2000 Lotus Exige

The original Exige was launched in 2000 with a naturally aspirated 1.8 L Rover K Series Inline-four engine in VHPD (Very High Performance Derivative) tune. It produces 177 bhp (132 kW; 179 PS) at 7,800 rpm in standard form. There was also a “track spec” version with 190 bhp (142 kW; 193 PS) available. The car has a five-speed manual gearbox, and a claimed top speed of 219 km/h (136 mph). 0–60 mph (97 km/h) was achieved in 4.7 seconds and 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds. The first Exige used the round, less aggressive headlights of the first generation Elise, although the Elise was updated soon after the introduction of the Exige. The Series 1 was built until 2002, in 604 examples, and was not replaced until the Series 2 of 2004.

Pictures

Specs & Performance

submitted by	Richard Owen
engine	Inline-4
valvetrain	DOHC 4 Valves / Cyl
displacement	1796 cc / 109.6 in³
power	143.2 kw / 192.0 bhp @ 7800 rpm
specific output	106.9 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	246.15 bhp per tonne
torque	197.9 nm / 146.0 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm
driven wheels	Transverse Mid Engine / RWD
front tires	195/50ZR-16
rear tires	225/45ZR-17
front brakes	Vented & Cross Drilled Discs
f brake size	mm / in
r brake size	mm / in
front wheels	F 40.6 x 17.8 cm / 16.0 x 7.0 in
rear wheels	R 43.2 x 21.6 cm / 17.0 x 8.5 in
steering	Unassisted Rack & Pinion
curb weight	780 kg / 1720 lbs
transmission	5-Speed Manual
gear ratios	:1
top speed	~218.9 kph / 136.0 mph
0 – 60 mph	~4.6 seconds