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Thread: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  1. #1

    Default The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry



    The purpose of this registry is intended to serve as an ongoing evolving informational resource for Exige 260’s. For the most part, this applies to MY2009 US Spec SPORT 260’s – but is open to and welcomes any data or documents pertaining to Exige Sport and Cup 260’s in any other countries. The accompanying documentation is an attempt to record the details of these cars when new to help preserving the history, maintaining the integrity and ensure the value and collectibility of these extraordinarily rare cars.

    To ensure continuity of information, I ask all Exige 260 owners and contributors of information to email or PM me to add to edit/update any information in this initial posting in this thread. It will be helpful to update ownership as any of these cars change hands.


    Timeline
    November 2008 – Exige 260 previewed at LA Auto Show
    November 18, 2008 – Initial order information supplied to US dealers.
    November 24, 2008 - 1st order entered and accepted from dealers (actual first order submitted by St. Louis Motorsports)
    March 2009 - restyled 2010 Exige previewed
    April 2009 - 1st US Spec cars arrive – approx 2 to 3 cars are distributed per month thereafter to dealerships
    May 2009 - dealers orders closed – restyled 2010 Exige production begins
    June 2009 - UK delivery of 1st 2010 Exige
    July 2009 - last US Spec 260’s produced.
    August 2009 - 2010 Exige CUP 260 previewed at Geneva Auto Show - no US plans
    October 2009 - last US Spec cars delivered – however LCUSA still has some in their possession for press and events
    December 2009 - US spec 2010 Exige S 260 announced; initial order information supplied to US dealers; orders open (March delivery targeted)

    Production US Spec Exige Sport 260 color totals

    Ardent Red (base) 2
    British Racing Green (base) 0
    Arctic Silver (metallic) 0
    Canyon Red (metallic) 1*
    Persian Blue (metallic) 0
    Liquid Blue (metallic) 1
    Starlight Black (metallic) 0
    Solar Yellow (metallic) 2
    Storm Titanium (metallic) 3
    Aspen White (lifestyle) 2
    Chrome Orange (lifestyle) 4
    Graphite Gray (lifestyle) 2
    Isotope Green (lifestyle) 0
    Laser Blue (lifestyle) 0
    Phantom Black (lifestyle) 2
    Candy Red (limited) 0
    Ice White (limited) 1*
    Burnt Orange (limited) 1*
    Kawasaki Green (custom) 1

    *The original Ice White show car, a Canyon Red and Burnt Orange are currently in the possession of LCUSA
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 01-03-2010 at 10:45 PM.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  2. #2

    Post US 260 part 1

    US cars part 1
    Note – the VIN does not indicate manufacturing sequence. This is especially true with the Exige Sport 260 given the numerous production complications. For example, if a car was ordered by someone and all parts were available to produce that car, it would like get priority over another dealer ordered car for stock that may not have had all parts available – therefore the VIN sequence is a better indicator of the general build order submitted than actual production build order.
    1.
    SCCAC11119HL80519 – Chrome Orange delivered to St. Louis Motorsports – owner Vishus_1 – St. Louis MO
    2.
    SCCAC11119HL80435– Kawasaki Green (custom)– owner Jerry Seinfeld – New York, NY – no decal graphics, labels or exposed carbon fiber flanking Mohawk.
    3.
    SCCAC111X9HL80535-Ardent Red (base) delivered to Lotus of Greenville - this car was owned for approx a month, tracked and traded back in to Lotus of Greenville – 2nd owner (current) Gordon King aka GCK - Johns Island, SC.
    4.
    SCCAC11199HL80414–Chrome Orange delivered to Park Place – currently for available for sale
    5.
    SCCAC11119HL80570- Phantom Black delivered to Park Place – currently for sale
    for sale
    6.
    SCCAC11179HL80413–Solar Yellow delivered to Lotus of Greenville - currently for sale
    7.
    SCCAC11129HL80545– Storm Titanium delivered to St. Louis Motorsports – owner unknown - in Miami Florida
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 12-16-2009 at 09:39 PM.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  3. #3

