Lotus launched the Exige in 2000 as a coupe version of the Elise, a roadster that’s been in production since 1996. The sports car was updated in 2004, while the more powerful Exige S was introduced in 2006. The Exige received its most recent update in 2012, when the 1.8-liter four-cylinder was replaced with the the Evora’s 3.5-liter V-6. Since then, the Exige S soldiered on mostly unchanged, with an automatic transmission added for the 2015 model year.
Although the third-gen Exige didn't see major improvements as far as styling goes, it did receive a number of weight-reducing and aero-enhancing elements. In recent years, Lotus also launched many new road-going iterations of the car, as well as a couple of race-spec versions. With 2016 marking the brand's 60th anniversary, Lotus unleashed the 350 Special Edition.
Based on the Sport 350, the most hardcore road-going variant of the Exige, the 350 Special Edition joins the Evora 400 Hethel Edition and the Elise 250 Special Edition, three cars specifically developed for the anniversary year. Compared to the Sport 350, the 350 Special Edition gains a number of lightweight, performance-enhancing features, as well as unique paint and interior options as standard. It is also limited to only 50 units, which means it will sell out in just a matter of weeks.
"This Exige 350 Special Edition joins the Evora and Elise editions that we have already produced to celebrate our half century in Hethel and our connection to Norfolk. Judging by the demand for the other models, I expect that the Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition will sell out quickly as it combines exclusiveness and limited production wrapped up in a great design," said Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus.
Continue reading to learn more about the Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition.
2017 Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition
- Make: Array
- Model: 2017 Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition
- Engine/Motor: V6
- Horsepower: 345
- Torque: 295
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
What makes the Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition special
The first thing that catches the eye when looking at the Exige 350 Special Edition is the aerodynamic package upgrade usually offered on high-spec Lotus models. The bundle includes a rear wing, a flat underside and rear diffuser, and a louvered engine cover. Up front, it also sports a revised panel cover identical to the one seen on the Exige Cup 360. Additionally, it comes with matte black front splitter, rear wing, front access panel, roof panel, and wing mirrors, and lightweight forged alloy wheels.
Significantly lighter than the standard Exige, the Special Edition also benefits from enhanced downforce, as the rear wing, the flat underside, and rear diffuser help the car generate 93 pounds of downforce at 100 mph. As far as paints go, the Special Edition can be ordered in either Essex Blue, Old English White, Dark Metallic Grey, or Motorsport Black. All four colors come with contrasting racing stripes.
Inside, Lotus added carbon-fiber sports seats and a lightweight center console with exposed gearshift mechanism as standard. Upholstery choices include black leather or Alcantara with bespoke contrast stitching. Cruise control and floor mats are also offered as standard equipment. Optionally, customers can order an integrated in-car entertainment system with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth functionality, along with full carpets and enhanced sound insulation.
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Under the hood, the Special Edition packs the same supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine found in the Exige Sport 350. Output is identical at 345 horsepower and 295 pound-feet, but the Special Edition benefits from being lighter. Specifically, while the Exige Sport 350 is 112 pounds lighter than the standard Exige S, the Special Edition is 57 pounds lighter than the Sport 350, tipping the scales at only 2,423 pounds.
The additional weight savings come from the use of forged wheels, a Lithium-ion battery, the carbon-fiber seats, and the vented, two-piece brake discs. As a result, the Spcial Edition needs just 3.7 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start and laps the Hethel race track in one minute and 29.8 seconds. Unlike the Sport 350, the Special Edition is available with a six-speed manual only.
Stopping power is provided by AP Racing four-piston brake calipers in the front and rear, while the suspension setup, including firmer dampers and optimized geometry for more responsive handling, was borrowed from the Exige Sport 350.
The new sports car is limited to only 50 examples, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pricing starts from £61,900 in the United Kingdom, €81,900 in Germany, and ¥11,690,000 in Japan. Compared to the Exige Sport 350, the Special Edition carries a £6,000 premium. The limited-edition model won't cross the pond to the U.S.