Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Lotus Exige GT3 Concept

GENEVA — Lotus Cars has pulled the wraps off the Exige GT3, a concept it describes as "the most extreme Exige variant to date." The car was developed by the company's performance arm, Lotus Sport.

Lotus Exige GT3 ConceptLotus Exige GT3 Concept 2The race-bred Exige GT3 for the street will go on sale in late 2007, priced from $96,000 to $115,000.

The Exige GT3 is powered by a supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 271 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox. Lotus says top speed is limited to 160 mph.

The chassis has been beefed up with Brembo brake components, Ohlins adjustable shocks and a Lotus Sport adjustable front stabilizer bar. The car rides on Yokohama A048 R LTS tires mounted on five-spoke forged alloy wheels (16s in front, 17s in the rear). Lotus also has fitted a limited-slip rear differential and a traction control system.

The Exige GT3 also gets a rear wing, a rear diffuser, aggressively flared rear wheel arches and a new one-piece front clamshell with vented wheel arches and a full-width front splitter. The skin is wrapped around a lightweight monocoque constructed of epoxy-bonded aluminum and galvanized steel.

© Source: article on insideline
Feel free to leave your comments below >>