[Source: Lotus press release]

 

Although hardly struggling in the performance department in standard 220 PS guise, the Exige
S is now being offered with an optional Performance Pack.

• 308 mm front cross-drilled and vented discs with AP Racing four piston callipers
  
• Uprated front and rear brake pads
  
• Full length upsized roof scoop
  
• Variable slip traction control
  
• Uprated clutch plate and cover
  
• Uprated vehicle performance through enhanced power and torque delivery
  
• Launch control
  

This raises power to the same 240 PS / 179 kW (minimum) at 8000 rpm enjoyed by the limited
edition 240R, courtesy of a Magnuson/Eaton M62 supercharger and new, faster flowing
injectors, and higher torque clutch system and an upsized roof scoop.

This hike in power, together with an increase in torque to 170 lbft / 230 Nm / 23.5 kgm at 5,500
rpm from the standard 158.6 lbft / 215 Nm (22 kgm) at 5500 rpm, helps whisk the Performance
Pack Exige S from zero to 60mph in 4.0 secs / 0-100km/h in 4.2 secs (estimated) and from
standstill to 100mph in 9.7 secs (estimated). Top speed rises to 153 mph (estimated). The
power and torque of the 240 PS engine is increased across the rev range giving even more
flexibility. Inspite of this phenomenal performance the fuel economy is impressive with an
estimated combined figure of 9.1 litres / 100 km (31.0 mpg)

Of course the increased power and straight-line performance are only a couple of elements of
the Performance Pack option. The clutch is uprated and a clutch damper fitted; there are
thicker, 308mm diameter cross-drilled and vented discs at the front clamped by AP Racing fourpiston
callipers; the standard brakes pads are replaced by uprated items and there are braided
brake hoses.

Keen to pass on lessons learned on the track with the Exige GT3 racing programme, Lotus
Sport has contributed another important technology to the Performance Pack – launch control
combined with variable traction control. This combo has already made its production debut with
the track-oriented Lotus 2-Eleven.

From the driver’s seat the launch control allows you to determine the number of revs you wish to
use during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, you then hold your foot down hard on
the throttle and sidestep the clutch at departure from the line time. The clutch damper cushions
the severity of the clutch / transmission engagement to minimise the stresses to the drivetrain
(noting that abusive/ continuous standing start applications will destroy the drivetrain
components). The launch control also keeps wheelspin at bay until 6 mph, after which the
traction control assumes its duties.

As with launch control, you can control the amount of traction control you require from the
driver’s seats, altering it on the move to suit the characteristics of particular corners. The
amount of traction control can be varied in over 30 increments from an optimum 7 percent tyre
slip to completely off. The message display in the new instrument pack displays what degree of
traction control you have currently dialled in.