    Post US 260 part 2

    US cars part 2
    8.
    SCCAC11159HL80555– Chrome Orange delivered to Criswell – owner unknown
    9.
    SCCAC11149HL80692 – Graphite Gray delivered to Lotus of Denver – owner Jack Harbison II aka Opeche - Gilette, WY
    10.
    SCCAC11199HL80738 – Graphite Gray delivered to Fox Valley Motorcars – preowned - this car was owned for approx 4 months and traded in to Ferrari of Denver and resold – current owner unknown http://britishspeed.com/forum/showpo...3&postcount=38
    11.
    SCCAC11179HL80816-Liquid Blue delivered to Rothrock – owner unknown]
    12.
    SCCAC11149HL80837– Chrome Orange delivered to Bimmerstore/Lotus of Atlanta – owner unknown.
    13.
    SCCAC11169HL80743– Aspen White delivered to Scottsdale Lotus/sold by Fox Valley Motorcars owner David Novoselsky aka dnovo Pleasant Prairie, WI – this car does not have the graphics above splitter or mustache on the rear.
    14.
    SCCAC11159HL80765– Aspen White delivered to Aston Martin of Orlando- currently for sale
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 12-28-2009 at 10:53 AM. Reason: updated car #10
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  4. #4

    Default US 260 part 3

    US cars part 3
    15.
    SCCAC11189HL80775– Phantom Black delivered to North Olmsted Lotus of Cleveland sold by Lake Forest Sports Cars – owner Tracy Timberlake aka RacyTracy - Palatine, IL
    16.
    SCCAC11149HL80787– Storm Titanium delivered to Premier Subaru – currently for sale
    17.
    SCCAC11129HL80786– Ardent Red (base) delivered to Lotus Motorcars of Long Island – owner Steven Berger aka bmwtmx - Delray Beach, Florida
    18.
    SCCAC11159HL80832– Storm Titanium delivered to Galpin Premier Collection – currently for sale
    19.
    SCCAC11189HL80808– Solar Yellow delivered to Lake Forest Sportscars – currently for sale
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 11-27-2009 at 04:10 PM. Reason: update car #15 and #17
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  5. #5

    Post US 260 part 4

    The press cars...
    20.
    SCCAC11109HL80415– Canyon Red campaigned by LCUSA – press car*
    21.
    SCCAC11109HL80608– Burnt Orange campaigned by LCUSA – press car*
    22.
    SCCAC11119HL80150– Ice White campaigned by LCUSA – press car* is the same 260 demonstrated at the 2008 LA Auto Show car but has since had all the original decals it was equipped with removed (including the pre-production decals flanking the mohawk, striping above splitter, door graphics and rear mustache). A later version (post May 09 delivery) "SPORT" 260 decal has been added to the passenger rear.

    *I have left the press cars in this listing as I suspect they will be made available to the public. The Ice White press car is a bit more questionable whether or not it will be sold to the public since it still has prototype components (seats, dash, etc that may not be legal)from the demonstration at the 2008 LA Auto Show. There is a rumor this car has been sold to Argentinian/Barcelonian soccor player Lionel Messi but that has not been confirmed. This list will be updated if this information changes or as more details becomes available.
    ***UPDATE***This car was not sold to Lionel Messi. The car is now for sale by Newport European. Lotus has removed the prototype seats from the car and replaced with actual production 260 seats. This is the only US 260 that does not have front speakers.
    Here is a video of the car
    [m]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8hHvipAL_s[/m]
    ___
    ___
    ___
    As you can see - the press cars are given quite a work out for the articles and publicity. Lotus took the cars on tour to dealerships throughout the country as well including the shot at Newport European above. Car # 20 spent some time at Auto Europe also and car #21 spent some time in New York and other car shows. See bibliography below... (http://britishspeed.com/forum/showpo...3&postcount=41)
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 05-08-2010 at 08:46 PM.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  6. #6

    Post About Exige 260’s part 1


    Details
    The 2009 Exige 260 is the most pure, focused and powerful street-legal series-2 production Exige to date.

