Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Lotus ups the ante with Exige Race 380 race car, which sets new track record

Stephen Edelstein
By

The Lotus Exige is no longer sold in the U.S., but that didn’t stop Lotus from teasing U.S. car enthusiasts with a new racing version of the nimble little sports car. It’s called the Exige Race 380, and is based on the Exige Sport 380 road car sold overseas.

The Race 380 uses the 3.5-liter supercharged V6 used in some other Lotus models, tuned to produce 375 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. For this racing version, Lotus added an Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission for faster shifts that is controlled by carbon fiber paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Other additions include an oil cooler, cassette-type plate limited-slip differential, and an optional titanium exhaust system.

Recommended Videos

Lotus says the Exige Race 380 will do 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, and will lap its Hethel, England, test track in 1 minute, 23.5 seconds. That’s the fastest time ever for the Exige at that track, which is saying something, because Lotus seems to come out with a new racing or road-going variant of the Exige every week.

Related

That lap time is due to not only the powerful engine, but also the copious downforce produced by the car’s modified bodywork. Lotus says the Race 380 generates 240 kilograms (529 pounds) of downforce at 170 mph, proving the flamboyant bodywork isn’t just for show. Lotus added vents to help reduce pressure in the wheel wells, a rear grille to help circulate air through the engine compartment, and a new front splitter, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler.

The Exige Race 380 also features upgraded suspension and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that are mounted on lightweight forged alloy wheels. As in all race cars, the interior is short on creature comforts, but has everything a driver needs, including a lightweight seat, six-point harness, fire extinguisher, and a thin film transistor, or TFT, instrument display.

The Lotus Exige Race 380 is available to order now at a U.K. price of 99,500 pounds (about $120,000). Lotus hasn’t discussed U.S. availability or pricing. Road-going versions of the Exige and related Elise are expected to arrive here in 2020, after Lotus updates their safety equipment to meet U.S. standards as part of a comprehensive redesign.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more