What is it?
The fastest, most bombastic Exige you can buy for the road. The Exige S was hardly wanting for power, but revisions to the engine management and some changes to the supercharger mean this £3,000 option increases the Exige S's output to 240bhp. That might not sound so ridiculous in these days of 200bhp hot hatchbacks, but the Exige S is a lightweight in comparison, meaning it's got the ability to outrun all but the most outrageous of supercars. The 0-62mph sprint is covered in a scant 4.2 seconds, and 100mph is possible in less than 10. That's loony fast, and the Exige S, unlike some other high performance machines, feels every bit as quick as those figures suggest.
Obviously Lotus hasn't just added some power and left it at that, the Exige S Performance Pack car also adding more stopping power via some four-piston AP Racing brakes, a more aggressive look due to the larger full-roof length air-scoop to feed the supercharger's intercooler and some other modifications to make this one of the most exciting road cars you can buy. The changes include a launch control system that allows you to catapult the Exige S Performance Pack off the line with repeatable brutality - Lotus sensibly beefing up the clutch to deal with the punishment using the launch control can cause the transmission.
Is it any good?
If you like your cars a bit raucous then the Exige S with the Performance Pack should appeal. The supercharged, Toyota-sourced 1.8-litre engine isn't the smoothest out there, the metallic rasping from over your shoulder something of an acquired taste - it lacking the sort of melodic charisma of most performance car engines. However, it's devastatingly effective, the 1.8-litre unit punching out very respectable performance indeed. It feels very rich in torque, the effect increased by the Exige S's low weight. It means that in any gear the Lotus feels rapid, but for the real fireworks you need to give that engine a good thrashing. In the upper reaches the performance is electrifying, the Exige S Performance Pack pulling with real vigour to its red-line.
Surprisingly, it's not the engine's pace that'll leave you slack-jawed in admiration, but the way the Exige S flows down the road. Being a sports car it's firmly set up, but Lotus's chassis people are wizards when it comes to tuning suspension, the Exige S's ride being remarkably supple. Add unsurpassed steering feel and accuracy, brakes with huge stopping power and great pedal feel, a variable traction control system that facilitates rather than frustrates and a gearshift that's quick and precise when hurried and the Exige S Performance Pack makes for a hugely entertaining road and track car.
Should I call the bank manager?
You'll need to. Sure, the Exige S represents a relatively good-value performance package, but add the Performance Pack at £3,000 and you're heading into the late £30k arena. Lotus also offers loads of very tempting options. Why wouldn't you have the super lightweight wheels for £1,000? Oh, and you'll need air conditioning if you plan on using it in the summer so add another £1,000 for that. Lotus's ProBax seats are a must too, but being part of the Sports Pack you'll need an extra £1,500. If you want them in leather or suede you'll need the Touring Pack, which adds £2,000 to the price, though does add iPod connection and carpets. Not that cheap then, all in.
Summary
The Exige S Performance Pack won't be for everyone, but then any Lotus is like that. However, if you're the sort of person who fancies an Exige then you'll appreciate what Lotus has added to the S with its Performance Pack. As ever, you'll need to be a bit of a gymnast to get in and drive it, but it's worth it. An excellent car, but one for a very specific audience.
|
BMW X3 3.0sd M Sport
Packed with technology and performance, BMW's range-topping X3 defines the Sports in Sports Utility. |
|
|
BMW M6 Convertible
Arguably BMW's ultimate driving machine, the M6 Convertible showcases the world's finest engine. |
|
|
BMW Z4 M Coupe
Powered by an award-winning engine, the BMW Z4 M Coupe combines extraordinary performance with muscular good looks. |
 |
Search for the best insurance deal with our MotorWizard Save cash now >> |
 |
Never get lost They're all the rage and now you can find the best prices at Yahoo! Cars. Search for GPS & Sat Nav |
 |
Search car parts Compare the best online prices for tyres, alloys, car parts, stereos, sat nav and more. Find a part >> |
 |
 |
Check out the official web site for this year's summer extravaganza! Get all the info PLUS buy your tickets online. Official site >> |
