sport 240 for Aussies (var.TC+LC!)

[alexio]

Interesting news about Australia getting a sport 240... not clear from the article but it seems like this would be a road-going version.... regardless, 240hp, variable traction control and LAUNCH CONTROL make THIS... your moment of zen! (unless like me you're in the U.S. so this means very little except hoping for 2008)




http://jalopnik.com/cars/sydney-auto...how-293573.php

[mark.r]

This is the car that someone posted in that other thread that thought this would be the next US based car. Well at least the Aussies are thinking, Iwouldn't expect so much from the factory . . .

Lotus Australia is having a great year with sales expected to exceed its previous best by 20% and already doubling 2006 sales numbers. And today Lotus Australia announces the Lotus Exige Sport 240, a special edition Exige conceived and designed by the Australian division and destined to stay in Australia only. "Designed specifically for Australia, we are excited and proud to add this bespoke Exige to our existing range." said Jonathan Stretton.
As you would expect from the name, the Lotus Exige Sport 240 is boosted to 240 hp (179kW) with 230 nM torque through a new ECU and upgraded fuel injectors. It will be the first production car in Australia to use a driver-adjustable stand-alone traction control, the kind found in Formula 1 and this particular one developed in Lotus' Sport UK GT3 motorsport program. It has 18 preset levels of traction control intervention, giving the driver ultimate control in any road condition. The Exige sprints to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, 160 km/h in 9.9 seconds and will continue untill it hits its 249 km/h top speed.
Australia's most exclusive Exige ever comes with an avalanche of modifications like more power, bigger brakes, body modifications, two bespoke colors (Blaze Orange and Sapphire Black) and interior adjustments. The orange version has black details in its front splitter, rear wing, wheels and rear panel infill and vice versa on its black counterpart.
The Exige Sport 240 is not only for track days though, as the interior comes with the Lotus Touring Plus pack which includes leather seats, air conditioning and sound insulation amongst others. Just six (6) will initially be available to the Australian public priced at AUD 149,990 and will make its global debut at the Australian International Motor Show in October.
________________________________________
Press Release
Lotus Australia has announced the fastest, most-desirable and exclusively tuned Lotus Exige to ever go on sale in Australia, the Lotus Sport 240. Conceived and designed by Lotus Cars Australia, the special edition Exige Sport 240 will make its world debut at the Australian International Motor Show in October where it will officially go on sale. With power improved to 179kW, this will also mark the first production car in Australia fitted with driver-adjustable stand-alone traction control, similar to the systems currently used in Formula 1.
"Designed specifically for Australia, we are excited and proud to add this bespoke Exige to our existing range." said Jonathan Stretton, Sales and Marketing Manager of Lotus Cars Australia. "Cars like the Exige Sport 240 show our passion and commitment to the Australian market. This Exige Sport 240 will only be available in Australia. We have worked with the Lotus factory in the UK to select specific styling and performance parts based on what we know will improve performance, but also taking into account customer feedback and current trends in this market. The Exige Sport 240 is a car entirely comfortable on the road for everyday use. Take it to the track and it will be blisteringly quick and will outpace cars two or three times the price," Stretton added.
Tuned with more power, bigger brakes, body mods, two bespoke colours, interior changes and limited edition badging, the Exige Sport 240 will be the most exclusive Exige to hit Australian Lotus showrooms.
Just six of the Exige Sport 240 will be initially available in launch colours of Blaze Orange or Sapphire Black, each with a special edition interior plaque. The Blaze Orange model will feature black highlights, including front splitter, rear wing endplates, wheels and a rear beaver panel infill around the rear lights. The Sapphire Black model will feature a Chrome Orange front splitter and rear wing endplates.
Both models will feature lightweight Lotus Sport forged five-spoke OZ alloy wheels. The Blaze Orange car has wheels finished in black with the Sapphire Black using silver. This is the first time this wheel design has featured on an Australian model. Also for the first time in Australia, the signature Exige roof scoop will extend forward from the engine compartment to the top of the windscreen to supply an increased volume of air to the intercooler, whilst also giving the car more visual presence. Special Exige Sport 240 badging will mark the exclusive model's exterior.
As the name suggests, power output is 240hp, or 179kW, a 10 percent improvement over the Exige S. Torque also increases from 215Nm to 230Nm. Upgraded fuel injectors and a new ECU allow the supercharged engine to reach greater heights. The engine is a 1.8-litre supercharged intercooled four-cylinder. Features include twin-overhead camshafts, 16 valves and VVTL-i variable cam timing and lift, along with a distinct, characteristic supercharger whine.
A six-speed close-ratio C64 gearbox is standard and has been upgraded with a heavy duty clutch kit including a strengthened clutch and pressure plate. Putting this extra power to the ground will be assured through mechanical and electronic traction aids. A torque-sensing limited-slip differential is standard on the Exige Sport 240, the first time it has been offered as factory equipment on a Lotus in Australia.
The Sport 240 will also be fitted with Lotus Sport adjustable traction control. Developed from the Lotus Sport UK GT3 motorsport program, the advanced electronic system utilises a driver-adjustable control knob to dial-in one of 18 preset levels of traction control intervention. This allows for the ultimate in driver control in any road condition, wet or dry. This system also utilises electronic launch-control where the driver can dial in the desired revs, floor the throttle and it will hold at the determined point until the clutch is released for perfect starts every time.
Performance figures are equally impressive with 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds, 0-160km/h in 9.9 seconds and an estimated top speed of 249km/h.
Lotus is already known for its outstanding stopping power, and the Exige Sport 240 is even more effective with AP four-piston callipers on the front with 308mm two-piece front vented discs and braided hoses. On the rear, new Brembo single-piston callipers work on 288mm rotors. Pagid brake pads are fitted all around. The suspension uses one-way adjustable dampers with adjustable ride height and an adjustable front sway bar to suit those wanting to tune the car to their own driving style. Maintaining its track focus, the Sport 240 is fitted with grippy R compound Yokohama A048 LTS tyres, 195/50x16 front, 225/45x17 rear. It also benefits from a BS4 T45 steel roll-over hoop and struts.
The Exige Sport 240's interior hasn't been forgotten and includes the elements of a Touring Plus pack. With this comes air-conditioning and sound insulation amongst other enhancements throughout the cabin. Exige Sport 240 sports seats (finished in black leather) with a harness bar complement the purposeful nature of the car. The seats display an orange Exige logo and, along with the door trims and centre console, also have orange stitching. The black floor mats also feature an orange Exige logo. Even the air-conditioning system is designed for performance. Weighing just 15kg for the entire system, the air-con uses an advanced clutch that automatically turns the compressor off when it senses full throttle to preserve maximum performance.
The special edition Lotus Exige Sport 240 is priced at $149,990 plus dealer delivery and statutory government charges. It will debut and go on sale at the Australian International Motor Show, from October 11. The Sport 240 is released in what is the most successful year for Lotus Australia. According to Stretton: "Year-to-date, Lotus Australia has more than doubled its 2006 retail sales. In 2007 we are likely to exceed the highest sales ever in Australia by 20 percent. Adopting a more focused strategy in Australia is serving us well and the introduction of the Exige Sport 240 further emphasises the importance and relevance of Australia for Lotus Cars."

