No Really, THIS is the Fastest Lotus Exige Ever

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

Lotus has unveiled yet another model not heading to the U.S.

The latest introduction is the Lotus Exige Sport 380, what the British automaker is calling a “supercar killer.” It’s also being touted as the most aggressive iteration yet for the Exige model, as well as being the fastest Exige ever with a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Continuing its obsession with putting its cars on a diet, Lotus has the Exige Sport 380 tipping the scales at 2,350 pounds (1,066 kilograms) dry, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 352 horsepower per ton, with its 3.5-liter supercharged V6 providing 375 hp and 302 pound-feet of torque.

The sports car is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, but it’s not heading to North America, like many of the recent Lotus models that the company claims to be lighter and faster.

SEE ALSO: Lotus Continues 50-Year Celebration with Exige 350 Special Edition

There are plenty of aerodynamic upgrades as well, like a revised front access panel that modifies the air flow exiting the car’s horizontally mounted radiators. Helping reduce pressure under the vehicle is a carbon front spoiler and rubber lip spoiler combined with the carbon barge boards. Downforce sees a 60-percent increase over the Exige Sport 350 thanks to twin pairs of front canard wings, a carbon rear wing and air blades behind the rear wheels.

“We’ve saved something special for our last new car of 2016. We have built upon the foundations of the excellent Exige Sport 350 and developed a perfectly proportioned, intuitive and attainable supercar for real roads,” said Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales. “The cut in weight is nothing short of drastic and, combined with the hike in power and its enhanced agility, we’ve created something exceptional – far greater than the sum of its parts. The Exige Sport 380 is so good, that it is no longer the best in class, it’s now in a class of its own.”

Discuss this story on our Lotus Forum

Jason Siu
Jason Siu

Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.

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  • Smartacus Smartacus on Nov 24, 2016

    375HP from a 3.5 V6 is absolute craparama. you can get more power from an AUDI RS 2.5 or the upcoming 400HP version of the AMG 2.0 This partnership with Toyota is long in tooth.

    • See 1 previous
    • Smartacus Smartacus on Nov 26, 2016

      i agree; it's not like Bentley Continental GT is tearing it up with a VW Group W12 or a rebadged AUDI V8. And Aston Martin is; of course, not gonna get an AMG engine in the near future. I'm not sure your MINI qualifies as a British sports car, though...because it doesn't have a Toyota engine.

  • SteveG SteveG on Nov 25, 2016

    What I REALLY want to know is when will the next ragtop be coming to the USA?????

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