Lotus Drops the Track-Only Exige Race 380

Lotus Exige Race 380 (Credit: © Lotus )

The Lotus Exige lineup continues to grow as time goes on. And with it Jean-Marc Gales’ revival of the brand continues. Recently, the Exige gained a new Race 380 model.

This model takes all that makes the Exige Sport 380 awesome and cranks it to 11. This track-only rig boasts a curb weight of 999 kg (2,202 pounds), which makes it least 122 kg (269 pounds) lighter than its donor car. It also boasts enhanced aerodynamics, which bump the downforce to 240 kg (529 pounds) at 170 mph – 100 kg (220 pounds) more than the Sport 380. The updated aero includes new front and rear vents, a new front splitter, a new rear diffuser and a massive rear spoiler.

The exterior is also set off by the carbon-fiber louvered tailgate, air-intake pods on either side of the car and matte-black covers where the headlights are on the street-legal version.

Under its hood, the Race 380 carries the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 375 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. Pairing with this supercharged V-6 is an Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission. All this and its reduced curb weight add up to a 3.2-second 0-to-60 time (0.3 seconds quicker than the Sport 380).

Lotus Exige Race 380 (Credit: © Lotus )

Handling is also updated by way of wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires sized 215/45ZR17 up front and 265/35ZR18 in the rear, and two-way adjustable Ohlins dampers. Braking is the responsibility of the new AP Raging Forged four-piston calipers and grooved two-piece rotors.

Inside, buyers will find a full integrated roll cage, a lightweight FIA carbon-fiber driver seat, a six-point harness, polycarbonate side windows and a competition-spec fire extinguisher.

Of course, you cannot drive this wilds sports car on the street. Lotus designed it for racing in the Lotus Cup series and numerous clubman championships.

If you want to get your hands on one, you’d better open that wallet wide: it runs £99,500 ($122,909).