ohtourist.com: Frankfurt: Lotus unveils the 2012 Exige S and Exige R-GT

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Frankfurt: Lotus unveils the 2012 Exige S and Exige R-GT

Lotus has unveiled two refreshed Exige models at the Frankfurt Motor Show. First up is the Exige S which is given a reworked exterior and a new interior. Exterior updates include a new front splitter and a rear spoiler. Also available are two new interior packages including Premium and Premium Sport. The former offers a comfortable feel while the latter focuses on creating an internal space optimised for ultimate driver involvement.

Other features include Lotus Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) which enables the driver to to switch between three driving modes including Touring, Sport or DPM off. An option called Race Pack will give you a fourth mode called Race. This mode gives the maximum possible traction out of corners and it comes with Launch Control and an optimised suspension configuration. Power to the rear wheels come from a 3.5 litre supercharged V6 which cranks out 345 hp. This along with a 1080 kg weight figure, offers the driver a super healthy power-to-weight ratio.

Next up is the Exige R-GT which will take part in the FIA GT category of the FIA Rally Championship on asphalt in Monte Carlo, Tour de Corse and San Remo. It uses the same 3.5 litre unit used the road Exige but changes were made to the gearbox and the restrictors on the engine in order to control the power. Lotus confirmed that it will partner with several customer teams, like its venture into IndyCar.

Lotus also mentioned that you don’t need to a professional race car driver to get behind the wheel of the Exige R-GT. The company said the R-GT was developed alongside the road car and it still has a sense of fun driving and ease of use despite the performance.

At the moment we only have a single image of the R-GT but you can continue reading to view more photos of the Exige S.