Lotus continues fiddling with their existing models while waiting for a feasible idea for a new model they can produce emerges from the depth of their unconscious. The latest outcome of these efforts is the Lotus Exige Race 380, a track-only version of the Exige Sport 380 with some juicy technical specs. This could be the new king of the track toy segment.
Priced at £99,500, the new Lotus Exige Race 380 is a sensational sports car boasting a 375bhp and 410 Nm (302 lbft) 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine mated to an Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission. The race car comes with oil cooler, and cassette-type plate limited slip differential, as well as a titanium exhaust system. Seeing as that power has to lug about only 998 kg, the 380 is pretty fast with a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a Hethel track lap time of 1 minute 23.5 seconds which makes it the fastest ever Exige.
In order to make the Lotus Exige Race 380 handle better than its road-going sibling the engineers at the Norolk-based firm have done extensive work on the car’s aerodynamics, adding a new front splitter, rear diffuser and larger and a straight-cut motorsport rear wing, and new vents that direct the airflow. As a result the Race Exige makes 240 kg of downforce at 170 mph. Meanwhile the combination of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, 2-way adjustable Öhlins dampers and adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, Lotus traction control, and AP Racing forged, four-piston brakes make sure the car remains in check at all times.