Lotus Exige Series 3 Sports Car (2012-2021)

86% Neofiliac94% External
Keywords: coupedohcdouble-wishbonehigh-performancelotusmanual-transmissionrwdsports-carsubcompactsupercharged

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Product Overview

Lotus Exige Mk3 is a compact sports car in production from 2012 to 2021. It was available with a range of Toyota-sourced V6 engines that displaced 3.5 liters.
Compared to the Evora, the Exige is markedly smaller and more focused. It remains very lightweight, while the V6 engine is much more powerful than the I4 found in the Elise.
Utility-minded owners will likely need to keep an alternative for hauling things around, as the tiny cargo space is almost surely insufficient.
Drivers who appreciate handling will be pleased to know that the Lotus Exige III comes with double-wishbone suspensions at all four corners. This provides the good cornering performance and durability, though multi-link tends to be more tunable.

Ratings

What we found**

Neofiliac score 86% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Superb handling
  • Very light
  • Powerful V6
  • Good reliability
Cons
  • Very little cargo space

What external reviewers found***

External score 94% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Superb handling
  • Incredible agility
Cons
  • Not quite as agile as Exiges
  • Not the fastest
  • Not the most fun to drive
  • Noisy in Sport mode
  • A little heavy
Read More

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Specifications

Exige Cup 380Exige Cup 430Exige Cup RExige S V6Exige Sport 350Exige Sport 350 ATExige Sport 380Exige Sport 380 ATExige Sport 410Exige V6 Cup

Capacity

Cargo Capacity160 L / 5.7 cu-ft
Coolant Capacity17.0 L / 18.0 qt17.0 L / 18.0 qt17.0 L / 18.0 qt17.0 L / 18.0 qt14.0 L / 14.8 qt14.0 L / 14.8 qt14.0 L / 14.8 qt14.0 L / 14.8 qt
Engine Oil Capacity5.8 L / 6.1 qt5.8 L / 6.1 qt5.8 L / 6.1 qt4.0 L / 4.2 qt6.1 L / 6.4 qt6.1 L / 6.4 qt6.1 L / 6.4 qt6.1 L / 6.4 qt
Fuel Capacity44.0 L / 11.6 gal44.0 L / 11.6 gal40.0 L / 10.6 gal40.0 L / 10.6 gal40.0 L / 10.6 gal40.0 L / 10.6 gal44.0 L / 11.6 gal40.0 L / 10.6 gal
Passengers2

Chassis

Brakes | FrontVentilated discs
Brakes | RearVentilated discs
Suspension | FrontDouble-wishbone
Suspension | RearDouble-wishbone
Tire Size215/45 R17, 285/30 R18215/45 R17, 285/30 R18205/45 R17, 265/35 R18205/45 R17, 265/35 R18205/45 R17, 265/35 R18205/45 R17, 265/35 R18Front wheel tires: 215/45 R17 Rear wheel tires: 285/30 R18Front wheel tires: 215/45 R17 Rear wheel tires: 285/30 R18215/45 R17, 285/30 R18205/45 R17, 265/35 R18

Construction

Body Style2-door Coupe

Dimensions

Size | Height1129 mm / 44.4 in1129 mm / 44.4 in1129 mm / 44.4 in1129 mm / 44.4 in1129 mm / 44.4 in1129 mm / 44.4 in1129 mm / 44.4 in1129 mm / 44.4 in1130 mm / 44.5 in1129 mm / 44.4 in
Size | Length4084 mm / 160.8 in4084 mm / 160.8 in4084 mm / 160.8 in4084 mm / 160.8 in4084 mm / 160.8 in4084 mm / 160.8 in4084 mm / 160.8 in4084 mm / 160.8 in4090 mm / 161.0 in4084 mm / 160.8 in
Size | Width1802 mm / 70.9 in1802 mm / 70.9 in1802 mm / 70.9 in1802 mm / 70.9 in1802 mm / 70.9 in1802 mm / 70.9 in1802 mm / 70.9 in1802 mm / 70.9 in1810 mm / 71.3 in1802 mm / 70.9 in
Track Width | Front1570.0 mm / 61.8 in
Track Width | Rear1580.0 mm / 62.2 in
Weight1105.0 kg / 2436.1 lbs1093.0 kg / 2409.7 lbs1040.0 kg / 2292.8 lbs1161.0 kg / 2559.6 lbs1125.0 kg / 2480.2 lbs1130.0 kg / 2491.2 lbs1110.0 kg / 2447.1 lbs1121.0 kg / 2471.4 lbs1054.0 kg / 2323.7 lbs
Wheel Size17 in, 18 in17 in, 18 in7.5J x 17, 9.5J x 1817 in, 18 in17 in, 18 in17 in, 18 inFront wheel rims: 17 Rear wheel rims: 18Front wheel rims: 17 Rear wheel rims: 1817 in, 18 in17 in, 18 in
Wheelbase2370 mm / 93.3 in2370 mm / 93.3 in2370 mm / 93.3 in2370 mm / 93.3 in2370 mm / 93.3 in2370 mm / 93.3 in2370 mm / 93.3 in2370 mm / 93.3 in2580 mm / 101.6 in2370 mm / 93.3 in

