With the winter nights drawing in it seems appropriate that Lotus should announce the introduction of all-black Exige Scura. Along with unique paint and a modest drop in weight the Exige gets adjustable launch and traction control. Only 35 examples of this model will be sold worldwide.
Living up to its name - Scura means dark in Italian - the Exige is finished in soft-feel matt black paint with 'Phantom Black' stripes running over the bonnet, roof and engine cover. Carbon fibre is used for the front splitter, side air scoops and rear spoiler - continuing the all-black theme. The interior is just as dark, with extensive use of carbon fibre both for visual effect and low weight. The seats and centre console are made from the composite, finished with clear lacquer to allow the weave of the material to show through, while the metal knob of the gear lever and handbrake grip is anodised with an anthracite finish.
The weight saving means the 925kg Exige Scura is 10kg lighter than the
regular Exige S. Powered by the regular 257bhp supercharged engine Lotus claims 0-62mph takes 4.1 seconds with a top speed in the region of 152mph. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 32.3mpg with CO
2 emissions of 199g/km.
Lotus, as ever, is about more than performance figures; the chassis benefits from two-way adjustable dampers, Eibach springs and lightweight forged alloy wheels - finished in matt black, of course. Also fitted to the Scura are adjustable traction control and a launch control system. The idea is to offer a chassis that can be adjusted to suit a driver's style or the track being driven.
Just 35 cars are offered for sale worldwide at a price of £45,950. Lotus started taking orders on 21st October - the same day the
Tokyo Motor Show opened.
John Lambert - 21 Oct 2009