Lotus Cars USA Announces 2007 Pricing

October 18, 2006 – Lotus Cars USA, Inc., the exclusive distributor of the famed British exotic sports cars, today announced pricing for the 2007 model year Lotus Elise and Lotus Exige S models, for the United States.

The widely acclaimed 190 hp Elise roadster will have a Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $43,990. The increase in price of the Lotus Elise, although modest, is the result of changes of the exchange rate between the British pound and U.S. dollar and the addition of upgraded headlights designed to comply with U.S. regulations.

The new and seriously quick 220 hp Exige S will have a base MSRP of $56,990.

About the 2007 Lotus Exige S
The new Exige S is truly in Supercar Territory! Weighing just 2,077 pounds, the Exige S sprints to 60 mph in a blistering 4.1 seconds, nearly a full second faster than the already quick standard Exige and the 100mph barrier sails by in just 11 seconds. Despite its supercar-like acceleration and 148mph top speed, fuel economy is a rather un-supercar-like 25 mpg combined (est.) thanks in part to the close-ratio six-speed aluminum gearbox and Lotus T4e Engine Control System which includes variable-rpm cam switching for the first time.

The addition of an intercooled supercharger to the 1.8 liter engine has raised the horsepower 15 percent, to 220 hp from 190, and torque 19 percent, to 165 lb. ft. from 133, from the standard Exige. Perhaps more importantly with 80 percent of the peak torque available from just over 2,000rpm the engine has impressive flexibility making the car more relaxed yet instantly responsive with astonishing performance at virtually any rpm. The extra power of the Exige S, combined with the legendary handling of all Lotus cars, simply raises the Exige’s outstanding performance envelope to an entirely different level.

The Exige S shares its 150 pound extruded aluminum chassis with the standard Exige and Elise, as well as the Exige’s aerodynamic package (front end splitter, flat undercarriage, rear diffuser and rear wing) to generate nearly 100 pounds of downforce at 100mph. This downforce combined with the precise steering, outstanding suspension and grippy Yokohama Advan A048 tires give the Exige unrivaled handling capability.

To differentiate the Exige S from its more sedate sibling, the rear wing, front splitter and side air intakes are painted body color, instead of black. A single oval exhaust replaces the twin-pipe design from the naturally-aspirated Elise and Exige. A revised roof-scoop also provides cooling air to the intercooler atop the engine.

For further information please visit www.lotuscars.com.

SOURCE Lotus Cars