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Lotus Exige 260 - lighter and more powerful
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Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Ontario
Lotus Exige 260 - lighter and more powerful
Full Press Release & Photo
LA Auto Show:
LOTUS LAUNCHES LIGHTER, MORE POWERFUL EXIGE 260
November 20, 2008
With a 17 hp bump in power and the removal of 50 lbs of weight, Lotus has once again improved upon the Exige. It’s actually hard to believe this car can get any better.
The new model will weigh just 2,020 lbs thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber parts, including carbon for the front splitter, roof panel, rear engine cover, front access panels, side air intake ducts, rear spoiler, sill covers and even the top of the dash.
Lotus didn’t stop there, however, switching out many other parts on the car for lighter versions. These include 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 bulkhead panel that replaces the rear window.
The removal of weight will be even more noticeable with the addition of 17 more horsepower, which brings the total to 257 (260 PS). All 257 hp are available at a loft 8000 rpm and torque of 174 ft-lbs comes on at 6000 rpm.
As expected the price has also increased, to $74, 995, but it’s a small price to pay for a machine that is this capable.
LOTUS LAUNCHES LIGHTER, MORE POWERFUL EXIGE 260
November 20, 2008
With a 17 hp bump in power and the removal of 50 lbs of weight, Lotus has once again improved upon the Exige. It’s actually hard to believe this car can get any better.
The new model will weigh just 2,020 lbs thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber parts, including carbon for the front splitter, roof panel, rear engine cover, front access panels, side air intake ducts, rear spoiler, sill covers and even the top of the dash.
Lotus didn’t stop there, however, switching out many other parts on the car for lighter versions. These include 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 bulkhead panel that replaces the rear window.
The removal of weight will be even more noticeable with the addition of 17 more horsepower, which brings the total to 257 (260 PS). All 257 hp are available at a loft 8000 rpm and torque of 174 ft-lbs comes on at 6000 rpm.
As expected the price has also increased, to $74, 995, but it’s a small price to pay for a machine that is this capable.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,906
Likes: 6
From: NJ
Just like how if Apple keep making the Ipod thinner it will become a piece of paper, if Lotus keeps making their cars lighter its going to float away lol
Elise - small, very light, very fast
Exige - same size, even lighter, even faster
Exige S - same size, even lighter than lighter, even faster than faster
Exige 260 - same size, lighter than light which was already lighter than the first light, and even faster still
Elise - small, very light, very fast
Exige - same size, even lighter, even faster
Exige S - same size, even lighter than lighter, even faster than faster
Exige 260 - same size, lighter than light which was already lighter than the first light, and even faster still
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
Just like how if Apple keep making the Ipod thinner it will become a piece of paper, if Lotus keeps making their cars lighter its going to float away lol
Elise - small, very light, very fast
Exige - same size, even lighter, even faster
Exige S - same size, even lighter than lighter, even faster than faster
Exige 260 - same size, lighter than light which was already lighter than the first light, and even faster still
Elise - small, very light, very fast
Exige - same size, even lighter, even faster
Exige S - same size, even lighter than lighter, even faster than faster
Exige 260 - same size, lighter than light which was already lighter than the first light, and even faster still
.
Speaks French in Russian
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,397
Likes: 100
From: What is G?
I think thats brilliant. Seems like every year they add something (well delete something) to make it lighter and more enjoyable to drive. Keeps the line up very fresh. I'm sure next year they will have another special edition model that will weight in at 1,999 lbs. 
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,906
Likes: 6
From: NJ
They should just delete the driver and let a computer drive it. When you buy it you can take it to the track and see how much faster your car goes compare to your friends' cars with the driver still inside.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 105
From: Waiting for next track day
perfect mix. japanese motor, and euro suspension tuning, and the famous lotus moto that lighter is faster. They still produce cars that have the same weight as vehicles produced 30 years ago ( actually lighter )
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
I recently drove the Exige S and compared to my NA Elise the power is stronger of course, but there seems to be a 'top heavy' feel to it compared to the Elise.
There is a supercharged factory Elise which I have not driven yet, but I'm pretty happy with the normally aspirated Elise and can't see switching anytime soon.
There is a supercharged factory Elise which I have not driven yet, but I'm pretty happy with the normally aspirated Elise and can't see switching anytime soon.
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