Lotus has launched a new 410bhp Exige Sport 410, which it says is the “ultimate” series production version of the sports car.
The Norfolk firm says the new variant is developed from the track-focused Exige Cup 430 range-topper, taking the chassis, suspension and powertrain from that model.
The 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine has been reworked to produce 410bhp – compared to 430bhp in the Cup version – and 310lb ft of torque, driven through a six-speed manual gearbox.
The new Sport model weighs 1054kg dry, 2kg less than the Cup, and has a power-to-weight ratio of 389bhp per tonne.
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Lotus cites a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 180mph – matching the more powerful Cup model. The Sport 410 generates 150kg of downforce.
The Sport 410 runs on the same three-way adjustable Nitron dampers as the Cup model, retuned for the car’s road focus, and has adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars. It runs on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
Lotus boss Jean-Marc Gales said: “We have taken the Exige Cup 430, the ultimate track-centric Exige, and developed it into the perfect road orientated sports car.”
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The new model will be offered in coupe and roadster versions, and features a revamped frontal design, which will also be introduced on the Sport 350.
The Sport 410 will cost £85,600 in the UK, compared to £99,800 for the Cup 430.
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