Lotus Exige GT3 spec emerges
Most frantic and focused Lotus ever?
Lotus Exige GT3 concept
The 271 bhp Exige GT3 is the most extreme version of the track car yet. The company reckoned it can deliver more grin-factor than ever before, as are no intended compromises and no limits except those imposed by the driver.
The Exige GT3's pure-bred racing brother will be again competing in the GT race arena in 2007, taking over the mantle from the successful 2006 British GT3 Championship-winning car. On road or track the Lotus Exige GT3 winning pedigree will continue in time honoured Lotus racing tradition.
A new one-piece front clam-shell with fully masked front wheels and wheel arch venting leads the aerodynamically cleaned silhouette of this car.
Engine
The supercharged and inter-cooled 1796 cc engine in the Lotus GT3 has a maximum power output of 271bhp at the 8,000 rpm redline, and a torque figure of approximately 190lb/ft at 7,000 rpm. This significant amount of extra power and torque now available together with the VVTL-i variable cam system ensures that power is delivered linearly from low engine speeds up to the redline. The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism so that it requires no use of the engine's oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. Four high capacity injectors and an up rated fuel pump add additional fuel under hard acceleration or high speed driving.
An Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) is included in the whole package as an oil reservoir back-up for extreme track use ensuring that, under those conditions, the engine oil pressure remains constant. Twin oil coolers complete the powertrain package.
Transmission
A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfer the engine power and torque to the lightweight aluminium C64 six-speed gearbox - with the same perfectly spaced ratios as the Exige S. An open type limited slip differential is fitted as standard. The Lotus switchable traction control system (LTCS) works through the engine, reducing power to maintain traction; it is active above five mph and reacts much more quickly than many brake-based systems.
Chassis
Lotus designed lightweight structure of epoxy bonded aluminium alloy extrusions with crash structure, extruded aluminium door beams, integral steel seat-belt support structure and lightweight galvanised steel rear sub frame incorporating a structural shear panel.
Body
GT3 derived one-piece front clamshell and wide track rear clamshell with full length roof scoop design taken from the Cup Exige 255. New full width rear wing with integral end plates mounting to rear clam. Race style full width front splitter; standard Exige door and body sides retained. It includes a multi-element rear diffuser with carbon option.
Wheels and tyres
Five-spoke lightweight forged alloy wheels (front 7Jx16 and rear 10Jx17) are shod with Lotus Sport specific Yokohama A048 R LTS tyres (front 195/50 R16 and rear 255/40 R17).
Brakes
The brake system includes 308 mm diameter 2 piece aluminium belled cross drilled and ventilated front discs and 288 mm diameter cross-drilled and ventilated rear discs. AP Racing two-piece radially mounted 4 piston calipers at the front and Brembo single sliding piston at the rear. Pagid RS14 sports brake pads all round, plus high grade silicone brake fluid and stainless steel braided brake hoses. The servo-assisted four-channel ABS system enhances braking performance and minimises stopping distance without taking over from the skill of the driver.
Suspension
Fully independent suspension utilising unequal length wishbones; Öhlins two-way adjustable dampers with coil over springs and Lotus Sport adjustable front anti-roll bar. A rear double shear track control arm brace is provided to cope with the expected kerb abuse during heavy track day driving.
Performance
|
0-60 mph |
3.9 secs (estimated) |
|
0-100 mph |
9.8 secs (estimated) |
|
Maximum Speed |
160 mph - electronically limited |
|
Max Power |
271 bhp at 8000 rpm |
|
Max Torque |
190 lb/ft at 7000 rpm - electronically limited |
Lotus boss Mike Kimberley said: "The Exige GT3 concept road car is a fantastic showcase product from our race car performance division, Lotus Sport. The car's racing background becomes immediately obvious from its aggressive stance, extreme width of rear track and innovative three-dimensional rear wing. The foundation of all Lotus products is phenomenal handling and ride characteristics, but the Exige GT3 takes these into another dimension altogether where supreme road holding and outrageous acceleration come evenly matched with sensational stopping ability."
The GT3 will be developed into a production car for limited markets, to go on sale in late 2007 with an estimated price tag of between £50,000 and £60,000.
Picture by Sebastian Geisler
isn`t it more important to consider the power to weight ratio and handling?
thats what lotus is about!
However i do think the price is excessive, but this car will outrun a lot of other cars that cost a lot more!
isn`t it more important to consider the power to weight ratio and handling?
thats what lotus is about!
However i do think the price is excessive, but this car will outrun a lot of other cars that cost a lot more!
...and continue to have bits breaking & falling off it!
just jogging your memories....remember the one or two v6 vauxhall lump engined exiges played with to about 400 bhp i think.
well ive heard there's still talks of that engine being used somewhere along the line.....(btw i work in a lotus dealership)
but of course lotus being lotus it may al change yet.
would be good to see it though
any other engines people could think of that would be good?
apart from the obvious vtec + audi....
we want a medium sized one lol.
maybe over the top for a weekend toy, but its worth the money
maybe over the top for a weekend toy, but its worth the money
I agree. Even without the extra power, you could easily exceed £45k for an Exige S with some of the kit on the GT3. Add to that the cost of gaining another 55 bhp and the body kit and it all makes sense.
It is an expensive toy but not in the context of Lotus pricing throughout the range. I'd have one.
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