[ace10]

Originally Posted by mark.r

This is the car that someone posted in that other thread that thought this would be the next US based car. Well at least the Aussies are thinking, Iwouldn't expect so much from the factory . . .

well, at least we get gold-colored cast wheels for our market.

[mark.r]

Originally Posted by ace10

well, at least we get gold-colored cast wheels for our market.

+1 Good lord, I couldn't have said it better myself. Although let me edit my previous statement:

This is the car that someone posted in that other thread that thought this would be the next US based car. Well at least the Aussies are thinking, Iwouldn't expect so much from the factory . . . or Lotus USA.

[codymac]

Crap spot for the adjustment knob - can't imagine reaching around the wheel to get to that thing while harnessed in.


On the up side, it's been fitted to an Exige now... which is something I've wondered about.

[mark.r]

Originally Posted by codymac

Crap spot for the adjustment knob - can't imagine reaching around the wheel to get to that thing while harnessed in.


On the up side, it's been fitted to an Exige now... which is something I've wondered about.

I don't know, seems OK to me. I would assume proper seat position would play apart in reaching for it. During track days my seat is alway further up than when I drive on the street.

[Stig Wannabe]

Why on earth would they develop a car exclusively for the Australian market? Wouldn't it benefit a company with such dubious financial solvency to make the best stuff available to the country with the most money to pay for it?

This stuff has to "trickle down" to the American market soon . . .

