Lotus launches automatic Exige S

From January 2015 LotusLotusUnited Kingdom, 1952 > present68 models
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will start offering the Exige S with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The introduction of this automatic version with paddle-shifters increases the Lotus product range, with the coupéLotus Exige SUnited Kingdom, 2012 > present4 photos
and roadsterLotus Exige S RoadsterUnited Kingdom, 2012 > present5 photos
variants of the Exige S and increases the price of both versions .

The gearbox provided by ToyotaToyotaJapan, 1937 > present155 models
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is the same used in IPSLotus Evora IPSUnited Kingdom, 2011 > present3 photos
versions of the Evora, but in this case was reconfigured to suit the best needs of the Exige S. The Sport and Race modes enable this gearbox to adjust the selections and responses when necessary and paddle shifters allow immediate manual override.

According to the Lotus boss, Jean-Marc Gales, the introduction of this option aims to gain more customers around the world and allow drivers used to double clutch or automatic gearboxes enjoy the Exige S without compromise.

The Lotus also revealed that the automatic versions of the Exige S are in the final testing phase. These versions maintain the same 350hp 3.5 V6 supercharged engine, however no official performance figures have been revealed.

However in tests at the Hethel test track the vehicle has proved identical to the manual versions. According to Lotus Exige S automatic with the Lotus has achieved a sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds, 0.1 seconds less than the manual version.