Performance

Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h3.6 sec3.3 sec4.0 sec3.9 sec3.8 sec3.7 sec3.7 sec3.4 sec4.0 sec
Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph3.4 sec3.2 sec3.8 sec3.7 sec3.6 sec3.5 sec3.5 sec3.3 sec3.8 sec
CO2 Emission242 g/km242 g/km242 g/km235 g/km235 g/km219 g/km242 g/km225 g/km240 g/km235 g/km
Fuel Economy10.4 L/100km / 22.6 MPG (combined) | 14.1 L/100km / 16.7 MPG (urban) | 8.3 L/100km / 28.3 MPG (highway)10.2 L/100km / 23.1 MPG (combined)10.1 L/100km / 23.3 MPG (combined) | 14.5 L/100km / 16.2 MPG (urban) | 7.6 L/100km / 31.0 MPG (highway)10.1 L/100km / 23.3 MPG (combined) | 14.5 L/100km / 16.2 MPG (urban) | 7.6 L/100km / 31.0 MPG (highway)9.4 L/100km / 25.0 MPG (combined) | 13.4 L/100km / 17.6 MPG (urban) | 7.1 L/100km / 33.1 MPG (highway)10.4 L/100km / 22.6 MPG (combined) | 14.1 L/100km / 16.7 MPG (urban) | 8.3 L/100km / 28.3 MPG (highway)8.8 L/100km / 26.7 MPG (combined) | 11.0 L/100km / 21.4 MPG (urban) | 6.3 L/100km / 37.3 MPG (highway)10.6 L/100km / 22.2 MPG (combined) | 14.9 L/100km / 15.8 MPG (urban) | 8.1 L/100km / 29.0 MPG (highway)10.1 L/100km / 23.3 MPG (combined) | 14.5 L/100km / 16.2 MPG (urban) | 7.6 L/100km / 31.0 MPG (highway)
Top Speed282.0 km/h / 175.2 mph290.0 km/h / 180.2 mph274.0 km/h / 170.3 mph274.0 km/h / 170.3 mph261.0 km/h / 162.2 mph286.0 km/h / 177.7 mph274.0 km/h / 170.3 mph280.0 km/h / 174.0 mph274.0 km/h / 170.3 mph

Powertrain

Drivetrain LayoutMid-engine (transverse), Rear-wheel drive
Engine2GR-FE
Engine | Displacement3.5 L / 210.9 cu-in / 3456.0 cc
Engine | Power380.0 hp / 283.4 kW @ 6700 rpm436.0 hp / 325.1 kW @ 7000 rpm366.0 hp / 272.9 kW @ 7200 rpm350.0 hp / 261.0 kW @ 7000 rpm350.0 hp / 261.0 kW @ 7000 rpm350.0 hp / 261.0 kW @ 7000 rpm380.0 hp / 283.4 kW @ 6700 rpm380.0 hp / 283.4 kW @ 6700 rpm416.0 hp / 310.2 kW @ 7000 rpm350.0 hp / 261.0 kW @ 7000 rpm
Engine | Specific Output110.0 hp/L / 1.8 hp/cu-in126.2 hp/L / 2.1 hp/cu-in110.0 hp/L / 1.8 hp/cu-in110.0 hp/L / 1.8 hp/cu-in120.4 hp/L / 2.0 hp/cu-in
Engine | Torque410 Nm / 302.4 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm440 Nm / 324.5 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm413 Nm / 304.6 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm400 Nm / 295.0 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm400 Nm / 295.0 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm400 Nm / 295.0 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm410 Nm / 302.4 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm410 Nm / 302.4 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm420 Nm / 309.8 lb-ft @ 3000-7000 rpm400 Nm / 295.0 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine | TypeSupercharged petrol V6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged petrol V6 engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged multi-port injected petrol V6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged multi-port injected petrol V6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged multi-port injected petrol V6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged multi-port injected petrol V6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged petrol V6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged petrol V6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged petrol V6 engine with 4 values per cylinderSupercharged multi-port injected petrol V6 DOHC engine with 4 values per cylinder
Transmission | Gears6-speed
Transmission | TypeManualManualManualManualManualAutomaticManualAutomaticManualManual

Production

Availability2017 ~ 201820182013 ~ 20152012 ~ 201620162016 ~ 20182017 ~ 20182017 ~ 201820182013 ~ 2016

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Launch Comparison
Clear List

3rd-Party Review Videos

External Reviews

autocar[1]

Reviewer score 97%
Reviewers from autocar have found the following***:
Lotus is also offering Final Edition versions of the Exige Sport 420 and the Cup 430. The Sport 390 uses the familiar wet-sump Toyota 3.5-litre V6. The 17in forged alloys are from British firm Rimstock. The double wishbones controlled by passive Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs, with passive anti-roll bars.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Terrific handling
  • Gorgeous interior
  • Impressive handling
Cons
  • Not the most fun to drive

autocar[2]

