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2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup

greenwad submitted on 03/22/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 3:19 AM
from: resanium.com

[9] user comments | category: New Cars

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Tags: lotus,lotus sport exige cup,auto show,sports car,2007 lotus,auto news

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2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup

Lotus Cars USA, the subsidiary of Lotus Cars in North America, today unveiled the MY2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup. Unveiled at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, the 252 hp, supercharged and intercooled sportscar is a completely out-of-the-box track car with a specification designed
to prepare the budding driver for the grid at some of the finest and most challenging circuits in North America.

Weight has been kept to an ultra low 1800 pounds and the phenomenal power to weight ratio has been further enhanced by increasing the power output from 243 hp to 252 hp. Weight saving (or adding lightness!) has been achieved through the effective use of lightweight materials and through the eradication of all non-essential components such roof trim, carpets, front mudflaps, central locking and bulkhead trim. Of course just having fantastic power to weight doesnt make a car a high performer on the track, so the Lotus Sport Exige Cup has a list of standard equipment that includes track only slick tires, uprated 4-piston front brakes, adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-sway bar, the latest SCCA-compliant roll cage, FIA approved Lotus Sport branded drivers seat with six-point driver harness (there is no passenger seat) and a lightweight rear screen (instead of glass). The options are even more race focused with a FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell, air-jack system and level two stainless steel exhaust with de-cat pipe, a plate type limited slip differential and Star Shield.

The Lotus Sport Exige Cup is one of the quickest cars around a circuit. Key to this incredible performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces over 90 pounds of downforce at 100 mph increasing grip and ultimately safety at higher speeds.

With a top speed of close to 160 mph and a zero to 100 mph slingshot in just less than 9.8 seconds (the 60 mph sprint takes just under 3.9 seconds), the MY2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup is the perfect partner to a serious track day enthusiast. Even the most exotic supercars would struggle to keep up! At a MSRP of just $84,990, plus options, delivery and taxes, customer will have to queue on a first ordered, first delivered basis.

Further details about the Lotus Sport Exige Cup:

Engine

The supercharged and intercooled engine in the Lotus Sport Exige Cup has a maximum power output of 252 hp at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of approximately 179 lb-ft, at 7000 rpm. This vast amount of extra power and torque now available means that the cam change between the low-speed cam and the high-speed cam is variable to ensure that there is a smooth and linear surge of power from low engine speeds all the way to the maximum 8000 rpm. The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of the engines oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. Charge air (air under pressure from the supercharger) is cooled through an air-to-air intercooler (the cooling air enters via the roof scoop) before being fed into the engine itself. All charge air ducting has been kept as short as possible with large diameter pipes making sure that the bends in these ducts are not too tight, to the benefit of throttle response and efficiency. Four high capacity injectors add additional fuel under hard acceleration or high speed driving.

A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfers the engine power and torque to the lightweight C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminum casing) with the same perfectly spaced ratios as the Exige S. A plate type limited slip differential is fitted as an option as is the Lotus switchable traction control system (LTCS). The LTCS system works through the engine, reducing power to maintain traction, is active above 5 mph and operates much more quickly than many brake-based systems.

An Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) is included in the whole package as an oil reservoir backup for extreme track use ensuring that, under these conditions, the engine oil pressure remains constant.

Twin oil coolers complete the powertrain package.

Wheels and Tires

5-spoke lightweight forged alloy wheels in silver are shod with Lotus specific Yokohama slick tires to maximise grip and achieve the ride and handling targets set by Lotus.

Brakes

The brake system includes large diameter 308 mm 2-piece aluminum belled cross drilled and
ventilated front discs and 282 mm cross-drilled and ventilated discs at the rear, upgraded Pagid RS14 sports brake pads set into the brake calipers (AP Racing two piece radially mounted, 4 piston at the front and Brembo sliding at the rear), high grade silicone brake fluid, stainless steel braided brake hoses all linked to the proven Lotus track tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system that enhances braking performance and minimising stopping distance without taking over from the skill of the driver.

Safety Equipment

The Lotus Sport Exige Cup cars have the safety equipment that is expected for a track car with 6-point seat belt harness on the drivers side (with an FIA approved Recaro / Lotus Sport seat) there is no passenger seat. The full roll cage is SCCA compliant and completing the additional safety equipment is a mechanical ignition kill switch with cockpit and external activation and a plumbed electrical fire suppression system, again with cockpit and external activation.

Exhaust System

A Level One stainless steel sports exhaust is fitted with the bifurcated exhaust pipes exiting from the centre of the anodized-finished 3-piece rear diffuser. A Level Two stainless steel exhaust with de-cat pipe is a no cost option. Read Article

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BMW995 - 3/22/2007 10:00:17 AM

0 Boost

A ultra high performance bargain considering it will cost 40% to 50% less than a Porsche Turbo with the same performance. But what about the quality, fit/finish, and refinement.
I hope it's better than the '66 Lotus Elan I had in the 70's when the throttle cable broke often. I had to tie a string to the Weber carb throttle and thread it into the cockpit and pull it in order to get home. The brake pads would mysteriously pop out of the calipers until I came up with my own fix.
BUT, the car was the most fun to drive than any I've had since. I'm sorry I sold it.

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matt635 - 3/22/2007 11:17:13 AM

0 Boost

ROFL

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EL34 - 3/22/2007 11:29:09 AM

0 Boost

Keep the jokes coming.

lololololololololololololooooooooo....

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ExigeOwner - 3/22/2007 12:46:43 PM

+1 Boost

hahaha Truly ridiculous comment. I have a N/A Exige and it's a better track car than the IS-F ever hopes to be. Just admit that they're different cars. The IS-F is street muscle, the Exige is a purebread track star. Both great cars, just not in the same category and that is by design. I love Lexus but it's not the best car in every possible segment... track especially.

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jon21 - 3/22/2007 11:36:46 AM

+1 Boost

Sweet car! I like it!

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AMGC55 - 3/22/2007 12:25:27 PM

+1 Boost

like a little bug with lots of lights

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