    In the US, the Exige Sport 260 was sold as a street-legal homologlated continuation of the former track-only CUP version (available from 2006 to 2008). In other markets around the world the 260 was not only sold as a Sport 260 but also offered a track prepped CUP version. The CUP version included fuel/electrical cut-offs, optional extinguishing system, A-shaped harness bar and did not have air bags. In Europe, the Exige CUP 260 is eligible to compete in the Lotus Cup Europe race series, organized and run by LoTRDC.


    Originally 50 units were intended to be allocated to the US and 40 throughout the rest of the world – however, these totals were severely reduced as a result of production complications and global economic conditions. Presently (Nov 2009), there are only 21 (not including the pre-production LA show car) total known to have been delivered to the US. It is unknown specifically how many of the remaining 40 for other markets were actually produced but it is suspected to also be considerably less. From mid 2008 through 2009, most auto manufacturers were suffering from reduced sales. Lotus may have overestimated the demand of the 260 (at its price point) and time required in the build process for many labor intensive hand-managed components. In addition, to complicate the laborious 260 production, the assembly line in Hethel was also ramping up for the upcoming Evora and supplying components for the Tesla roadster.
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 11-27-2009 at 04:07 PM.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  7. #7

    Post About Exige 260’s part 2

    In the US, the 2009 Exige Sport 260 retailed for $74,995 and only offered Starshield and colors as options (Ardent Red and British Racing Green were standard color choices). This is the most expensive Exige offered in the US however the sum of it’s unique components, priced individually, far exceed the difference from a comparably equipped S 240. (see carbon fiber brochure below http://britishspeed.com/forum/showpo...3&postcount=22)

    Options:

    Starshield - $995 USD |

    Metallic Paint - $590 USD |
    Arctic Silver, Canyon Red, Persian Blue, Liquid Blue, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow and Storm Titanium.

    Lifestyle Paint - $1,200 USD |
    Aspen White, Chrome Orange, Graphite Gray, Isotope Green, Laser Blue and Phantom Black.

    Limited Paint - $3,300 USD |
    Candy Red (magenta), Ice White and Burnt Orange.
    Moonstone Silver and Prism Green were originally shown as available at initial ordering in late 2008 but no 260’s were manufactured in these colors before the paint was discontinued by the manufacturer.

    It is important to note that even though the colors above were listed as the only colors available to order, Lotus did permit some flexibility for an additional charge. One of the first US Spec 260’s (#2 actually) was specially painted in Kawasaki Green (see http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2009/02/first-us-spec-lotus-exige-s-260-gets-custom-kawasaki-green-paint.html).
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 12-29-2009 at 10:13 PM.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  8. #8

    Post About Exige 260’s part 3

    Dealers prepped the Accusump and installed Lotus badge on front clam during PDI
    CHASSIS
    • Lotus Designed Lightweight Structure of Epoxy Bonded
    Aluminum Extrusions
    • Integral Steel Seatbelt Support Structure and Lightweight
    Steel Rear Sub-Frame

    EXTERIOR
    • Aerodynamic bodywork for increased downforce includes the following CARBON FIBER pieces: front splitter, hardtop with full length intercooler air scoop, rear tailgate, rear wing, side scoops (2), front access panels (2)
    • Black mesh front brake ducts, radiator outlet and engine bay outlets
    • Lotus-designed lightweight epoxy-bonded, extruded aluminum chassis
    • Integral steel seat-belt support structure and lightweight steel rear sub-frame
    • Hand-lay composite fiberglass body
    • High intensity projection beam headlamps
    • LED taillights with integral reflectors and daytime running lights
    • Aluminum alloy fuel filler door
    • Standard paint - Ardent Red or British Racing Green

    SUSPENSION and BRAKING
    • Fully independent suspension with unequal length wishbones
    • Adjustable front anti-sway bar
    • Adjustable Bilstein dampers with threaded spring perches and remote front reservoirs
    • Damper compression and rebound are adjusted simultaneously with single knob
    • Power assisted 4-wheel ventilated/cross-drilled disc brakes with 308 mm. front discs
    • Lotus/AP Racing & Brembo calipers with anti-lock braking system (ABS). Uprated to four piston front calipers and uprated pads front and rear.
    • Lightweight 12 spoke Forged ‘Ultra Light’ Alloy Wheels in Gun Metal Grey finish (NEW) – 7JX16 Front, 8JX17 Rear
    • Yokohama Advan A048 LTS tires – 195/50-16 Front, 225/45-17 Rear

