Blown Exige: Fastest Ever Production Lotus If you were unlucky enough to miss out on the limited production of the Lotus Exige 240R earlier this year then fear not, because this week Lotus unveils the Exige S, the fastest production car ever seen to come out of the Norfolk factory. Like the 240R and Cup variants it uses a supercharged version of the Toyota 1.8-litre VVTL-i engine to create a power-to-weight ratio of over 230bhp per tonne and a 0-60mph time of 4.1 seconds.

Lotus is quick to point out that this isn't just another "track day warrior"; compliant springs and dampers provide a "taut but comfortable" ride that is as at home on the track as it is on the back roads. And with 80% of the engine's 158lb.ft of torque available from 2000rpm, it should prove forgiving when driven hard. The handling at higher speeds also benefits from some extensive work done by the boys at Hethel. The flat underside, made possible by the aluminium bonded tub design, combines well with the diffuser to give extensive rear downforce. Front downforce is taken care of with a splitter and the result is a well-balanced aero package that should ensure the driver sticks to the black stuff.

A number of option packages are offered that add some home comforts for longer journeys but, if you would rather spend that spare change on performance enhancing extras then you've come to the right place. The Sports Pack is the one to go for. It offers ultra lightweight forged wheels instead of the standard cast ones to reduce un-sprung mass and Eibach springs and Bilstein one-way adjustable dampers ensure that all 218 horses get to strut their stuff in the right place. A traction control system and LSD are also added to put the finishing touches on the package.

If 189bhp just isn't meaty enough for you and you liked the look of the Exige Cup or 240R, then the supercharged Exige S version may well do the trick. You will have to wait until next month though, and find a spare £33,995. The new Lotus Exige S will debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Paul Wilkinson - 24 Feb 2006