Lotus’ new Exige GT3 race car commenced testing under FIA supervision on 3 December in Southern France, as it aims to become eligible for the new FIA GT3 competition starting in 2006. The testing followed the prototype car's formal unveiling at the FIA GT Championship presentation ceremony the previous day.
Developed by Lotus Sport, the Exige GT3 is based upon the standard Exige coupé, and shares the standard model’s lightweight aluminium chassis. Combined with carbon body panels and five-spoke alloy wheels, the Exige GT3 weighs in at just 750kg.
Power comes from a race-tuned version of the Exige's Toyota-sourced 1.8-litre VVTL-i engine. With the aid of a supercharger is produces 285bhp at 7800rpm, giving to a power to weight ratio of 380bhp/tonne.
The GT3 competition is designed for race cars with equal power to weight ratios, and a direct lineage to their road-based siblings. Full specifications and price of the Lotus Sport Exige GT3 are expected to be announced in early 2006.
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