The Lotus Exige III S Coupe S 3.5 V6, produced from March 2012 to January 2016, represents a focused and high-performance iteration of the Exige lineage. Positioned as a premium offering within the Exige III range, this variant aimed to deliver a visceral driving experience with a significant power upgrade over the base models. It’s built on the Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture (LVVA) platform, also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform, which prioritizes lightweight construction and exceptional handling. The Coupe body style, a departure from the traditional Exige open-top design, offered increased practicality and rigidity while maintaining the core Lotus philosophy of “simplify, then add lightness.”
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lotus |
| Model | Exige |
| Generation | Exige III S Coupe |
| Type (Engine) | S 3.5 V6 (350 Hp) |
| Start of production | March, 2012 |
| End of production | January, 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.5 l/100 km (16.2 US mpg, 19.5 UK mpg, 6.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.1 l/100 km (23.3 US mpg, 28 UK mpg, 9.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 235 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 274 km/h (170.26 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.3 kg/Hp, 301.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.9 kg/Nm, 344.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 350 Hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 4500 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Middle, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 2GR-FE |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Supercharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC – VVT-i |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt, 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 17 l (17.96 US qt, 14.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1161 kg (2559.57 lbs) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40 l (10.57 US gal, 8.8 UK gal) |
| Length | 4084 mm (160.79 in) |
| Width | 1802 mm (70.94 in) |
| Height | 1129 mm (44.45 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2370 mm (93.31 in) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/45 R17; 265/35 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 17; 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Exige S Coupe S lies the Toyota-sourced 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine, transversely mounted and mid-engined, is a significant upgrade from the four-cylinder options available in other Exige variants. The 2GR-FE benefits from a supercharger and intercooler, boosting power output to 350 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque at 4500 rpm. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) technology, optimizing both power and efficiency. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, chosen for its direct connection and driver engagement. This powertrain combination was specifically selected for its ability to deliver rapid acceleration and a thrilling driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The Exige S Coupe S delivers a remarkably focused driving experience. The combination of the supercharged V6 and the lightweight chassis results in blistering acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 170 mph. The manual transmission provides precise gear changes, allowing the driver to fully exploit the engine’s powerband. Compared to lower-powered Exige models, the S Coupe S offers a substantially more potent and responsive feel. While the base Exige models prioritize agility and balance, the S Coupe S adds a layer of raw speed and excitement. The relatively short wheelbase and direct steering contribute to exceptional handling, making it a rewarding car to drive on both the road and the track. The supercharger provides instant throttle response, eliminating much of the turbo lag often associated with forced induction.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Exige S Coupe S came reasonably well-equipped, though Lotus traditionally focused on performance over luxury. Standard features included air conditioning, leather and Alcantara upholstery, and a basic audio system. The interior, while functional, was spartan, reflecting the car’s performance-oriented nature. Optional extras included upgraded audio systems, navigation, and various carbon fiber trim pieces. Lotus offered a degree of customization, allowing buyers to personalize their cars with different paint colors and interior finishes. The Coupe body style itself added a level of refinement compared to the standard Exige, offering improved sound insulation and weather protection.
Chassis & Braking
The Exige S Coupe S utilizes a lightweight, bonded aluminum chassis, a hallmark of Lotus engineering. This chassis provides exceptional rigidity while minimizing weight. The suspension consists of double wishbones at both the front and rear, optimized for track performance. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard. The car’s relatively low weight and balanced chassis contribute to its exceptional handling characteristics. The suspension setup is firm, prioritizing control and responsiveness over ride comfort.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Exige S Coupe S was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its exceptional handling, blistering performance, and engaging driving experience. However, some reviewers noted the car’s firm ride and spartan interior. Compared to other Exige variants, the S Coupe S represented a significant performance upgrade, justifying its higher price tag. Against competitors like the Porsche Cayman S, the Exige S Coupe S offered a more raw and visceral driving experience, albeit with less refinement. Fuel economy, while not a primary concern for buyers of this type of vehicle, was reasonable for its performance, averaging around 23.3 US mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The 2GR-FE engine in the Exige S Coupe S has proven to be a reliable and durable powerplant. The Toyota engine’s reputation for longevity contributes to the car’s overall reliability. While Lotus itself has a somewhat checkered history, the core mechanical components of the Exige S Coupe S are generally considered robust. On the used car market, the Exige S Coupe S commands a premium over lower-powered Exige models, reflecting its superior performance and exclusivity. It remains a sought-after car for enthusiasts who appreciate a pure and engaging driving experience. The Exige S Coupe S represents a high point in Lotus’s commitment to lightweight, high-performance sports cars.
