The Lotus Exige S is one of the toughest, meanest sports cars on the market, but how does the new convertible Exige S Roadster edition compare? We found out for ourselves in our latest video review. Hit play below to see it in action for yourself.
Top of the list of changes is its physical design. The huge rear wing and intimidating front splitter have been removed, giving the Exige S Roadster a sleeker, less aggressive appearance. Its interior has been fettled, too, with its gear stick, door trim and heated seats bound in soft, hand-stitched leather.
Below the surface, Lotus has robbed the car of some features that facilitate extreme performance. Its suspension is more pliable, making it – on paper, at least – more suitable to be driven away from the race track, through towns and cities.
The truth, however, is that the Exige S Roadster is every bit as savage as its coupe counterpart. It uses the same 345hp, 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, which propels it from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, or 0-100khm in 4.0. Its top speed has been capped at 145mph to prevent the fabric roof being sucked off at high velocity.
The experience of deploying the Exige S Roadster’s power is every bit as involving as in the coupe. The lack of power steering means it has to be wrestled somewhat at low speed, but it comes into its own at high speed, providing more sensory feedback than almost any car in its class.
But don’t just take our words for it – hit play in the video above to see it being driven in anger for yourself, then let us know what you think in the comments below, or over on our YouTube channel.
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