The new Lotus Exige S Automatic gives the pure, extreme, high performance Lotus driving experience with both automatic and paddle shift.

• 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds (0.1 seconds quicker than the manual Exige S)
• 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds
• As fast around the Lotus Hethel test track as the manual Exige S
• 240 milliseconds gearshift speed
• Weighs just 1182 kg (unladen)
• Significant CO2 reduction from 235 g/km (Exige S manual) to 222 g/km (Exige S Automatic)
• Available in both coupé and roadster versions

The much-loved Lotus Exige, with its ground-breaking, extruded aluminium and bonded chassis, lightweight composite body and race-bred double wishbone suspension now features an automatic transmission option that continues its uncompromised sporting profile.

With an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 292 hp/tonne and stunning performance, an even more focused driving experience is made possible by including the 6-speed automatic gearbox option. The automatic control panel is integrated neatly into the centre console of the cockpit, with buttons for Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive with beautifully crafted, forged aluminium, manual-shift paddles located behind the steering wheel cross-spokes, upshifts take just 240 milliseconds, with rapid downshifts accompanied by a throttle-blip (when in Sport mode).

In both automatic and manual gearshift modes, the Exige S provides the driver with a very rapid driving experience. In Sport mode, throttle response is sharpened and the Lotus Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) increases the traction slip thresholds allowing the driver even more vehicle control before an intervention is required. The system also opens the engine exhaust bypass valve at mid-to-high engine speeds. The Optional Race Pack includes Race mode, which reduces the intervention of the DPM further.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO Group Lotus plc, stated: "Expanding the Exige range, with a new automatic gearbox, opens up a new market for those who prefer using a paddle shift with the alternative of an automatic gearshift. We expect that the Exige S Automatic will account for over a third of the total global sales for the Exige S range as many drivers will appreciate the involvement of a manual paddle-shift and the convenience of an automatic."

Aided by the 345bhp, 3.5-litre, supercharged V6 engine, the Lotus Exige S Automatic reaches 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and 100 km/h in only 3.9 seconds. 100 mph (160 km/h) comes up in just over 9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 162 mph (261 km/h); 145 mph (233 km/h) for the Exige S Roadster. Its CO2 emissions rating of 222g/km is low enough to warrant a tax reduction in some markets compared to the Exige S with the manual.

The automatic transmission is available as an option on both Exige S and Exige S Roadster models. The option price (RRP), excluding tax, is £1,667 (UK) and €2,185. Orders can be placed immediately.

Performance figures:

0-60mph                                              3.8 s

0-100 km/h                                          3.9 s

0-100mph (0-160 km/h)                       9.2 s

Max speed                                          162 mph; 261kph

Power                                                 345 bhp; 350PS; 258 kW

Power to Weight                                 292 hp/tonne (296 PS/tonne; 218 kW/tonne)

Torque                                                 295 lbft; 400 Nm

Unladen weight                                   1182 kg

Consumption and emissions:

Urban                                                  20.9 mpg (13.6 litres / 100km)

Extra Urban                                         39.2 mpg (7.2 litres / 100 km

Combined: (official combined) 29.4 mpg (9.6 litres / 100 km)

CO2                                                      222 g/km

 

 

Coming soo to a speed awareness course near you.........

Coming soo to a speed awareness course near you.........

 

Cameras can't see plates when you'r sideways. :sun:

Looks good fun.

Just about quick enough aha

Not sure if it's a reflection of all of their paddle shift gearboxes but the one I witnessed was quite poor. I've paid to have a "passenger experience" twice around Silverstone. The first in a manual exige which was completely awesome. The second was in a paddle shift evora. The paddles just constantly didn't give the driver the gear he wanted and really put him off driving properly. Honestly I just wouldn't see the point in buying such a hardcore drivers car then have it as a semi auto, even if it is .1 second quicker.

Dribbled....

Not sure if it's a reflection of all of their paddle shift gearboxes but the one I witnessed was quite poor. I've paid to have a "passenger experience" twice around Silverstone. The first in a manual exige which was completely awesome. The second was in a paddle shift evora. The paddles just constantly didn't give the driver the gear he wanted and really put him off driving properly. Honestly I just wouldn't see the point in buying such a hardcore drivers car then have it as a semi auto, even if it is .1 second quicker.

Just the way things are going i think, isnt it.

A lot of the really fast stuff doesnt have a manual option.

Plus, with everything going on so fast, an instant change with a paddle isnt a bad idea IMO aha

When it works properly anyway. No point have a ****e one

Edited 1 February, 201511 yr by Otaylor38

Looks very nice that does!

[double post]

Edited 1 February, 201511 yr by Aspman

Shifts are still slower than a DSG! lol

 

But lovely car. I probably wouldn't be able to fit in it though...