    INTERIOR
    • CARBON FIBER Dash Panel top and Sill Covers
    • Trimmed rear bulkhead
    • Alcantara FIA approved, HANS compatible sport seats with Probax anatomical padding in carbon fiber shell
    • Alcantara trimmed AC surround, door panels and shifter
    • Sensosoft “soft touch” dashboard paint finish
    • Power windows and door locks
    • Alpine stereo with in-dash CD player with I-pod connection
    • Leather-trimmed Momo steering wheel
    • Aluminum handbrake and gear knob
    • Intermittent windshield wiper and interior trunk release
    • Air conditioning, starter button, tinted glass and carpet foot mats
    • DELETED: rear window and interior rear view mirror

    ENGINE
    • 257 horsepower supercharged and intercooled 1.8 Liter, mid-mounted 4-cylinder engine
    • Multi-point fuel injection system with electronic ignition and throttle control
    • Synchromesh 6-speed transaxle with lockout reverse gear
    • Variable slip traction control
    • Torsen (Torque-sensing) limited slip differential
    • Launch Control
    • Uprated clutch plate and cover to handle the increased power and torque
    • Lightweight Intercooler U-Bends
    • Twin oil coolers
    • Accusump
    • Lightweight Motorsport Battery

    TRANSMISSION
    • 6-Speed Close Ratio with Uprated Clutch Plate and Cover
    • Lightweight Motorsport Flywheel

    PERFORMANCE

    • 0-60 mph 3.8 sec

    • 0-100 mph 9.8 sec

    • Top Speed 150 mph

    • Fuel Consumption 20 City / 26 Highway

    • Curb Weight 1962 to 2020lbs (US Spec depending on production inconsistencies) – fully loaded track prepped CUP 260’s have been documented to weigh approx 2020 - 2077 lbs (depending on gas and optional equip, extinguish systems, etc).

    At 2076lb / 260 = 7.98 lb/HP

    WARRANTIES
    • 3-YEAR/36,000 Mile Limited Warranty
    • 8-Year Chassis Corrosion Warranty
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 11-27-2009 at 04:05 PM.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  9. #9

    Post About Exige 260’s part 4

    From show car to production
    First introduced at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the 2008 model year Lotus Sport Exige 260 that was first unveiled was a direct descendant of the 2007 CUP. That version was not intended for US production.

    Although plans for the fully homologlated US version of an Exige 260 were approved well before it’s fist public display, many details had yet to be finalized. In November 2008, an Ice White Exige 260 show car was previewed to the American public at the LA Auto Show. The show car did not display fully finalized production specifications but contained many elements that were ultimately integrated into the production version.


    In addition to the increased horse power, the 2008 LA Auto Show Exige 260 (sans the SPORT name at that time) previewed many of the weight saving efforts Lotus would actually package into the 260 including substituted carbon fiber exterior and interior component.

    The styling treatment and graphics were directionally accurate with a few exceptions.
    The show car utilized decals surrounding the ‘mohawk’ and extending to the front access panels.

    This was changed on the actual production car to exposed carbon fiber – masked off along with the ‘mohawk’ and allowing the carbon fiber to be visible through clear coat. The 260 badging was not present on the show car nor any Exige labeling on the rear.


    On the interior, there were no speakers in dash panel, I-pod connector, or passenger foot rest. Interestingly, the show car did contain full Touring package carpeting (extending up the sill), embroidered Exige floor mats, leather teardrops with extra diagonal stitching inset into an Alcantara door panel (production is all Alcantara).

    production door panel (teardrops are Alcantara w/o design)

    The unique seats displayed in the show car evolved a bit but remained generally the same.

    Some differences: the show car had holes in the inner side to access the seat belt latch whereas the finalized seat was completely cut out.

