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Automotive

Track-only 2012 Lotus Exige S headed to U.S.

December 12, 2011
Track-only 2012 Lotus Exige S headed to U.S.
The 2012 Lotus Exige S is headed to the United States, although only as a track model
The 2012 Lotus Exige S is headed to the United States, although only as a track model
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The 2012 Lotus Exige S is headed to the United States, although only as a track model
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The 2012 Lotus Exige S is headed to the United States, although only as a track model
The U.S. Lotus Exige S is expected to be priced between $85,000-$90,000
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The U.S. Lotus Exige S is expected to be priced between $85,000-$90,000
The ExigeS comes sporting a Lotus Evora S-derived 3.5-liter supercharged V-6 engine
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The ExigeS comes sporting a Lotus Evora S-derived 3.5-liter supercharged V-6 engine
The Lotus Exige S can go from zero to 60 mph (96.5 km/h) in 3.8 seconds
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The Lotus Exige S can go from zero to 60 mph (96.5 km/h) in 3.8 seconds
The U.S. version of the Exige S is expected to be track-only
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The U.S. version of the Exige S is expected to be track-only
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Having previously been forced to get rid of the Elise and Exige from its U.S. lineup because of the expiration of a smart-airbag exemption coupled with Toyota ceasing production of the 1.8-liter engine found in previous models, the 2012 Lotus Exige S is set to make it stateside - although only as a track model. The vehicle is already available in European markets, and comes sporting a Lotus Evora S-derived 3.5-liter supercharged V-6 engine producing 345 hp, and weighing in some 300 pounds (136 kg) more than its predecessor.

The Lotus Exige S can go from zero to 60 mph (96.5 km/h) in 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed of around 170 mph (274 km/h). The stateside version of the car is expected to have the same Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) system as the European model, which allows the driver to switch between three different driving modes: Touring, Sport, and off. Since the U.S. version is set to be track-only, it will also likely include a fourth optional Race Pack function which offers better traction out of corners and a launch control system.

The U.S. version of the Exige S is expected to be track-only
The U.S. version of the Exige S is expected to be track-only

The U.S. Lotus Exige S is expected to be priced between US$85,000 - $90,000. Check out the promo video below for a look at the car in action.

Via: duPont Registry

Duel

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AutomotiveLotusSports Cars
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3 comments
VadimR
While I can\'t afford a Lotus at this time in my life, I can\'t believe they can\'t import road worthy Elise or Exige anymore because they lack airbags. That is insane! Government needs to stop the ridiculous over-legislation...
Mirmillion
Until the Lotus Exige gets a proper frontal protection system, its a risky proposition to put it on the road with larger cars, SUVs and trucks. An Airbag won\'t save you if a SUV is parked in your lap.
If they came with a factory roll cage and something more than the basic re-bar of the front bumper (located at lower shin-level) to prevent passenger compartment intrusion, I might get back into one and enjoy it. Until then, they don\'t belong on the road.
Lev Uretsky
So the new 2013 Lotus has no Proper frontal Protection and thus can not be driven on US public roads, because we have monstrous SUVs. Good! Question. Is a bike safer then a car? There are 5 bikes with top speeds over the Lotus from Suzuki GSX 1300 R 186 mph up to Ducati Desmosedici RR with 199 mph. But even 40 mph is deadly in any bike, and yet they are driven on roads.