Thursday 29th January 2015

Lotus Exige Automatic spec confirmed

240-millisecond shifts and lower CO2 for £2,000 auto option

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The launch of the Lotus Exige Automatic isn't far off now, with first drives commencing next week (PH is at the front of the queue, fear not). Ahead of those Lotus has confirmed all the important numbers for the automatic.

What's it like? To be confirmed soon!

It had already stated a 3.9-second sprint to 62mph (one tenth faster than a manual) and an identical lap time around Hethel. You can now add to that a drop in CO2 from 235g/km to 222g/km plus an improvement in economy from 28 to 29.4mpg. Small gains then, but something at least. Weight is quoted at 1,182kg (unladen), which compares favourably with the 1,176kg of the manual. Top speed drops fractionally from 170mph to 162 for the coupe and remains at 145mph for the Roadster

Lotus claims a 240-millisecond shift time on pulling one of the forged aluminium paddles. There's the mandatory throttle blip on downshifts as well, but only in Sport mode. In both automatic and manual modes a "very rapid driving experience" is promised.

Lotus expects around a third of Exige S customers will opt for the £2,000 automatic option. By way of a quick comparo, a PDK Cayman GTS would cost £57,748 with the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe a £2,351 option. An Exige S coupe automatic is £58,610 and orders are being taken now. Drive story soon!

[LukeR94]

The proof is in the pudding, we will see how it drives.

Ultimatly that is the most important thing.