First Drive
2007 Lotus Exige S
220 HP + 2077 LB + $57K= world's cheapest supercar
*After a little road and track time, I am convinced of two things: this is a damn near perfect driver's car. And getting in or out requires the dexterity of a contortionist. Unless you are shorter than the average Joe, you may need an instruction manual. Once inside, however, you are treated to a pleasantly cozy cabin. Even my six-foot-four frame and crash helmet clears the roof, albeit by millimeters. Not much, but impressive for a car that looks small enough to drop-kick.
Visually, the supercharged S differs only slightly from the naturally aspirated Exige it replaces. Subtle differences include an S logo on the front fender and body color-coordinated scoops and spoilers. A more pronounced roof scoop provides a direct stream of air to the intercooler core that sits above the mid-mounted engine. Other changes include new sealed headlamps, additional small third side marker, raised Lotus lettering at the rear (as opposed to decals) and a single oval exhaust tip, replacing the standard model's twin-pipe design.
The real difference here pertains to engine performance and, thanks to its Roots-type supercharger and air-to-air intercooler, there's no shortage. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine used in the standard Exige and Exige now has a 16 percent increase in horsepower from 190 bhp to 220 (at 7800 rpm). Torque figures have risen even higher with a 20 percent gain at 165 lb-ft at 5600 rpm, up from 133 lb-ft. Eighty percent of torque is available from just over 2000 rpm.
On the road, the Exige S feels like a toy. Your awareness of other, larger vehicles (that's pretty much all of them) makes you feel somewhat vulnerable. It's a little intimidating when you're sitting eye to eye with the wheel center cap of an SUV. But even hidden in the SUV's massive shadow, the tiny car manages to stand out.
It attracts stares from everyone: kids on street corners to moms in minivans. Part of the attention is attributed the rainbow of bright colors Lotus offers. Most just find the car cute. Fortunately, the Exige S is much more than that. Thanks to its high-revving engine, rapid acceleration, equally swift braking and unbelievably nimble handling, it's is easily one of the hottest sports cars on the road.
The track provides the opportunity to push the car's abilities to the limit. This is where any Lotus really shines. Feather-light at just over 2000 pounds, the car enjoys a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 9.5 pounds per hp. This makes it extremely quick. Aided by excellent Yokohama Advan traction, Lotus claims zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds (a full second faster than the standard Exige) and zero to 100 mph in only 11 seconds, placing it among elite company.
Despite its supercar-like acceleration and 148 mph top speed, fuel economy is rated surprisingly well at 25 mpg (estimated) city and highway combined, thanks in part to the Toyota-sourced six-speed aluminum gearbox and Lotus T4e Engine Control System which includes variable-rpm cam switching for the first time.
Deep in the throttle, the engine revs freely and power delivery builds throughout the rev range. The limiter is set at 8000 rpm, although for maximum acceleration, it is increased to 8500 rpm-providing a jolting two-second power burst. This is a car that begs to be driven hard.