London’s West End got a little racier this week when Lotus Cars unveiled the 2012 Exige S at its new flagship store across from Piccadilly Circus.
The Exige S improves on previous models by incorporating a front splitter and a rear spoiler to boost aerodynamic efficiency, yielding a drag coefficient of 0.433. Its transverse, 3.5 liter supercharged V6 engine propels the 2380-pound racer to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds. Measuring 4.1 m long and 1.8 m wide, the Exige S is 25 cm longer than its predecessors. A dynamic performance mode offers Touring, Sport and default settings, as well as a Racing mode for those who purchase the Exige S with an optional racing pack.
Aslam Farikullah, COO for Lotus’ parent company, DRB-HICOM, commented further on the specs of the new racing machine, saying, “Every detail from the racing twin-piston front caliper brakes, to the glossy black wheels and lightweight aluminum bonded structure has the Lotus mark of excellence about it.”
Given the fact that the new speedster will be manufactured in Hethel, Norfolk, British Trade Secretary Dr. Vince Cable was happy to meet with board members from DRB-HICOM as well as Malaysia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dato’ Sri Zakaria Sulong, before the unveiling.
Potential buyers in the United States should take notice, however; The Exige S will not be sold on the retail market in the US, due to strict airbag regulations. Americans will have to settle for the track-only model of the vehicle which boasts a roll cage, racing harnesses and an electrical cut-off switch.
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