Lotus Exige 260 - lighter and more powerful

[Luxury&Exotics]

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.

[MacDaddy]

I don't think this engine is going to last making that kind of power. above 200HP is pushing the limis of the 2zz, and 257 is pushed.

[Slo.Mo.Shun.]

I don't think this engine is going to last making that kind of power. above 200HP is pushing the limis of the 2zz, and 257 is pushed.

Im sure it does have the supporting part to last at 257 hp

[Tiesto]

Im sure it does have the supporting part to last at 257 hp

It's definitely possible, just look at the S3. But I'd rather have an S3 anyway.

[MacDaddy]

The toyota 2zzge is only a 1.8 litre engine, it makes 180HP stock and modified its hard to make more than 220HP because the cylinder walls are about 5mm thick each and start to flex the more power it makes, it was designed as a N/A engine that would never ever see boost, putting a big supercharger on it is asking for trouble.

Its displacement isn't whats limiting it, Cosworth made a escort putting out 400HP out of a 2.0L engine, and there are a few Honda K20's putting out over 500HP out there too, if the Toyota engine could put out even 300HP it would have happened a long time ago.

[Rau]

The toyota 2zzge is only a 1.8 litre engine, it makes 180HP stock and modified its hard to make more than 220HP because the cylinder walls are about 5mm thick each and start to flex the more power it makes, it was designed as a N/A engine that would never ever see boost, putting a big supercharger on it is asking for trouble.

Its displacement isn't whats limiting it, Cosworth made a escort putting out 400HP out of a 2.0L engine, and there are a few Honda K20's putting out over 500HP out there too, if the Toyota engine could put out even 300HP it would have happened a long time ago.

never heard of the famed 3ZZ? look up the APR Celica GT300 and rethink your last statement.

[Howard Hughes]

Pretty sure I have seen boosted ones making well over 300hp.... and I think if I was going lightweight racer I'd take the Ariel Atom for the money.