Computers have taken over the world. It doesn’t take a degree in rocket science to know that even a seven-year old knows how to operate a tablet computer. In fact, almost everything we use today has a microchip embedded somewhere in them.
This is also true for our cars. Everything from steering to locking the door is controlled by electronics. So it’s quite refreshing to see cars like the Lotus Exige Sport 380 that still offer a pure, mechanical driving feel amidst a sea of electronic doodads.
The body, for instance, makes extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber, which gives the car a featherweight 1,066 dry weight. Matched with a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 375hp and 410Nm of torque, the supercar sprints from 0-100kph in just 3.7 seconds. With a choice of either a manual or automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, the drive looks to be one hell of a time behind the wheel.
Besides the scorching straight-line speed, this Lotus will likewise reward its driver with a grand time behind the tiller. Its long-standing history in motorsports has allowed it to gain enough experience in making its road cars true precision machines as well. The Exige Sport 380, for instance, boasts of a top-speed (286kph for the manual, 274kph for the automatic) downforce of 140kg, making it one grippy road-carver.
Adding to the visceral driving experience is the cabin. The low-slung stance allows occupants to sit lower to the ground—literally. Despite this, they are wrapped in creature comforts like carbon fiber seats trimmed in Alcantara, as well as kept connected to the outside world via iPod and Bluetooth interface. And they can also specify their options to suit their taste.
And unlike most other two-door supercars, the Lotus Exige Sport 380 comes standard as a roadster. Those that want a closed drive can go for the coupe version. Either way, it promises to be one fun journey.
