Lotus Exige S Driving Experiences

Unveiled in 2006 as part of their second generation of Exige models that had commenced production two years previously, Lotus’ Exige S (the S standing for Sport, fact fans) model was their most track centric sports car to date.

The immediate differences in terms of its sporty style and design are obvious, with a distinctive front splitter on the bonnet, a fibreglass hardtop roof with roof scoop, a rear spoiler and a rear engine cover.

The engineering is some of the most powerful to grace a Lotus car before or since too. Along with a close-ratio, single plate dry clutch 6 speed manual transmission, there’s a 1.8 litre engine built by Toyota, fine tuned to power out an incredible 220 bhp.

It registers some jaw dropping speed stats once taken to the wheel of out on the circuit track to boot. With acceleration from 0 - 60 mph in a rapid 4.1 seconds, and achievable top speeds of 150 mph, the Lotus Exige S is one track day car you won’t forget driving in a hurry.

There’s a handful of very rare variants of the Lotus Exige S that were specially designed and produced that are worth keeping an eye out for. One produced in 2008, known as the ‘Union Jack’ model, with a flying British flag body, was featured in the TV series ‘How Do They Do It?’ for the Discovery Channel.

Another, made in 2011 to mark the end of the Exige’s production run, was the Matte Black Final Edition. This was exclusive to the North American market, and each of the 25 models that were produced in this run had a number plate that was unique to each car, as well as having black Acantara sports seats on the interiors.