[andykeck]

Originally Posted by Stig Wannabe

Why on earth would they develop a car exclusively for the Australian market? Wouldn't it benefit a company with such dubious financial solvency to make the best stuff available to the country with the most money to pay for it?

We may have the most money, but we also seem to have the most regulations.

[ace10]

Originally Posted by Stig Wannabe

Why on earth would they develop a car exclusively for the Australian market? Wouldn't it benefit a company with such dubious financial solvency to make the best stuff available to the country with the most money to pay for it?

This stuff has to "trickle down" to the American market soon . . .

"stuff" trickles down alright... we get the aformentioned gold-plated elise and crude posters fit for teenagers.

[mark.r]

Originally Posted by Stig Wannabe

Why on earth would they develop a car exclusively for the Australian market? Wouldn't it benefit a company with such dubious financial solvency to make the best stuff available to the country with the most money to pay for it?

This stuff has to "trickle down" to the American market soon . . .

For the same reasons that they released an NA Exige for one year. Keep in mine Lotus didn't build this car, Lotus AU did.

[mark.r]

Originally Posted by ace10

"stuff" trickles down alright... we get the aformentioned gold-plated elise and crude posters fit for teenagers.

No but wait, that is a John Player replica so that makes it alright.

[Aedo]

Originally Posted by Stig Wannabe

Why on earth would they develop a car exclusively for the Australian market? Wouldn't it benefit a company with such dubious financial solvency to make the best stuff available to the country with the most money to pay for it?

This stuff has to "trickle down" to the American market soon . . .

It wasn't developed exclusively for the Australian market - it is stuff Lotus have already developed - TC from the 2-eleven, wheels from the 240R, AP brakes, 240HP map and injectors - all stuff available from the factory just stuck in 6 neat little packages!

[Donbecker]

I really don't see what's exciting about this...

"Just six (6) will initially be available..."

It's not like every AUS lotus will have this stuff on it...

[Aedo]

Originally Posted by Donbecker

I really don't see what's exciting about this...

"Just six (6) will initially be available..."

It's not like every AUS lotus will have this stuff on it...

hey - that's a lot of sales in Oz! In Perth there are just over 20 Elises - and they have been available here for 10 years!



There are lots more in Brisbane/Sydney/Melbourne

[EliseCat]

Couldn't this be the "sports performance package" or whatever it was called
in the previous thread talking about the changes to the 2008 Exige?

[shay2nak]

Originally Posted by EliseCat

Couldn't this be the "sports performance package" or whatever it was called
in the previous thread talking about the changes to the 2008 Exige?

yep that's what it looks like. me wants it.

[Fryman]

this infuriates me!

i went out waited 6 monts for CO exige with all the options and this comes out!.... but rumour has it you can buy that car effectively in a kit without the electronic launch control and fit it... hmmm

[holmz]

Originally Posted by mark.r

For the same reasons that they released an NA Exige for one year. Keep in mind Lotus didn't build this car, Lotus AU did.

I don't believe that is correct.

[mark.r]

Originally Posted by holmz

I don't believe that is correct.

Hmm, I wonder what gave me that idea . . .

Lotus Australia has announced the fastest, most-desirable and exclusively tuned Lotus Exige to ever go on sale in Australia, the Lotus Sport 240. Conceived and designed by Lotus Cars Australia, the special edition Exige Sport 240 will make its world debut at the Australian International Motor Show in October where it will officially go on sale. With power improved to 179kW, this will also mark the first production car in Australia fitted with driver-adjustable stand-alone traction control, similar to the systems currently used in Formula 1.

"Designed specifically for Australia, we are excited and proud to add this bespoke Exige to our existing range." said Jonathan Stretton, Sales and Marketing Manager of Lotus Cars Australia. "Cars like the Exige Sport 240 show our passion and commitment to the Australian market. This Exige Sport 240 will only be available in Australia. We have worked with the Lotus factory in the UK to select specific styling and performance parts based on what we know will improve performance, but also taking into account customer feedback and current trends in this market. The Exige Sport 240 is a car entirely comfortable on the road for everyday use. Take it to the track and it will be blisteringly quick and will outpace cars two or three times the price," Stretton added.

They had input from the UK, no where does it say it was built by Lotus. I does however say:

Conceived and designed by Lotus Cars Australia . . .

Now maybe it was physically built in the UK but that's and entirely different issue.

[GabbaGabbaHey]

Same press release w a couple dif pics http://www.topspeed.com/cars/lotus/l...0-ar42262.html