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Lotus Exige I 1.8 i 16V (179 Hp)
Overall Rating
Lotus Exige:
The Lotus Exige /ɛɡˈziːʒ/ is a sports car made by the British company Lotus Cars from 2000 until 2021. Originally a coupé version of the Lotus Elise roadster, since the Series 3 the Exige has been the larger-engined model of the family, featuring a V6 engine in place of the Elise's straight-four. Convertible versions of both models are available.
The original Exige was launched in 2000 with a naturally aspirated 1. 8 L Rover K Series Inline-four engine in VHPD tune. It is rated at 177 hp at 7,800 rpm in standard form. There was also a "track spec" version with 190 hp available. The car has a five-speed manual gearbox, and a claimed top speed of 219 km/h. 0–97 km/h was achieved in 4. 7 seconds and 0–100 km/h in 4. 9 seconds....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Lotus Exige (I). With 171 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 780 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.9 s). The top speed reaches 219 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Lotus Exige I was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. As a lightweight, track-focused sports car from its era, safety features were secondary to performance and driver engagement, though it did include ABS.
1.8 i 16V (179 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 1.8 i 16V engine, a high-revving naturally aspirated unit, delivers exhilarating performance for the Exige's ultra-lightweight chassis, offering rapid acceleration and a highly engaging driving experience.
Fuel Economy
While not its primary focus, the relatively small 1.8L engine combined with the car's low weight means fuel economy is reasonable for a sports car, though spirited driving will significantly impact consumption.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional handling and steering feel
- • Ultra-lightweight and agile chassis
- • Exhilarating naturally aspirated engine performance
- • Pure, unadulterated driving experience
- • Distinctive and aerodynamic design
Cons:
- • Very limited practicality and comfort
- • Challenging ingress/egress
- • High road noise and firm ride
- • Maintenance can be specialized and costly
- • Lack of modern safety and convenience features
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Lotus |
| Model: | Exige |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 i 16V (179 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 179 Hp @ 7800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 99.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 171 Nm @ 5000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1795 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 4.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 4.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 219 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.4 kg/Hp, 229.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.6 kg/Nm, 219.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 780 |
| Max. weight: | 965 |
| Max load: | 185 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 115 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 40 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3780 mm mm |
| Width: | 1720 mm mm |
| Height: | 1175 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2300 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1454 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1489 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/40 R17; 245/40 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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