The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Lotus launches new ‘ultimate road car’ – the Exige Sport 410
Lotus has announced yet another new addition to its Exige range – the Exige Sport 410, which slots between the Sport 350 and Cup 430 in the British brand’s model line-up.
The Sport 410 has been developed from the track-focused Cup 430, Lotus says, giving it “unrivalled” driving dynamics and a degree of motorsport prowess courtesy of true downforce – up to 150kg – and low weight.
According to Lotus, this is the lightest V6 model ever. Weighing in at just 1,054kg, the Exige Sport 410 has a power-to-weight ratio of 389bhp per tonne – higher than a McLaren 570S. Power comes courtesy of Lotus’ 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, which in this form develops 410bhp and 420Nm of torque. Top speed is a reported 180mph, and 0-60mph is despatched in just 3.3 seconds.
The Sport 410 gains the track-focused chassis from the Cup 430, but with the adjustable dampers tuned for a road bias. There are no shortage of ways buy- ers can customise their cars. On request, Lotus can tune the entire chassis to customer taste, including adjustable compression and Eibach front and rear antiroll bars.
An impressive 150kg of downforce is provided by a revised aerodynamic configuration including carbon side pods and rear wing plus a front splitter to reduce turbulence around the front wheels. That means the Sport 410 can be pushed faster through corners, with the weight of the downforce pressing the car earthwards and preventing it sliding off the track.
The cabin receives Lotus’ now-trademark open-gate manual gearbox plus carbon-fibre sports seats trimmed in Alcantara and leather. The truly hardcore can specify track-ready touches, such as airbag-deletion from the steering wheel, four-point racing harnesses, a roll cage and inbuilt fire extinguisher.
The Lotus Exclusive programme allows buyers to customise their cars. It’s the ideal way to ensure your Exige Sport 410 stands out from the crowd. Available in the UK from £85,600.