Cars to “Master-Debate” over, Day 11
Posted In Cars
Lotus Elise and Exige
a. They’re not huge engines but they’re lightweight and corner well and make an awesome road racing car; bonus- this is one car on my list you may be able to afford!
b. Which one? Depends on if you want to take your top off!
c. Elise Roadster (above) – $50k
i. RTM composite fiberglass body shell with soft convertible top
ii. 0-60 in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph despite its small 189hp 1.8L 4 cylinder engine
iii. Elise SC is a $55k (M45 Eaton rotor) supercharged, non-intercooled version making 218hp; 0-60 in 4.4 seconds
iv. Cool fact – California edition limited to only 50 produced- 25 in ketchup (Ardent Red) and 25 in mustard (Saffron Yellow); features significant bodywork and trim upgrades
d. Exige S240 – $70k
i. Fiberglass hard top weighs just over a ton; also has a front splitter, rear wing, and underbody diffuser
ii. Supercharged 1.8L making 240hp
iii. 0-60 in 4.1 seconds and 150 mph top speed
e. Exige S260 – $75k
i. Hand-lay composite fiberglass body with carbon fiber aerodynamic bodywork for increased downforce including front splitter, hardtop with full length intercooler air scoop, rear tailgate, rear wing, side scoops, front access panels; weighs 50 pounds lighter than the S240
ii. Supercharged and intercooled 1.8L making 257hp
iii. Adjustable front sway bar, adjustable Bilstein dampers with remote front reservoirs, and adjustable damper compression and rebound
iv. Discontinued in 2009
f. Another cool fact – Lotus unveiled the Exige Scura (Exige Stealth in Japan) at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show; this limited edition (35 produced) was basically an S260 painted a soft matte black that reportedly keeps from chipping or scratching, a bonus for any track car. The US equivalent price would be about $75k, but considering there are 50 or so S260’s still waiting for homes around the US, none will be available in North America.