Subtle Changes Improve Performance
Canadian Auto Press

After a few years of maintaining the same sporty look other than a revised roof duct, the brilliantly fun Exige S goes under the knife for 2010. The changes are subtle, including a modernized front fascia and a revised rear wing.

2010 Lotus Exige S240

Like everything at Lotus, the changes were designed with performance first and foremost in mind.

“The changes we have made to the 2010 Exige are quite subtle when taken individually, but taken as a complete package they make significant improvements to aerodynamics and the overall look of the car,” stated Roger Becker, Director of Vehicle Engineering. “The Exige is a classic fit-for-purpose performance machine. The design tweaks we have made have reduced the drag by cleaning up the airflow around the front and rear of the car while retaining the impressive balanced downforce figures. The end result is an exciting high performance driving experience.”

The larger front grille not only allows for better airflow, the outer ducts feed a set of oil coolers. The new rear wing made its debut on the Exige GT3 concept of 2007. It’s wider and mounted higher and slightly rearward, offering less drag with the same downforce as before, and not negatively affecting visibility out the back (there isn’t any with the Exige as it is). The look is more enticing too.

“For 2010 we have taken the already visually extreme Exige and given it even more visual drama,” commented Russell Carr, Chief of Lotus Design. “The changes we have integrated to the front and rear of the Exige signal an even clearer and purposeful intent. The functional rear wing is race-inspired, the new angular air intakes and full width splitter give a more hard-edged and aggressive look. Overall, the Exige appears more planted and gives the illusion that both the front and rear of the car are wider than they really are, yet without losing its agile and sleek character.”

New Ohlins dampers featuring remote reservoirs come as part of t he Track package, only necessary if you’re seriously focused on racing your S240.

The stock Exige S240 can sprint to 100 km/h in only 4.3 seconds and tops out at over 240 km/h (150 mph), while, if driven more moderately, achieves an EPA rated equivalent of 9.0L/100km on the highway.