Lotus Exige gets lighter and faster

Lotus has revealed the fastest ever version of its Exige sportscar. The Norfolk manufacturer claims the Exige Sport 380 is a true supercar killer, offering 352bhp per tonne. The 3.5-litre V6 engine has been reworked by the company’s driver train specialists to put out 375bhp and 302lb/ft. Alongside changes in the engine bay, the Sport 380 has benefitted from the company’s obsession with weight saving. The liberal use of carbon fibre on everything from the front splitter to the seats has shaved several kilos from the car’s kerb weight. Further savings have been found through the use of a lithium-ion battery, forged wheels and grooved two-piece brake discs. In total the Sport 380 is 26.3kg lighter than the Exige Sport 350. Aerodynamic revision have improved airflow and increased downforce to help the Exige handle even better than before. Combined these changes means the Exige can surge from zero to 60mph in just 3.5 seconds and will tear on to a top speed of 178mph. On sale now, the Exige 380 starts at £67,900.