Lotus Exige S3 V6 Cup
The Lotus Exige V6 Cup was the ultimate expression of Colin Chapman's 'add lightness' philosophy taken to its logical extreme. Based on the Elise platform but with a fixed roof, aggressive aero package, and Toyota's 2GR-FE V6 supercharged to 410 bhp, the Exige V6 was a car that could embarrass supercars costing three times as much on a circuit. At just 1,110 kg, the power-to-weight ratio of 369 bhp per tonne was in hypercar territory. The Cup specification added a carbon-fiber rear wing generating significant downforce, adjustable Ohlins dampers, forged alloy wheels, and track-oriented geometry. On a circuit, few road-legal cars could match it. The Toyota V6 engine proved brilliantly suited to the application — torquey, responsive, and reliable, it transformed the Exige from a buzzy four-cylinder track toy into a proper GT3-spec racing rival. The 6-speed manual gearbox (a proper manual, no paddle-shift option) added to the analogue driving experience. The Exige V6 represented the end of an era for Lotus — the final evolution of the Elise-based sports car before the company moved to the Emira platform. Many consider it the finest driver's car Lotus ever made.
Toyota V6 is bulletproof reliable. Supercharger needs service at intervals. Check for track use — accident damage to aluminum chassis is terminal. AP Racing brakes excellent but pads expensive. Air conditioning barely works (not a GT car). Very low mileage cars may have more value.
Series 3 V6 from 2012. Various specifications: S (345 hp), Sport 350, Sport 380, Cup 430 (430 hp). Final Edition 2021. Last of the Elise-platform Lotus sports cars.