2005 Lotus Exige 240R Preview

On the outside, there's very little that separates the 240R model from the regular Exige. Both cars are wild, with aggressive

On the outside, there's very little that separates the 240R model from the regular Exige. (Photo: Lotus)

body kits sporting front and rear spoilers to increase downforce; however, one can distinguish the 240R by its exterior details which include an anodized rear diffuser, large rear wing and "Stage One" sport exhaust system. One major difference (if you know Lotus' color portfolio), is that the 240R can be had in one of two unique colors - Sport Yellow with Satin Black painted wheels or Sport Black with High Performance Silver painted wheels.

Inside, Lotus has stripped out the interior of the Exige in order to save weight; however, there are a few additions and special amenities. Yellow-accented gearshift, handbrake and door inserts are new, as are composite-backed racing bucket seats with four-point harnesses and an alloy plaque designating the production number. A motorsport-certified roll bar has also been installed in the interior. As for amenities, little else aside from central locking, air conditioning (which weighs only 33 pounds) and a

A motorsport-certified roll bar has also been installed in the stripped out, yet still stylish, interior. (Photo: Lotus)

four-speaker Blaupunkt CD/radio system is available.

The Lotus Exige 240R will reaffirm with great certainty that Lotus is one of the world's best sports car makers, and as usual, it just goes to show that a car doesn't need eight or twelve cylinders to rank amongst the best on the track.

Pricing has been set by Lotus at £43,995 or E62,000 (equivalent to $83,000 USD). Now here's the bad news: the production run for the 240R has been set at 50 units, 40 of which have been set aside for Europe, and another 10 of which are supposedly destined for Japan, although there is a very minute possibility that one or two units may make their way to North America.