Description
Model History
Added to Lotus’s lineup in 2000, the Lotus Exige is a more track-focused, ‘hardcore’ variant of the Lotus Elise roadster. Prominent differences that set an Exige apart from an Elise include the inclusion of a fixed hardtop roof, rear spoiler, front splitter, and widened wheel arches – all for improved downforce and aerodynamics. The Series 2 Exige was introduced in 2005 – based on the Series 2 Elise, but powered by a 1.8L 2ZZ-GE inline-four sourced from Toyota (and further tuned by Yamaha’s engine division), mated to a 6-Speed manual transmission. Keeping with Lotus founder, Colin Chapman’s principles of keeping a car’s weight as minimal as possible, the Exige featured minimal equipment onboard, but thanks to the inclusion of additional bodywork components to improve the downforce properties – such as a fibreglass fixed roof with roof scoop, rear engine cover, and fixed rear spoiler, the Exige is able to create an additional 45 kg of downforce versus 5.9kg from a regular Elise S2.
History File
This is a 2005 Lotus Exige S2, finished in Krypton Green with a Grey interior. This is an official Lotus Hong Kong car. The current modifications on this car are primarily suspension and transmission tuning installed under the current owner – the engine and exterior have remained untouched. Hence, this car features a Nitron suspension setup (specifically set up for Lotus models), upgraded final gearbox ratio settings, as well as Defi interior gauges (exhaust and oil temperature). egular service and maintenance has been carried out by the current owner’s garage as well as Lotus specialist VanZong Racing in Tuen Mun when needed – they report that all of the suspension bushings, engine mounts, and the clutch have been replaced, as well as a wheel alignment was performed by VanZong Racing previously – focused on the rear wheels to improve the overall turn-in and handling setup for the owner’s preference. This car has seven previous owners, a current mileage of 29,084 km and the current road licence is valid until 31st March, 2023.
Exterior
The eye-catching Krypton Green body is in excellent condition – the current owner states this original Lotus factory colour has been preserved in all of its original form with none of the body panels having been previously resprayed or showing any surface blemishes. Owing to this car’s low ride height and ground clearance, subtle surface marks were observed across both the left and right portions of the front splitter, but its original appearance can be restored with a touchup if desired – the front & rear bumpers, as well as the side portions are free of any damage. The front grille and fender vents are fully intact with none possessing any missing portions. The rear fixed spoiler is fully intact. Both front headlights and rear lights, as well as the side markers operate normally. Both doors open and close as they should – the rear engine cover also opens and closes without any issues. All of the Lotus badges and emblems are present with none showing any major surface wear. All four Black finished Lotus alloy wheels are in great condition with no kerb rash.
Interior and Trim
Step inside and a minimal Lotus cockpit greets both occupants – emphasising this car’s focus entirely on the driver and minimal distractions for the driving experience as much as possible. Both bucket seats are supportive of driver and passenger with none showing any upholstery wear. The dashboard has no surface damage on any portions. The instrument cluster gauge lights up properly and the digital odometer works properly with no missing pixels. The steering wheel is free of any serious surface wear and grips the driver’s hands firmly. The gear shift knob is fully intact with no surface scratches. Both Defi Gauges – located in the centre console below the radio operate normally to relay their relevant information. Both windows manually wind up and down without any difficulties.
Engine and Running Gear
The 1.8L Toyota 2ZZ-GE inline-four comes to life instantly – with its engine note easily audible to the ears with it located behind the cabin in the traditional Lotus midship layout. To drive this lightweight Lotus coupe, the current owner states it is very energetic and exciting to drive. Power delivery from this Toyota-Yamaha unit is smooth across the rev range – this car is easy to pick up speed and eager to reach into the peak rev ranges. The driving inputs, such as the clutch, brakes, accelerator and steering wheel were very light and direct. The 6-Speed manual transmission feels precise and sharp with each change of the gear – the upgraded final gear ratio settings on this Exige allow for more aggressive and faster acceleration than its factory original setup, as well as being able to reach a higher top speed. The brakes provide plenty of confident stopping power to come to a halt. Continuing on Colin Chapman’s philosophy of ‘Light is Right’ for creating the perfect sports car, the Lotus Exige is the perfect mid-engined machine for those looking to enjoy a more hardcore version of the Elise – for the track or the road, now available at the Car Farm.
Buyer’s Premium:
5% of Winning Bid
(Minimum – HKD8,000.00)
(Maximum – HKD50,000.00)
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