2007 Lotus Exige S
This Exige was purchased from the original owner with delivery miles only on it in 2024. Optioned with special paint, traction control, and the touring package, it is in “as new” condition with just over 2300 miles on it now. All fluids were changed in 2024 and again just recently. The engine was properly broken on the backroads around Santa Barbara. The original tires are in very good condition, having been stored inside from 2007 until 2024. A factory car cover, battery trickle charger, and original books and window sticker are included.
While being a blast to drive on the twisty backroads it is also comfortable cruising on the freeway. The supercharged engine delivers instant power at almost any rpm in any gear and the brakes stop the 2000# car with ease. The trunk is large enough to accommodate luggage for two for a long weekend.
The 2007 Exige S weighs 2,057 lb (933 kg) and has the following specifications:
Engine:
Toyota supplied, 1,796 cc (1.8 L) I4, DOHC with VVTL-i (variable valve timing and lift – intelligent), supercharged and intercooled
Bore/stroke 82 mm × 85 mm (3.23 in × 3.35 in)
218 hp at 7,800 rpm
159 lbf⋅ft at 5,500 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Transmission:
6-speed, close ratio with single-plate dry clutch
Performance:
0-60 4.1 seconds
0-100 11.1 seconds
Top speed: 148 mph
Fuel consumption: 20 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
Excerpts from 2007 Car and Driver article:
Compared to the Elise the Exige added stiffer suspension settings and hand-laid bodywork along with a rear wing to increase downforce. The special bodywork limits production to about 300 to 400 cars per year in the U.SA.
A Roots-type supercharger making 7 psi of boost and an air-to-air intercooler are fed by the roof-mounted air scoop. While the power gain is just 16 percent, on the street, the Exige S feels at least 50-percent stronger, especially in the mid-rpm range. That’s because at 2500 rpm the new engine makes as much torque as the old engine’s peak. The previously feeble mid-range in naturally aspirated form was (and still is for the unchanged Elise) the worst part of the car and a fault of the peaky Toyota engine that doesn’t wake up until the 6200-rpm switchover point for the variable cam timing. The Exige S still uses the same two-position cam, but with the added torque, the switchover point is no longer perceptible.
To the soundtrack, a dose of supercharger whine has been overlaid on the already fervent shriek of the high-revving four, and the redline remains at 8500 rpm despite the boost. The Exige S will hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, an improvement of 1.1 over the last Exige we’ve tested, and expect the quarter-mile to be similarly improved at about 13 seconds flat.
Excerpts from 2007 Motor Trend article:
The Exige S has a Toyota-sourced six-speed aluminum gearbox and Lotus T4e Engine Control System which includes variable-rpm cam switching.
A mid-mounted engine, desirable 38:62 front/rear weight distribution, and competent suspension package does a lot. So do the forged alloy wheels, which reduce unsprung weight by 12 pounds at the front and 5.6 pounds at the rear.
In 2007 this was the quickest production Lotus ever built, which, for its size, makes it one of the most powerful and capable cars in the world.
To compare the 2007 Exige S to the trending 2005 Ford GT replica, the Exige has room for luggage, is faster around Nuremberg, more fuel efficient, and costs a fraction of the current cost of a GT. Just over 400 Exiges were imported to US in 2007 compared to over 4000 GT’s made by Ford.