Reviewer score 91%
Reviewers from autocar have found the following***:
Even in Sport 410 guise, the Exige remains a diminutive device, but an enormous rear wing, peaked front fenders and a carbon splitter mean it casts an impishly brutal shadow. Climbing aboard with any grace is still a challenge, largely because you’ve got to get over the wide sill of the extruded-aluminium tub. The switchgear is still basic but there’s not a rattle, buzz or squeak to be heard in our car once on the move.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Impressive handling
  • Superb handling
Cons
  • Not quite as agile as Exiges

carmagazine[3]

Reviewer score 83%
Reviewers from carmagazine have found the following***:
The Exige Cup bridges the gap between roadgoing Exige S and race-sanctioned Cup R. It adds two-piece brake discs (for better heat dissipation and reduced fade), 20% stiffer springs and Nitron two-way adjustable dampers. But what's been subtracted is of equal importance, and that includes carpets, airbags, headlining, noise insulation and leather trim.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Extremely fast and noisy
  • Lots of fun to drive
Cons
  • More road noise than a Race Pack-equipped Exige S

carmagazine[4]

Reviewer score 100%
Reviewers from carmagazine have found the following***:
Like the Evora GT430, the Exige Cup 430 features a six-stage traction control system developed from Lotus's British GT championship Evora racing car. You really can feel the downforce at work, particularly in the fast sweepers leading up to the scarily quick Windsock corner. The car's inherent stability gives you plenty of confidence, even in the wet.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Fantastic handling
  • Lots of fun to drive
  • Excellent handling
Cons
  • No locking diff

carmagazine[5]

Reviewer score 100%
Reviewers from carmagazine have found the following***:
The Exige S is the first Lotus to use a Ferrari-style manettino, a small dial to the right of the steering that adjusts throttle response, engine sound, rev limit and chassis nuances. The ride and handling are superb, the Exige always feels like it's in intimate contact with the road surface, but it's never nervous. The 3.5-litre V6 is incredibly strong, serving up huge performance right across the rev range.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful V6
  • Vibrant ride
  • Impressive handling
Cons
  • Not the fastest

carmagazine[6]

Reviewer score 94%
Reviewers from carmagazine have found the following***:
Unassisted steering is a delight, jiggling in your hands and conveying so much surface detail that it can at first seem like overload. It's quick and precise too, jinking the Exige's nose into corners with a complete absence of slop or body roll. 345bhp is pretty middling these days, but that 1125kg kerbweight and a big fat wodge of torque ensure you're fired up the road in double-quick time.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful V6
  • Comfortable to drive
  • Impressive handling
Cons
  • A little heavy
  • Not the most fun to drive

carmagazine[7]

Reviewer score 99%
Reviewers from carmagazine have found the following***:
The Lotus Exige Sport 410 is the fastest roadster in Lotus history. It has a top speed of 180mph and can do 0-62mph in 3.4secs. The V6 engine is fitted with a titanium exhaust system for £5500. The unassisted steering delivers maximum speed, grip, feedback and agility.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful V6 engine
  • Incredible agility
  • Impressive handling
Cons
  • Noisy in Sport mode

User Reviews

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References

  1. ^ Lotus Exige 390 Sport Final Edition 2021 UK review. [autocar]. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/lotus/exige/first-drives/lotus-exige-390-sport-final-edition-2021-uk-review. 2021-06-08. Retrieved 2022-08-31.
  2. ^ Lotus Exige Sport 410 2018 UK review. [autocar]. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/lotus/exige/first-drives/lotus-exige-sport-410-2018-uk-review. 2018-05-15. Retrieved 2022-08-31.
  3. ^ Lotus Exige Cup (2014) review. [carmagazine]. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/lotus/lotus-exige-cup-2014-review/. 2014-02-03. Retrieved 2022-08-31.
  4. ^ Lotus Exige Cup 430 (2017) review. [carmagazine]. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/lotus/lotus-exige-cup-430-2017-review/. 2017-11-15. Retrieved 2022-08-31.
  5. ^ Lotus Exige S (2012) review. [carmagazine]. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/lotus/lotus-exige-s-2012-review/. 2012-04-25. Retrieved 2022-08-31.
  6. ^ Lotus Exige Sport 350 (2016) review. [carmagazine]. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/lotus/lotus-exige-sport-350-2016-review-/. 2015-12-14. Retrieved 2022-08-31.
  7. ^ Lotus Exige Sport 410 (2018) review: speed, grip, agility – and joy. [carmagazine]. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/lotus/lotus-exige-sport-410-2018-review/. 2018-05-15. Retrieved 2022-08-31.

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Scores are not directly comparable across industries.

These key takeaways ("pros" and "cons") and summaries are identified from third-party reviews. They may differ from the original texts.

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