[Administrator]

The very first of the 2009 Lotus Exige S 260 models has just rolled off the assembly line in the U.K. and it features a custom Kawasaki Green paint job. The celebrity owner of the car chose the particular color after looking over three shades of lime green that Kawasaki has used over the years. Lotus was able to match the exact color because its paint supplier, Dupont, is the same company that supplies Kawasaki.

Kevin Smith, PR boss over at Lotus also told us that the car's official name will be the Lotus Exige S 260 Sport and that only 50 models will be offered with the the full carbon fiber panels and Accusump system that ensures oil pressure remains constant under extreme driving conditions.

The Exige S 260 Sport produces 257hp and 174 ft-lbs of torque and weights just 2,020 lbs. thanks to a carbon fiber front splitter, rear spoiler, roof, engine cover, side air intake ducts, sill covers and even the top of the dash.

Part of the 50-lb weight savings is also due to the use of several other lighter parts including a lightweight "motorsports" battery, lighter 12-spoke forged alloy wheels, a revised rear engine subframe, a lightweight flywheel, alloy piping for the supercharger and intercooler and a composite panel that replaces the rear window.

Unveiled at the 2008 LA Auto Show, the 2009 Exige 260 will retail for $74,995 – a small price to pay for one of the most amazing driving experiences possible.

More: First U.S.-Spec Lotus Exige S 260 Gets Custom Kawasaki Green Paint on AutoGuide.com

 

[Interceptor]

I want one.. FYI my Soul is up for trade for one of these.

 

[mp3moose]

Anyone know who the celeb is?

 

[Vampyre]

260 S..... :drool:

 

[qu1Z]

The color is awesome and the matte CF is amazing too.

 

[charliex]

I just want the roof, though black pls! :0

 

[apk919]

I just want the roof, though black pls! :0

Is the roof CF, or just a Cup roof?

 

[JWA]

Unveiled at the 2008 LA Auto Show, the 2009 Exige 260 will retail for $74,995...

Given the power and functional CF elements that seems like a decent price to me. Compared to where Elise prices were in 2005 when mine came in the normal Exige S prices seem too high, but that one seems to be worth the dough. Especially with only 50 being made (though I'm sure that means that next year's Exige S will have the 260hp).

 

[BUELL XB12R]

This would actually be a big enough jump in performance to justify trading in My Elise.

 

[Jon]

Looks like those carbon seats are standard for the US model.

 

[RoadDad]

a revised rear engine subframe

:clap:

 

[RoadDad]

(though I'm sure that means that next year's Exige S will have the 260hp).

Isn't that what this is -- 2009 Exige S 260? or is this the Cup car?

2008 Exige S 240 --> 2009 Exige S 260 --> 2010 Exige S 280 --> 2011 Exige S 300 ---> 2059 new Esprit with the Omnivore engine which eats baby Elans for fuel.

 

[Chili Red]

All that stuff to lighten the car and it only shed 50lbs.. Sounds like they must have added weight else where.

 

[jlj3394]

All that stuff to lighten the car and it only shed 50lbs.. Sounds like they must have added weight else where.

You really don't lose much weight by going from fiberglass to CF. Sure looks a hell of a lot cooler, though.

 

[Demonized]

Isn't that what this is -- 2009 Exige S 260? or is this the Cup car?

2008 Exige S 240 --> 2009 Exige S 260 --> 2010 Exige S 280 --> 2011 Exige S 300 ---> 2059 new Esprit with the Omnivore engine which eats baby Elans for fuel.

ha :clap:

 

[charliex]

accusump and all that can't be light.

 

[Allan Gibbs]

Anyone know who the celeb is?

Wild guesses would be Jason Britton* from Superbikes (maybe they'll add the 260 as part of a show) or Eddie Lawson.


*http://www.jasonbritton.com/mt_bio.php

 

[Bavarian Motorist]

All that stuff to lighten the car and it only shed 50lbs.. Sounds like they must have added weight else where.

I'm sure it's primarily for aesthetics.

 

[Gripp]

Thats pretty bad^$$ love the inside.

 

[LBC111]

Yikes! They had to shed 50 lbs to get it to 2020?? Yikes! My pre-bumpered 07 weighed in at 2011 lbs on delivery, before I shed another 60 lbs! I'm not thrilled with the unpainted cf pieces, but I do LOVE the new seats! :drool:

However... I'd still take it in trade!