Skip to main content

Say hello to the new Lotus Exige Sport 410 — the middle child of the bunch

Following the dismissal of troubled CEO Danny Bahar after he nearly ran Lotus Cars into the ground using company funds for this own gain, the small-time British automaker has undergone a significant corporate restructuring. Since Bahar’s departure in 2012, which left the company in such a dire situation that it had to cease production for a short period, investors clamored to appoint Aslam Farikullah as Lotus’ chief operating officer. Shortly after, Jean-Marc Gales, formerly of PSA Peugeot Citroen, took the reigns as the chief executive officer.

Recommended Videos

Now that things are starting to get back in order, the company has begun making cars again. Its latest offering is the Lotus Exige Sport 410. It joins the already fast Exige Sport 350 and the track-focused Cup 430, which all vary in coloring theme, packaging, and power production.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

In the case of the latest Lotus Exige Sport 410, it produces 410 horsepower, slotting in between the Exige Sport 350 with 345 hp, and the Cup 430 with 430 hp. So think of the latest Sport 410 as a middling choice, for those who think the 350 is too little, and the 430 is just too much.

Available in either coupe or convertible form, the Sport 410 essentially uses the same chassis, suspension, and shocks as the Exige Cup 430. The three-way adjustable Nitron shocks, however, are retuned for a more comforting and flexible road bias, while the body benefits from revisions to improve aerodynamics to compensate for lower average speeds.

The Exige Sport 410 still comes with grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, while braking supplied by AP Racing benefits from some tweaks for improved performance. But these components shouldn’t inhibit the Exige Sport’s usability by much. And since Lotus sports cars aren’t just about straight-line performance either, its numbers reflect that. With a dry weight of just over 2,300 lbs., the Exige Sport 410 is light, meaning that it will eat corners for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Nonetheless, performance is big, as you’d expect with a car boasting a power-to-weight ratio of 389 horsepower per tonne (1.1 tons) and 150 kg. (330 lbs.) of downforce. Lotus claims a 0-60 time of just 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph (for the coupe).

Still mounted in the middle sits a Toyota-sourced supercharged and charge cooled 3.5-liter gasoline V6 with 410 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to various tweaks, the engine itself weighs less, allowing for the Exige Sport 410 to be the lightest V6 Exige ever. Channeling power to the rear wheels is a revised six-speed manual.

Although geared more towards performance, Lotus does equip the interior with some niceties, such as an Alcantara steering wheel and trimming throughout, carbon fiber seats, air conditioning, and a radio with Bluetooth connectivity.

Prices in the UK start at around £85,600 GBP, or about $116,000 USD.

Chris Chin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Since picking up his first MicroMachine, Chris Chin knew his passion for automobiles was embedded into his soul. Based in…
Find Ford gifts for everyone on your holiday list, no really
Ford Accessories used while camping for holiday gifts

When you're shopping for holiday gifts, auto and Ford accessories probably don't cross your mind, at least not initially. Unless, of course, you're planning some gift ideas for the car enthusiast you know. But actually, Ford has a lot of different gift options even for those who aren't big into cars and vehicles. I know, it's an odd proposal but hear me out. From electronics and exterior accessories to truck bed augments, interior gear, and even outdoor-friendly gear -- like for camping -- Ford has a ton of options. Just to provide some examples, first aid safety kits, truck bed camping tents, portable fridges, pet-friendly seat mats, even dashcams, keyless entry systems, and beyond.

You never know, you could find the perfect gift in Ford's accessories lineup.
Shop Now

Read more
Costco, Electrify America add EV-charging stations in three states
costco electrify america add 50 ev charging stations in three states ea chargers 1280

Costco, which had abandoned offering EV charging 12 years ago, is getting serious about resuming the service.

Over a month ago, the big-box retailer once again put its brand name on a DC fast-charging station in Ridgefield, Washington, that was made by Electric Era .

Read more
Mini’s infotainment system is very charming, but still needs work
Main screen of the Mini infotainment system

When you think Mini, you probably don’t think of infotainment. Personally, I think of the British flag taillights, the distinct exterior, and the surprising room on the inside. But after driving the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman over the past week, infotainment might well be something I think of more often when it comes to Mini. It’s charming.

It also, however, suffers from all the traps that other legacy automakers fall into when it comes to software design. Mini has something on its hands here — but it still needs some work.
Bringing the charm
The first thing that stood out to me about the system when I got in the car was how fun it was. That all starts with the display. It’s round! No, it’s not curved — the screen is a big, round display sits in at 9.4 inches, and I found it plenty large enough for day-to-day use.

Read more