Lotus has announced the launch of a new limited edition high performance Exige, the 240R, aimed at the hardcore enthusiast, club racer and hill climber. Unusually, the 240 in the name is a rounding down of the Lotus Sport special's power output of 243bhp. This figure is up from the 187bhp of the standard Exige and is courtesy of an Eaton type supercharger and intercooler fitted to the standard 1.8-litre four-cylinder Toyota VVT unit. As important as the higher power output is the significant gains in torque throughout the speed range, now up to a peak of 170lb.ft (from 133lb.ft), but most noticeable low down where the VVT engine is effectively off-cam.

These improved figures will obviously transform the Exige's performance. Never a slouch in standard form the 240R should be startlingly quick with a sub four second 0-60mph time and zero to100mph in less than 10 seconds. A 155mph maximum completes the impressive line up of performance statistics being bandied about at the car's Geneva launch.

Lotus Sport has made sure that this is much more than a simple engine upgrade though. The addition of adjustable suspension, upgraded brakes, racing harnesses, upgraded oil coolers and special alloys further add to the 240R's competitive credentials. The fact that those special alloys (available in two colours exclusive to the 240R) are slightly wider than the standard Exige's (to allow fitment of full slicks) leaves you under no illusions as to the intended use of the Lotus Sport tweaked car.

Along with the bespoke interior changes, including special leather trim with a numbered plaque, the cars will be differentiated from the lesser Exige by two exclusive paint colours: Lotus Sport Yellow or Black. Only 50 of the cars will be available for a recommended retail price of £44,000 with 40 to be sold within the EU and the majority of the remainder destined for Lotus-mad Japanese enthusiasts. Surely this engine is destined for production? Demand will far exceed supply.

Dave Jenkins - 11 Mar 2005