Lotus has announced the upgrades and the details of the 2008 Lotus Exige S. The power of the 2008 Lotus Exige S has been increased to 179kW (from 163kW) by means of a performance pack. The 2008 Lotus Exige S also receives new instruments which offer increased functionality and a new alarm/immobiliser with a single integrated function key.
The power of the 2008 Lotus Exige S has been increased with the help of a Magnuson/Eaton M62 supercharger, faster flowing injectors, a higher torque clutch system and an upsized roof scoop. The 2008 Lotus Exige S develops 230 Nm at 5500 rpm, has a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 4.16 seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h.
Lotus Press Release:
LOTUS EXIGE S POWERS-UP FOR 2008
Power, equipment, features part of MY08 Exige S upgrades.
179kW Performance Pack Exige S
New instruments with increased functionality across the Lotus range
New alarm/immobiliser with single integrated function key across the Lotus range
The Lotus Exige S is back for 2008, faster, more powerful and better equipped.
An optional Performance Pack offers a power increase to 179kW, up from 163kW, which is also supported by MY08 Lotus range updates.
Below are some press quotes received as a result of the Exige S Performance pack’s launch in the UK in November 2007.
“..the Performance Pack (takes) the already superb Exige S and turns it into quite possibly the finest British sports car you can buy.” - AUTOCAR magazine
“Compared with anything else the Exige S Performance Pack is simply awe-inspiring. There’s so much grip, so much control and so much raw speed. As a trackday tool it’s a brilliant package – faster than a GT3 in most hands and much cheaper to keep in tip-top condition.” - EVO magazine
Performance Pack
Although hardly slow in standard 163kW guise, the 2008 Exige S is now available with an optional Performance Pack. Power raises to the same 179kW at 8000rpm enjoyed by the limited edition Sport 240, courtesy of a Magnuson/Eaton M62 supercharger, faster flowing injectors, plus a higher torque clutch system and an upsized roof scoop.
This hike in power, together with an increase in torque from the standard 215Nm to 230Nm at 5500rpm, helps rocket the Performance Pack Exige S from 0-100km/h in 4.16 seconds, 0-160km/h in 9.9 seconds with a top speed of 245km/h – just 0.2 seconds and 4km/h off the track focused 2-Eleven.
Its remarkable power to weight of 191kW per tonne is at supercar levels.
Power and torque is increased across the rev range offering greater flexibility, while fuel economy is an impressive combined figure of 9.1 litres/100km.
But the increased power and speed are only elements of the Performance Pack option.
The clutch is uprated and a clutch damper fitted. There are thicker, 308mm diameter cross-drilled and vented discs at the front clamped by AP Racing four-piston callipers; the standard brakes pads are replaced by uprated items and there are braided
brake hoses.
Passing on its racing lessons from the UK Exige GT3 racing programme, Lotus Sport has contributed launch control combined with variable traction control, a feature seen on the Lotus 2-Eleven and Australian only Exige Sport 240.
A dial on the steering column selects starting revs for optimum standing starts, so all a driver needs to do is floor the throttle and quickly release the clutch. The clutch damper cushions the severity of the clutch/transmission engagement to minimise the stresses to the drivetrain .The launch control also minimises wheelspin until 10km/h, after which the traction control takes over.
As with launch control, the amount of traction control is adjusted from the driver’s seat, altering on the move to suit the characteristics of particular corners. The amount of traction control can be varied in 30 increments from seven percent tyre slip to completely disabled.
To allow finer tuning and increased knowledge of the system, the message display in the new instrument pack displays what degree of traction control is currently dialled in.
New gauges and more
The 2008 Lotus Elise and Exige ranges now sport a new stylish design of instruments featuring a more legible white on black design. Along with a 300km/h speedo, the instruments feature a number of minor upgrades that add to driving pleasure and convenience. The indicator lights now flash on the dash to signal left or right, as opposed to a single light previously. The shift light also changes from a single LED to three sequential red lights that illuminate during the final 500rpm before the rev-limiter cut-out.
The dash also features a new high-definition LCD message panel that can display a scrolling message with vehicle system information. The red on black also maintains legibility in direct sunlight.
The new instruments constantly display fuel, engine temperature and odometer; however it can also display the time, trip distance or a digital speed readout in mph or km/h.
Warning symbols are ‘secret until lit’, keeping the instrumentation free from visual clutter and distraction until necessary.
The display also features a visual indication of the adjustable traction control system.
The key issue
The 2008 Lotus Elise & Exige ranges now feature a new one-piece alarm/immobiliser and key. This has enabled a new design that incorporates three buttons. The first button is the famous Lotus roundel which locks the doors and sets the immobiliser. The second button unlocks and deactivates it, while the third is a panic function.
Easier options
Partly due to customer demand and partly due to airbags now being standard across the Elise and Exige ranges worldwide (previously part of an option pack in the UK), the number of trim option packages has been reduced in Australia from four to two, a Touring and a Sport pack.
The revised Exige S Touring pack now includes:
Full leather or Microfibre suede-effect interior
Leather trimmed centre console and handbrake gaiter
Sound system iPod connection
Full carpets, with embroidered log
Auxiliary driving lights
Sound insulation kit
Aluminium retractable cup holder
The Exige S Sport pack includes:
Lotus switchable Traction control
Sport seats
Adjustable front anti-roll bar
T45 steel roll-over hoop and struts withwith integrated harness bar
Touring and Sport packs can also be combined.
The Exige S Performance Pack includes:
308 mm front cross-drilled and vented discs with AP Racing four piston callipers>
Uprated front and rear brake pads
Full length upsized roof scoop
Lotus variable-slip adjustable traction control system (with launch control)
Uprated clutch plate and clutch cover
Uprated power, torque and performance
Prices:
Exige S Touring Pack RRP: $8000
Exige S Sport Pack RRP: $6000
Exige S Performance Pack: $11,000
Personalisation
Stand-alone options for the Exige S include Bilstein 1-way adjustable dampers and ride height, split-type 7-spoke ultra lightweight forged wheels, Lotus switchable traction control and a limited-slip differential.
For 2008, paint ranges have been revised including the addition of vibrant pearlescent colours. The new Premium Colour Range has been designed to offer further customising and due to the more sophisticated manufacturing process have been individually priced.
