The power of the Exige S is raised to 240 horsepower, thanks to the Magnuson/Eaton M62 supercharger, new faster flowing injectors, higher torque clutch system and an upsized roof scoop to feed more air to the supercharger intercooler system.
Despite these high levels of performance, Lotus Exige manages to reduce fuel consumption to 8.5l/ 100 km and releases into the atmosphere 199 g/km of CO2. Mind you, these figures apply to a vehicle which reaches 100 km/hour in 4.77 seconds and tops at 233 km/hour (145 mph).
The composite rear wing is based on the design of the Exige GT3 road car concept, shown at the Geneva Motorshow in 2007. Compared to the 2009 Exige, the tailgate mounted wing is 181 mm wider and mounted 46 mm higher and 61 mm further back. It is attached to the rear bodyshell clam via rear end plates which not only increases the stiffness of the whole structure but also ensures that as much of the airflow as possible passes over the rear wing. This airflow management increases stability, reduces drag and also maintains the impressive downforce figures of 42 kg at 160 km/h.
The restyled front end includes a larger, more angular air intake mouth which helps funnel more air through the radiator. Ahead of the front wheels on either side of the main aperture, two larger air intakes increase the airflow to the twin oil coolers. Horizontal vanes bisect these oil cooler air-intakes to stabilize the airflow to further increase the cooling efficiency.
Inspired by the Exige GT3 racing program, 2010 Exige features the launch control system. By using it, the driver is able to determine engine revolutions to be used during a standing start on the track or dial in the amount of traction control required, to suite its own driving style as well as the characteristics of particular corners.
After the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, 2010 Exige will get ready for sale. Showrooms in the European Union will see the Exige in May 2009.
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