2010 Lotus Exige S240 Gets A Minor Refresh

If it ain't broke don't fix it... The new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 will drop in the US and Canada this fall with some minor aerodynamic and styling tweaks, without making too many changes to the underlying platform. The most noticeable difference is the revised front end with includes larger intakes pushing air through the radiator and a new splitter. Ahead of each front wheel are two additional air intakes to feed the twin oil coolers. At the rear, Lotus introduces a more pronounced and wider "low drag" wing which is mounted further back and higher to increase stability, reduce drag and maintain amazing downforce at high speeds.

The new S240 benefits from technology pulled from the Exige GT3 racing program including variable launch control and variable traction control. In both cases, the driver can determine specific settings for performance. With launch control, the number of revs used during a standing start can be preselected and the clutch damper will cushion the severity of the transmission engagement. Wheel-spin is curtailed until the car reaches 6 mph. With traction control there are over 30 increments (from 0 to 7 percent tire slip) that can be dialed in. If you require even more extreme performance, an optional Track Package, new for 2010, includes adjustable Ohlins dampers with remote oil reservoirs.


The guts of the car remain untouched with the same supercharged 1.8 liter Toyota engine tuned by Lotus to produce 240 hp and mated with an aluminum six-speed manual gearbox. The Exige 240S weighs only 2,077 pounds and can run from 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, reaching over 100 mph in about 10 seconds. Top speed is limited to 150 mph. With performance specs like this, one would expect it to be a fuel hog, but the Lotus Exige S240 gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The 2010 model will be priced from $65,690.

Source: Lotus