Lotus introduces the Exige S Automatic

Installing an automatic gearbox in a Lotus Exige S might seem counterintuitive. However, doing so does yield certain benefits.

The transmission in question is a six-speed unit that can also be controlled via paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. Up-shifts take 240 milliseconds, while the car’s Sport mode blips the throttle when down-shifting.

Lotus Exige S Automatic (2015) Front Side

It’s mated to the usual 345 bhp (258 kW / 350 PS) supercharged 3.5 litre V6 engine and the result is a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.9 seconds. That’s actually 0.1 seconds quicker than a manual Exige S.

Top speed suffers slightly though, as the coupé’s figure of 162 mph (261 km/h) is down by 8 mph (13 km/h). The Roadster version remains restricted to 145 mph (233 km/h) regardless of which gearbox is chosen.

Lotus Exige S Automatic (2015) Interior

The Exige S Automatic regains the advantage when it comes to efficiency. 29.4mpg (9.6 l/100 km) and CO2 emissions of 222 g/km on the combined cycle compare favourably to the stick-shifter’s 28.0 mpg (10.1 l/100km) and 236 g/km.

Buyers opting for the automatic transmission will have to pay an extra £1,667 in the UK, or €2,185 across the Eurozone.

Related posts:
Lotus Exige LF1 limited edition launched
Exige S Roadster specs and prices
Lotus Exige S returns

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