    The openings to the harness bar and sub belt were differently shaped. The show cars seats appear to have one piece padding compared again to the final version actually having 3 sections of Probax padding with the separate back and headrest being velcroed in.

    production seats (note the larger openings to the harness bar, removable headrest and cut out to seat belt latch)
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 11-27-2009 at 10:11 PM.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  10. #10

    Post About Exige 260’s part 5

    Exterior
    The Exige 260 substitutes carbon fiber in place of many fiberglass panels primarily for weight savings. The splitter, access panels, roof, hatch, wing and side scoops are all carbon fiber. Graphics were presented by exposing the carbon fiber through the paint on all the ‘mohawk’ that extends from the rear hatch, through the roof and into the front access panels.

    The splitter, wing and side scoops were left exposed without paint – simply clear coated over.


    It is important to note that the continuation of the ‘mohawk’ from the rear hatch to the roof required a carbon fiber panel to be grafted in the rear clam. This is difficult to detect where the fiberglass ends and carbon fiber begins but it can often be seen by getting the right reflection in that area of the hoop.

    Looking at the hatch from underneath shows raw matte combined with other finished carbon fiber elements.

    The hatch is not lifted with an integral strut as found on other Exige versions; rather a small prop rod is affixed to hold up the hatch.

    Looking at the underside of the roof from the interior shows smooth carbon fiber.
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 11-27-2009 at 04:00 PM.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  11. #11

    Post About Exige 260’s part 6

    Exige 260s could only go so far on the assembly line without requiring additional special attention. It should be noted that additional time required to manufacture a carbon fiber part was compounded by the time required to prep, mask the carbon fiber panels (exposing parts), clear-coating and applying decals.

    Decals were applied at the factory above the front splitter, on the doors and on the rear just below the taillights (the infamous handle bar mustache). 260 Logos flank each side of the front oil cooler vents and one 260 logo is on the rear right-hand side. Smaller 260 logos were also applied to the side wing ‘winglettes’.

    Although not shown as an option, customers could opt to leave off graphics at no charge. The decals could be easily removed after delivery if not covered by Star Shield.

    Exige 260’s did not have the front mud flaps attached to all other Exige’s.

    The Exige 260 also included special 12-spoke ‘ultra light’ rims supplied by Team Dynamics (http://www.teamdynamicsracing.com). These rims were finished in a gun metal gray finish. The front rims are 7Jx16 (11.8 lbs) and the rear are 8Jx17 (16.5 lbs) mounted with Yokohama Advan A048 LTS tires – 195/50-16 Front, 225/45-17 Rear. Lug bolts were painted black.

    The supply of the 12-spoke ‘ultra light’ rims actually ran out at one point in production and there is record of some late production European CUP 260’s being delivered with the former, heavier 5-spoke Lotus Sport rims.

    US Exige 260’s received the usual hardware to comply with federal regulations such as front and rear side markers, bumperettes incorporated into the rear sheer panel with a license plate sized for US plates. US Spec 260’s had an aluminum fuel filler door compared to European 260’s that had a locking door.

    European CUP external electrical and fuel cut offs
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 11-27-2009 at 03:59 PM.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  12. #12

    Post About Exige 260’s part 7

    Interior

    The Exige 260’s interior continues the application of carbon fiber for weight savings. The dash panel, side dash covers (where the vent openings are) and sills are all carbon fiber.

    The door panels have a unique motif and design trimmed in Alcantara.

    The dash gauge binnacle, AC surround, shifter cover are also trimmed in Alcantara.


    The rear window and rear-view mirror was removed and replaced with solid trimmed panel. Power windows, power locks, floor mats and passenger foot rest are included. A few US Spec 260’s have been delivered with some of the touring package installed (such as sound deadening, extra carpeting on the sills, cup holder and rear view mirror) however most do not. Contrary to CUP 260’s, all US spec Sport 260’s do have sun visors and an in-dash Alpine CD players with all 4 speakers and I-pod connection.


    The Exige 260 premiered the addition of a new FIA and HANS compliant carbon fiber lightweight sport seat built in house by Lotus. Note: the seats are FIA compliant when fitted in conjunction with fixed seat runners that are available as a track only dealer fit option.

    The carbon fiber seats almost immediately proved to be a significant production issue and began to create some assembly set backs. There was no supply available at the beginning of production and each seat required extensive time and labor to produce.

    Initial versions were exclusively hand made by one assembly worker (rumored to even be done at his home) and then, after the shell was made, required the anatomical Probax padding to be added from the trim shop.

    The trim shop embroidered 260 Exige in the seat back for US Spec cars. Other variations in other markets included an embroidered 260 with a stripe below or 260 CUP Exige.

    The Probax padding is attached with Velcro including a removable headrest with HANS embroidery. The removable headrest padding enables better clearance for HANS device or helmet.

    CUP 260’s high tensile steel roll over hoop is fitted with a body colored Lotus Sport A-Frame as standard.

    All Exige 260’s chassis are already pre-drilled to fit a full front roll cage however the process involves removing the roof for access prior to fitting. CUP 260’s have additional safety equipment such as FIA compliant electronic ignition kill switch, with cockpit and external activation, and a FIA compliant plumbed electrically activated fire extinguisher system, again with cockpit and external switches..

    All US Spec 260’s and street legal 260’s carried driver and passenger air bags. The drivers air bag is contained in the center of the Momo steering wheel. The passenger air bag is fitted behind a sensosoft cover. Since the CUP 260’s do not have air bags, an embroidered CUP 260 Alcantara panel is applied over where the passenger side air bag normally resides. Track CUP 260’s initially were equipped with the same Momo steering wheel as other Exige’s with air bags – however, later production CUP 260’s switched to a large pad covering the center of the steering wheel that was designed for 2010 non-air bag Exige’s.
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 11-28-2009 at 12:43 PM.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  13. #13

    Default About Exige 260’s part 8

    Powertrain
    Exige 260’s packaged several weight saving efforts combined with added power. Engine displacement increased to 260 PS/257 HP at 8000 RPM’s with added torque of 236 Nm (174 lbft) at 6000 rpm.. Most of the changes were in the ECU programming pertaining to throttle opening. The supercharged and intercooled 2ZZ Toyota-sourced engine in the Exige 260 has a roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of the engine’s oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. Charge air (air under pressure from the supercharger) is cooled through the same air-to-air intercooler used in the Exige S 240 before being fed into the engine itself. The intercooler pipes on Exige 260’s are black lightweight alloy instead of cast aluminum.


    An uprated fuel pump and Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) ensure continuous fuel and oil flow under hard acceleration or continuous high speed driving.


    All Exige 260s come standard with launch control and adjustable traction control that is put to the pavement through a Torsen torque-sensing limited slip differential. Track only CUP cars could get a plate type LSD as an option.

    The launch control allows the driver to determine the number of revs they wish to use during a standing start at the risk of the drivetrains warranty. Once the driver programs that limit, the driver then holds their foot down fully on the throttle pedal and sidesteps the clutch pedal for a very quick departure from the line. The clutch damper is supposed to cushion the severity of the clutch to transmission engagement to minimize the stresses to the drive train. The launch control also keeps wheel-spin at bay until 6 mph, after which the traction control assumes its duties.

    As with launch control, the amount of traction control required can be dialed in from the driver’s seat and altered on the move to suit the characteristics of particular corners. The amount of traction control can be varied in over 30 increments from an optimum 7 percent tire slip to completely inactive. If adjusted, the dash will display what degree of traction control is set to.


    A lightweight flywheel is fitted (giving even greater flexibility and response to the gear change), a sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfer the engine power and torque to the lightweight C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminum casing) – with the same perfectly spaced ratios in the Exige S and S 240.

    Electrical supply is provided by a lightweight ODYSSEY PC680 motorsport battery with Lotus Sport bracket.
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 11-27-2009 at 03:50 PM.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  14. #14

    Default About Exige 260’s part 9

    Suspension
    The Exige 260 carries the same fully independent track-pack suspension that is available on the S 240 with unequal length wishbones, adjustable front anti-sway bar and adjustable Bilstein dampers with threaded spring perches and remote front reservoirs. Late production 2009 CUP 260’s switched from Bilstein to Ohlins which became standard for 2010.

