Lotus Exige S Roadster set for 4th quarter Oz launch

The fastest ever convertible Lotus is set to arrive in Australia in time for summer, with the Lotus Exige S Roadster combining open top driving with supercar performance with the ability to dispatch the dash to 100 km/h in 4 seconds and the ability to open the roof in only slightly more time.

Sitting alongside the Exige S and its race track variants, the Exige Cup and Exige Cup R, the Exige S Roadster completes the Exige line-up and enhances the track focussed collection by providing a new facet to the range.  It is powered by the same 3.5L V6 as the coupé variants yet weighs in at 10kg less than the Exige S hardtop at 1,166kg

The Lotus Exige S hardtop, launched in Australia earlier this year, is priced at $119,990 plus on-roads, which can only be described as a bargain with performance and on road ability of its level.

It delivers 257.5 kW at 7,000 rpm and 400Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm, the Exige S Roadster matches the coupé’s mechanical performance but style takes an understated approach, having shed its rear wing and front splitter to maximise airflow over its sleek silhouette.

The introduction of the new Exige to the Lotus product range has provided a new opportunity for the UK-based sports car brand to expand and strengthen its production resource, generating new jobs and opportunities for skilled individuals who want to be part of the Lotus story.

Exige S Roadster is now available to order and full specifications and pricing will be announced when the new model arrives in the first quarter of 2014.

The Exige S Roadster at a glance:

• Max Power 257.5 kW at 7,000 rpm
• Max Torque 295 lb ft (400 NM) at 4,500 rpm
• 0 – 100 km/h 4.0 seconds
• Max Speed 233 kmh
• Weight 1,166 kg

Engine:

Mid-mounted, transverse 3.5 litre DOHC V6 VVTi, 24-valve equipped with Harrop HTV 1320 Supercharger.

Transmission:

6 speed manual with sports ratios only from launch.  Paddle shift options for Exige S Roadster will be considered subject to demand.

Suspension:

Fully independent double wishbone suspension with front and rear anti-roll bar. Bilstein high performance gas dampers and Eibach coaxial springs.

Braking & Dynamic systems:

• AP-Racing four-piston callipers with ventilated and cross drilled cast-iron discs.
• Lotus / BOSCH Developed ABS/ESP system
• Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
• Lotus Dynamic Performance Management (Lotus DPM)

Wheels & Tyres: Lightweight cast alloy wheels (17” front and 18” rear) clad with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres.