Lotus Exige S gets automatic transmission option

Sun, 26 Oct 2014

A vehicle as light and agile as the Lotus Exige is all about driver involvement, but those enticed by the nimble sports car's handling and performance who aren't keen on working a stick shift now have another option at their disposal.

Lotus has just announced the availability of an automatic transmission on both the Exige S and Exige S Roadster. For an extra couple thousand euros or pounds sterling, customers will now be able to order a six-speed automatic transmission. The two-pedal setup includes paddle shifters and Sport or Race modes that optimize shifting for "a more spirited drive."

Equipped with the slushbox, the Exige S Automatic is just as quick around Lotus' famous factory test track in Hethel, and even pips the manual version's 0-62 time by 0.1 second, now down to 3.9. Unfortunately, since the Exige isn't available Stateside anymore, however, American buyers can't get their hands on either version.

23 October 2014
Lotus Expands Exige Product Range with Introduction of Exige S Automatic

Offering the involvement of a manual paddle-shift with all the convenience of an automatic, the Exige S Automatic comes with a 6-speed transmission that has been specifically tailored to the sporty characteristics of the Exige.

Integrating smooth and intuitive gear shifts with engine response and exhaust note, the Exige S Automatic provides its driver with all round engagement and excitement and reflects the Lotus DNA of pure driving experience.

For drivers who enjoy a more spirited drive, the gear-shift characteristics have been calibrated to reflect the dynamic system changes that are activated when the driver selects either 'Sport' or 'Race' mode. Optimised gear selection and response deliver quicker all-round performance when a sportier experience is desired.

Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer, Group Lotus plc said, "By introducing a paddle-shift, we have expanded the Exige product range to make it more accessible to customers worldwide. Now, customers who are more accustomed to two pedals and automatic transmissions can enjoy the unbelievable performance and handling of the Exige S without compromise."

The new Exige S Automatic is currently completing its final stages of testing and is anticipated to exceed the manual variant in performance when it goes on sale in January 2015. In fact, the Exige S with automatic transmission as fast as its manual counterpart around the Hethel testtrack and achieves the 0 - 100 km/h sprint achieving, 0.1 seconds quicker than the Exige S manual in 3.9 seconds.

Automatic transmission will be available as a cost option to the Exige S and Exige S Roadster models in all markets where the Exige is currently on sale. Prices for UK customers will be £2,000 including VAT and €2,185 in Europe excluding local taxes.

By Noah Joseph