2005 Lotus Exige 240R Preview

With its extremely close-ratio six-speed gearbox, the Exige 240R is capable of time-bending acceleration: 60 mph is

The Exige 240R is capable of time-bending acceleration: 60 mph is reached from a standstill within 3.9 seconds. (Photo: Lotus)

reached from a standstill within 3.9 seconds, while 100 mph is reached in just 9.9 seconds. Not only is the Exige one of the quickest accelerating Lotuses in history, it's also one of the fastest, with a top speed of 155 mph. At 2,050 pounds, the 240R has an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 8.4 pounds per hp, which pays off in both acceleration and in handling.

Like any serious performance machine, the chassis and suspension are tuned according to the amount of power produced by the engine to increase the car's overall performance potential. Lotus' engineers are truly serious about corners, and have set the car up for the best balance between downforce, speed, and

New pads, steel-braided hoses and a combination of calipers give the Exige unparalleled braking abilities with no fade. (Photo: Lotus)

balance. In addition to special springs, the car also receives adjustable Ohlins dampers with 60 compression settings, and adjustable anti-roll bars which allow drivers to fine-tune their vehicles according to road and weather conditions.

Uprated brakes are also an integral part of the 240R's high performance package. New pads, steel-braided hoses and a combination of calipers (AP in front and Brembo in back) give the Exige unparalleled braking abilities with no fade. As for the wheel and tire package, the car rides on sticky 195/50WR17 front and 225/45WR 17 rear Yokohama A048 tires, built to Lotus' specifications.