2007 Lotus Exige Sport 240

Conceived and designed by Lotus Cars Australia, the special edition Exige will make its world debut at the Australian International Motor Show in October where it will officially go on sale. With power improved to 179kW, this will also mark the first production car in Australia fitted with driver-adjustable stand-alone traction control, similar to the systems currently used in F1. "Designed specifically for Australia, we are excited and proud to add this bespoke Exige to our existing range." said Jonathan Stretton, Sales and Marketing Manager of Lotus Cars Australia. "This Exige Sport 240 will only be available in Australia. We have worked with the Lotus factory in the UK to select specific styling and performance parts based on what we know will improve performance, but also taking into account customer feedback and current trends in this market." Stretton added. Tuned with more power, bigger brakes, body mods, two bespoke colours, interior changes and limited edition badging, the ExigeSport 240 will be the most exclusive Exige to hit Australian Lotus showrooms.

Just six of the Exige Sport 240 will be initially available in launch colours of Blaze Orange or Sapphire Black, each with a special edition interior plaque. The Blaze Orange model will feature black highlights, including front splitter, rear wing end plates, wheels and a rear beaver pane linfill around the rear lights.The Sapphire Black model will feature a Chrome Orange highlights. Both models will feature lightweight Lotus Sport forged five-spoke OZ alloy wheels, the first time this wheel design has featured on an Australian model. Special Exige Sport 240 badging will mark the exclusive model's exterior. As the name suggests, power output is 240hp, or 179kW, a 10% improvement over the Exige S. Torque also increases from 215Nm to 230Nm. Upgraded fuel injectors and a new ECU allow the supercharged engine to reach greater heights. The engine itself is a 1.8-litre supercharged intercooled four-cylinder featuring twin-overhead camshafts, 16 valves and VVTL-i variable cam timing and lift, along with a distinct, characteristic supercharger whine.

A six-speed close-ratio C64 gearbox is standard and has been upgraded with a heavy duty clutch kit including a strengthened clutch and pressure plate. Putting this extra power to the ground will be assured through mechanical and electronic traction aids, including a torque-sensing limited-slip differential snd Lotus Sport adjustable traction control. Developed from the Lotus Sport UK GT3 motorsport program, the advanced electronic system utilises a driver-adjustable control knob to dial-in one of 18 preset levels of traction control intervention. This allows for the ultimate in driver control in any road condition, wet or dry. This system also utilises electronic launch-control where thedriver can dial in the desired revs, floor the throttle and it will hold at the determined point until the clutch is released for perfect starts every time.Performance figures are equally impressive with 0-100km/h in 4.2seconds, 0-160km/h in 9.9 seconds and an estimated top speed of 249km/h. Lotus is already known for its outstanding stopping power, and the Exige Sport 240 is even more effective with AP four-piston callipers on the front with 308mm two-piece front vented discs and braided hoses.

On the rear, new Brembo single-piston callipers work on 288mm rotors. Pagid brake pads are fitted all around. The suspension uses one-way adjustable dampers with adjustable ride height and an adjustable front sway bar to suit those wantingto tune the car to their own driving style. Maintaining its track focus, the Sport 240 is fitted with grippy R compound Yokohama A048 LTS tyres, 195/50x16 front, 225/45x17 rear. It also benefits from a BS4 T45 steel roll-over hoop and struts. The Exige Sport 240's interior hasn't been forgotten and includes the elements of a Touring Plus pack. With this comes air-con and sound insulation amongst other enhancements. Weighing just 15kg for the entire system, the air-con uses an advanced clutch that automatically turns the compressor off when it senses full throttle to preserve maximum performance. The special edition Lotus Exige Sport 240 is priced at $149,990 plus dealer delivery and statutory government charges.

For more information please visit www.lotuscars.com.au