Here is an official video released by Lotus showing Formula 1 driver Bruno Senna driving the new Lotus Exige S on an undisclosed track. The footage shows us what the car is capable of in the hands of a professional driver and features comments from Mr.Senna as well as Mr.Paul Flemming, one of the engineers responsible for the creation of the car.

The revamped model was presented at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show with new electronics and the supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine previously seen on the Evora S. This new version also boasts updated aerodynamics, reduced CO2 emissions (at 199 g/km) of CO2 and a lower fuel consumption, rated at 8.5 l/100km on regular roads and at 6.5 l/100k on highways.

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More official info and pictures about the new Lotus Exige S have been released by the British manufacturer. This new spiced-up version of the Exige is going to be the most sporty offering from the historic brand, equipped with a mid-mounted, supercharged 3.5 litre DOHC V6 engine delivering 345 hp (borrowed from the Evora), high performance Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres and Lotus DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) system, which allows drivers to switch between three driving modes: Touring, Sport and DPM off. Two new interior package options are available: the stylish Premium and the more driver-focused Premium Sport.

For those who might fancy something more, Lotus will offer a dedicated Race Pack option for the Exige S consisting of a fourth driving mode (providing maximum possible traction out of corners), an optimized track suspension setting and Launch Control. The Exige S will not be available in all markets, but Lotus is being a little sketchy on the details concerning the countries that will eventually be supplied with their new flagship.

View the full Lotus Exige S: nuove foto ed info ufficiali photo gallery

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Bear with us as we try and piece this story together. Spanish Autoblog quotes an EVO interview with Dany Bahar in which the Lotus CEO says that the Elan project is being postponed indefinitely. So far we haven’t been able to find the story on the EVO site so we’re guessing it’s in their latest print edition.

The Elan was one of the many models that the revived (or perhaps reviving is more appropriate?) Lotus brought to the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Apparently though, Lotus now considers the V6 Elan to be too close to the Evora model, although reports currently said the Elan and the Esprit were too similar. And so the company is considering undertaking significant updates to the Evora itself, and lengthen its career instead.

Other news has been revealed in the interview, including the fact that work on the Esprit and Elite is continuing, and that the two models will share many components, most important a V8 engine with 550 hp. On this particular project, we’ve already heard that Lotus is planning on develop the engine in-house. It could prove to be a purist’s powertrain with a sequential transmission or manual, but no dual-clutch. More after the jump.

Continue reading: Lotus Elan abandoned?

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Three special edition Lotus Elise and Exige models will be produced for the North American market come July to see out final production numbers of the 1.8 Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine. There will be a Lotus Elise SC Final Edition available in Ardent Red, Aspen White, Chrome Orange and Carbon Grey. It will be equipped with the 1.8-litre engine with 220 hp. Each model will come with a Touring Pack which includes Alcantara seats, Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks, LSD Torsen differential, rear diffusor and a matte black roof.

It will cost about 57,000 euros and 15 models will be produced. The Lotus Exige 260 will be available in two versions: the Final Edition and the Final Edition Matte Black. Both use a tuned engine with an extra 20 hp up to 260 hp and will have a similar Touring Pack as the Elise. A Track Pack is also available with adjustable Ohlins suspension, Launch Control and five-spoke forged alloy wheels. The Final Edition model has a metallic tint and costs about 67,500 USD (30 units will be made) while the Matte Black is as its name suggests, with a production run of 25 units and costs an extra $2,400.

Source | GGLotus

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Before Lotus kicks off with a complete overhaul of its range starting with the Esprit, we could see a number of heavy modifications made on other models, including a new Lotus Exige and revamped Evora. The reports come from Autocar who quote CEO Dany Bahar as “hinting” at a possible new Exige model at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

The new Exige would be in addition to a refresh of the Lotus Evora ready for 2012 and that could sport a new cabin showing off a modern Lotus interior. Lotus will be outsourcing its cabin builds to the CSI company in Germany, known for its work on the Audi R8 and Mercedes SLS. The Evora range should also extend beyond the recent Evora S to include other models.

Further reports from the publication suggest that the new Lotus Esprit will get a V8 engine from Hethel, while the Elan and other models will receive V6’s. More to come from the show in March.

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These Lotus spy shots show a revamped Lotus Exige masquerading as what could possibly be the new future Lotus Esprit. In fact, the rear is almost unbelievable and it is what indicates the new Esprit powertrain, according to reports. There are plans to build a new Lotus Esprit, considered essential to the brand, which would have an impressive power-to-weight ratio.

The new Esprit engine is unknown as yet, but it could be a V8 from Toyota, and it’s not entirely certain how modifications to the aluminium chassis will play out. The project is apparently in a very early stage, and will use a version of Lotus’ Versatile Vehicle Architecture.

The Lotus Esprit would be the top-of-the-range model, described as the “ultimate expression of the brand”. We should soon get a full Lotus product plan from the new CEO Danny Bahar, and reports already show a rough idea of what that will be. The Exige, Europa and Elise will be entry-level models with their four-cylinder engines, while the V6 Evora will take up the middle in the Lotus range, with the Esprit right at the top.

Lotus Esprit spy shots

Source | Autocar

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The Lotus Exige Scura has debuted at the Tokyo motor show, showing the dark livery of the special edition coupe. The Exige Scura will have a production run of just 35 units, and the matt black colour is called Phantom Black.

The Exige Scura has a few modifications that add to its nasty look, including front splitter, new air intakes, air scoop and rear wing. Carbon fibre is used extensively in the interior and adds to the look but also, significantly, reduces the weight of the car down to a total of 925 kg.

The Exige Scura is equipped with Lotus’ most powerful engine: the 1.8 litre supercharged four-cylinder at 260 hp which appears on the Exige Cup 260. The limited edition model also has launch control, adjustable traction control, Ohlins suspension, Eibach springs and black forged wheels with Yokohama A048 LTS tyres.

Lotus Exige Scura

Continue reading: Lotus Exige Scura pics

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Here are pics of the 2010 Lotus Exige S240 which features a new nose job and rear wing. Larger air intakes and the new rear wing improve aerodynamics and engine cooling, with the rear wing that of the 2007 Exige GT3 road car concept. The only modifications to the mechanical parts are new Ohlins suspension with separate tank that forms part of an optional track kit.

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The Geneva motor show revealed a suprise from Lotus with the presentation of its Exige S Model Year 2010. This new version has updated aerodynamics, and reduced emissions at 199 g/km of CO2. Not easy for a sports car, figures also reveal that fuel consumption is down to 8.5 l/100km, with highway driving further reduced to 6.5 l/100km.

With this new Exige S, Lotus shows of its luxury car qualifications with the Touring package that includes everything from leather seating, central console in leather, i-pod connection and glass holders. The Sport package has Bilstein suspension, traction control and anti-roll bar. The Performance package is different again, with AP four- piston braking system and 308mm discs, larger air intakes and a power kit that takes this car from 220 to 240hp.

The Evora was also on show, with its interior finally displayed to us, snap-happy bloggers. One disappointment though is the confirmation that the rear seats have no room whatsover, for legs. The driving position is, however, more comfortable and luxurious than with the Elise-Exige models. With more detailed interiors, this model aims at a different clientele and shows a Lotus touring style.

Continue reading: New Lotus Exige S revealed

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