Lotus increases performance, efficiency of 2010 Exige S

Lotus has unleashed a slightly revised Exige S for the 2010 model year at the Geneva Motor Show, and thankfully, it seems the U.K.-based automaker has for the most part chosen not to mess with a good thing. The bulk of the changes are minor updates to the car's outer skin, including a new front fascia with larger openings for the radiator and twin side-mounted oil coolers. Out back, a new composite rear wing reduces drag while still putting down 42 kilograms (93 pounds) of downforce at 160 km/h (about 100 mph). We think the facelift makes the Exige look a bit more masculine and aggressive.

Improvements made to reduce weight and aerodynamics also have the desirable effect of increasing overall efficiency. Fuel economy remains stellar for a vehicle of this caliber at 33 mpg on the European Combined Cycle. As Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus plc, asks, "How many cars have performance figures of 0 - 100 km/h in 4.77 secs but produce only 199 g/km CO2?" Answer: None that we know of.

A Touring Pack is still available and includes such accoutrements as leather hides for the seats, console and handbrake lever along with an iPod adapter, carpets, sound deadening material and a cup holder. For more hardcore drivers, Lotus also offers a Sport Pack with Bilstein sports dampers, traction control, an adjustable front anti-roll bar and a cockpit roll bar complete with integrated harness mounts to keep you nice and secure. A Performance Pack increases power to 240 horses and adds such goodies as upsized brakes, variable slip traction control, a higher-spec clutch and launch control.