    The Exige 260 features Lotus/AP Racing & Brembo calipers with stainless steel braided brake hoses, uprated four-piston front calipers and uprated Pagid RS14 pads front and rear.


    One area a lot of attention was given to in order to make the Exige 260 a better performer was The rear subframe was specially redesigned and given a special coating to lighten weight and give increased lateral stiffness at the rear subframe suspension pickup points (resulting in increased tire contact patch control and a 30% stiffened rear chassis).
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 11-27-2009 at 03:48 PM.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  15. #15

    Post About Exige 260’s part 10

    Production variations
    The first 260’s produced and initial deliveries were delivered with this rear decal

    Shortly thereafter, the rear decal was changed to actually read SPORT 260


    Some initial deliveries had European radios – these were replaced by the dealer.


    Some US Spec 260’s were delivered with full carpeting (such as from the touring package covering the lower sills)…

    Most were not


    Some US Spec 260’s were delivered with embroidered EXIGE floor mats (such as those included on S 240’s)

    Most were not


    Some US Spec 260’s were delivered with non painted lug bolts (like those found on 2008 and earlier S2’s)

    Most had black lug bolts


    Most US Spec 260's did not have a rear view mirror at all.

    However several of the last US Spec 260’s delivered after May 2009 have a rear view mirror (but not all - it was very inconsistent )


    There is record of at least one CUP 260 that was delivered with 5-spoke Lotus Sport rims when supply of the 12-Spoke Ultra lights ran out at the factory. (Theob)


    Later production 2009 CUP 260’s received some running changes for the 2010 model year including Ohlins (in place of Bilsteins) and padded steering wheel cover (in place of air bag).


    Other notable variations…
    FIA Labels/stickers applied on sides of seat shells
    Placement of Accusump routing diagram decal in trunk
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 11-27-2009 at 03:47 PM.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  16. #16

    Exclamation 2009 Exige 260 Order Guide

    2009 Exige 260 Order Guide
    Attached Images
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 11-28-2009 at 11:16 PM.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  17. #17

    Exclamation 2009 Service Recall

    2009 Service Recall

    This was a big deal at the time because it not only extended to all 2009 Lotus cars (which forunately alot hadn't been built yet) but Teslas built between January 2009 and May 2009.

    My car was included in this and I took it in. The service department basically checked the torque settings on a hub bolt. If necessary, it was retightened. As it turned out, mine was fine. I am curious though how many really required tightening? But better safe than sorry.
    Attached Images
    Last edited by Vishus_1; 11-28-2009 at 11:14 PM. Reason: Addl' detail - explanation of recall.
    2009 Exige Sport 260 - Chrome Orange / Carbon Fiber / Black with the ~mustache~
    Purchased through St Louis Motorsports
    Have an Exige 260 or are interested? Check out: The comprehensive Exige 260 Registry

  18. #18

    Default

    Wow, now that's what I'm talkin' about. Massively informative. A great effort, thanks Vishus
    KyleKaulback
    VI,50,61,69,74,M100,106,110,111R(custodian)
    http://LotusPALS.ning.com

  19. #19
    Junior Member theob's Avatar
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    Default

    Hi Vishus_1,

    This thread is really what all Exige (Cup) 260 owners should look after!
    Brilliant work, and am looking forward to contributing some bits of info regarding the Exiges from the other side of the pool!
    Theo
    Greek Lotus Club Admin
    www.lotusclub.gr

  20. #20
    Junior Member theob's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Vishus_1 View Post
    There is record of at least one CUP 260 that was delivered with 5-spoke Lotus Sport rims when supply of the 12-Spoke Ultra lights ran out at the factory.
    For the record, mine was delivered to the UK dealer with the 5-spoke rims, but was finally delivered to me with the std 12-spoke ultra lights ones. However, this same 5-spoke rim set is in my garage too, ready to be fitted with Yoko slick tires!
    Theo
    Greek Lotus Club Admin
    www.lotusclub.gr

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