There's a new Exige S. This 2012 edition boasts a new engine. One to replace the current supercharged 2ZZ 1.8 that is fantastic for short circuit attacks but runs out of breath perhaps too soon. Lotus will replace the 4-banger for a 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 from the current Evora as used in the Camry and then top it off with a supercharger to deem it "S" worthy. This is great news for Lotus fanboys as the Exige S model can finally spurt out of puberty and become a true superformance kart fit for all terrain.
Facts about The 2012 Exige S:
- Zerotohundred: About 3.8 seconds
- Top Speed: 274km/h
- Engine: 3.5L Supercharged Toyota V6
- Power: 345bhp
- Torque 400nm
- Weight: 1080kg
- Fuel: -
- Wheels: 17" front 18" rear
- Tyres: Pirelli P-Zero Corsa 205/45/17 and 265/45/18
- Price: -
345bhp worth of raw brutish power can now be had from the silky smooth V6 that is force-fed by legendary Eaton manufactured Twin Vortex Series blower. This is not seen in typical Camrys, especially not when the Lotus fiddled V6 churns 7200rpm in sport mode with on-the-edge 10:1 compression ratio. All through Lotus own T6E Engine management. What's more amazing is the 400nm worth of torque at 4500rpm that will catapult the 2012 Exige S from zerotohundred in about 3.8 seconds on to a never before seen 270km/h from an Exige.
Technology wise, this is no doubt the best equipped Exige ever. Real mechanical LSDs are now overrated by manufacturer standards. VW's XDS differential is renowned for its no-fuss, zero-wheelspin, full-on throttle cornering ability.
Lotus does with their own Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) system that similarly brake individual wheels to reduce spin while further perfecting cornering prowess through its Corner Brake Control (CBC) system that should allow serious trail-braking shaving precious seconds, lap after lap.
Power is nothing without control as Pirelli says. So the Exige S shall not be comprised of control. Lotus will equip the S with Pirelli's grippiest P-Zero Corsas as standard in lightweight 17" front and 18" rear wheels.
There is also 3 different driving modes one could choose from Lotus' Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) system that comes with the Exige S. The safest being Touring, then skill-complimenting Sport and then there's the no holds barred DPM Off mode. Just one more Mode shall be made available when you tick the Race Pack option. This Fourth Mode says "Race" and will provide almost tarmac-folding traction in the corners as well as off-the-line with the addition of Launch Control. Race Pack also comes with an optimized suspension setting designed for the circuit.
Exterior wise, being based on the latest of Elises, the 2012 Exige S will receive all the naughty aero bits as usual with a completely new styling cue including a huge front air dam with a deeper chin and new rear bumper and wing. We're not too sure about how the back looks being so square. But doubts should quickly diminish as this new Exige S sounds unreal to drive.
Tech:
Corner Brake Control (CBC)
Drag Torque Control (DTC)
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)*
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)*
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)*
Understeer Recognition
Related: Current Exige S Review: First Impression: Lotus Exige S - Plenty of bite to match its bark
