bend so they could mate a flat piece to a curved part of the car is horrible. The attachment point ruins a part of the car that have subtle, yet complex and compound curves. This spoiler worked on the GT3 because it was a wide body - on the 2010 Exige, it is regular width - so the spoiler will actually narrows the rears appearance because of the height - kinda like a Superbird. Very ricey - not to mention how difficult this now makes working on the engine or getting in the way of the trunk.

Every line of the 2009 and earlier S2 Exige blends and is a complete cohesive execution of design. It would have been better to either left the style alone or go entirely with the GT3 style. What has been thrown together does not fit in with the styling of the Evora, the Elise or 2-Eleven.

[Minnis]

I think it will grow on people. I built in the changes to my car in the front and it's more of a in-person type of thing. More air-flow/better cooling doesn't hurt.

[Sweet Adrenaline]

idk...I didn't have an instant love connection, but it may grow on me, Chuck

[Shawn C]

I agree the GT3 version was way nicer!

[Vishus_1]

Here is something I find peculiar as well...

Why did Lotus make this change --- really? From my understanding and what I have read - I thought part of Mike Kimberly's business plan was to have a Elise/Exige replacement by 2012. So why make changes to the Exige with only 2 years left?

If you had to make a change to something, why not the Elise which has remained basically unchanged since the S2 came out?

Now I am not really advocating this either - I think the Elise is just fine as it is. But Exiges are perhaps selling better than the Elise. In fact I am afraid until the SC came out, the Exige probably hurt Elise sales more than anything other car. I just don't understand why make this abhorrent change at this time. Either leave well enough alone with 2 years left or make a real change for the better that is accepted as more beautiful - like the GT3.

I don't think 10 years down the road anyone will look at a 2010+ Exige and ever think it looks better than a 2006 - 2009. Ever.

[spectre]

Can't disagree with that at all ---^

[Red Mist]

Originally Posted by Vishus_1

Here is something I find peculiar as well...

Why did Lotus make this change --- really? From my understanding and what I have read - I thought part of Mike Kimberly's business plan was to have a Elise/Exige replacement by 2012. So why make changes to the Exige with only 2 years left?

Ever.

Because the Exige has always been marketed as the "hardcore" track version of the Elise. On the track, the Exige has WAY too much drag, it's hurts the performance, and the water temps get too hot as well. This is what the car needs, looks aside.

[lotustt]

I like the front but really not sure about that wing. Need to see it in person.