Lotus’ Exige Sport 380 is widely regarded as one of the world’s best supercars. Now meet its angry brother – the track-only Exige Race 380 – coming this May.
As the name suggests, it isn’t road legal, despite retaining the majority of the original car’s configuration. It uses the same 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine as the Exige Sport 380, with the same 365bhp power output and 302lb ft or torque.
However, in a bid to eek out every ounce of performance, the car this time comes with an Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission, oil cooler and cassette-type plate limited slip differential.
Extremely Light
Some clever aerodynamic and design changes mean that the car tips the scales at just under a ton, weighing 998kg – 102kg less than the Exige Sport 380.
This equates to a more potent performance, with the Exige Race 380 hitting 60mph in 3.2 seconds, half a second quicker than its road legal sibling.
Speed
Furthermore, the car is the fastest Exige ever to lap the Hethel track, completing the circuit in one minute and 23.5 seconds – 1.5 seconds quicker than the previous Exige Cup R.
Top speed has been snipped by 8mph to 170mph in the transition but that’s unlikely to sour the deal for any potential buyers with £99,500 to spare.
Better Handling
The Exige’s reputation for superb handling is protected by the inclusion of Lotus’ traction control system and a revised suspension configuration that incorporates two-way adjustable Öhlins dampers and adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars. It rides on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres as standard (wider 215/45 ZR17 at the front; 265/35 ZR18 at the rear), which are renowned for their predictable handling and high grip.
Weightsaving measures for the Exige Race 380 include replacing the windows with plastic, while the seat and intake pods are carbon and the airbag has been removed. There’s also an ultra-lightweight carbon fibre motorsport-specific louvered tailgate panel, while opting for the titanium exhaust system removes a further 10kg behind the rear axle.
To aid aerodynamics, there’s a new front splitter, a giant rear wing, additional vents at the front and rear and a new grille to boost circulation through the engine bay.
Because this is a competition car, the Exige Race 380 comes with a fully integrated roll cage, lightweight FIA Carbon driver seat and a six-point harness, as well as polycarbonate side windows, competition-spec fire extinguisher, battery isolator and front and rear motorsport towing eyes.
The Exige Race 380 goes on sale this May, priced from £99,500.
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