Lotus 2007 Exige S Named by Robb Report Magazine as 'CAR of the YEAR' Finalist

ATLANTA--LOTUS CARS USA, INC. announced today that the LOTUS EXIGE S was named one of twelve finalists for Robb Report Magazine’s prestigious CAR OF THE YEAR award.

The current February 2007 issue of Robb Report, which features all twelve world-class contenders, named the new 2007 Lotus Exige S as a car that “restores purity to motoring, and adds a dash of cayenne to it.” The $57,000 (MSRP) Exige S shared company with the $311,000 (est. MSRP) Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, the $92,500 (MSRP) Jaguar XKR Convertible, and the $1,340,000 (MSRP) Bugatti Veyron 16.4 supercar, among other award standouts.

“Each year we select only a handful of significant new cars to compete in the Robb Report Car of the Year, so all of the contestants are assured to be in good company,” said Gregory Anderson, Robb Report Senior Automotive Editor. “This year, the Lotus Exige S proved that while it may not be the ideal car for everybody, drivers who want to maximize their motoring pleasure involved in getting from point A to point B need look no further.”

About the 2007 Lotus Exige S

Weighing just 2,077 pounds, the Exige S sprints to 60 mph in a blistering 4.1 seconds, nearly a full second faster than the already quick standard Exige and the 100 mph barrier sails by in just 11 seconds. Despite its supercar-like acceleration and 148 mph top speed, fuel economy is a rather un-supercar-like 25 mpg combined (est.) thanks in part to the close-ratio six-speed aluminum gearbox and Lotus T4e Engine Control System which includes variable-rpm cam switching for the first time.

The addition of an intercooled supercharger to the 1.8 liter engine has raised the horsepower 15 percent, to 220 hp from 190, and torque 19 percent, to 158 lb. ft. from 133, from the standard Exige. Perhaps more importantly with 80 percent of the peak torque available from just over 2,000 rpm the engine has impressive flexibility making the car more relaxed yet instantly responsive with astonishing performance at virtually any rpm.

The 2007 Lotus Exige S has a base MSRP of $59,890.

About Lotus Cars USA:

Lotus Cars USA, Inc. is a subsidiary of Group Lotus plc, (www.grouplotus.com) and the distributor of Lotus vehicles in both the United States and Canada. With 50 dealers in the USA and 3 dealers in Canada, Lotus offers two high-performance models: the world-renowned Elise and more aggressive Exige S.

Considered the world’s best-known British performance brand, Lotus has long been a perennial racing champion, automotive innovator, and even the choice vehicle for James Bond.

The Lotus Engineering Company pioneered numerous automotive systems and components, and has been behind the design and construction of some of the most successful cars in history. As the world's premier automotive consultancy, Lotus operates engineering centers in Asia, North America and Europe.

Lotus is one of only two OEMs that designs, develops, manufactures and markets its own products, as well as offering this full range of expert services to third parties. This gives Lotus a highly respected premium position in today's automotive industry. For more information, please visit www.lotuscars.com.