Extra Functions for the Lotus T4e Engine Management System
The Lotus T4e Engine Management system is used in the Lotus Exige 265E. This engine management system has been programmed to optimise the ethanol in the supercharged and intercooled engine.
The lightweight C64 six-speed gearbox is fitted with the closest ratios and gearset afforded by the transmission. The gearbox offers a fast, precise and light gearshift, ensuring drivers have total control and flexibility to apply the power exactly as and when required.
Aerodynamics is the key
The Lotus Exige 265E uses the same aerodynamic package as the production Exige. Like all Lotus cars, the Lotus Exige 265E isn’t all about straight-line performance.
The Lotus Exige 265E is probably the world’s quickest road-legal E85 bio-ethanol car. Not only is the engine important to the performance but also so is the aerodynamic package, which creates 41.2 kg (90.64 lbs) of downforce - 19.3 kg (42.46 lbs) at the front and 21.9 kg (48.18 lbs) at the rear - at 160 km/h (100 mph). This downforce ratio between front (47%) and rear (53%) is balanced and remains constant at the speeds of which the Exige 265E is capable.
This class leading aerodynamic package is provided through the contribution of the following components
Completely flat underside of the car – provided by the elegantly simple, strong yet light weight extruded and bonded aluminium tub
Anodised rear diffuser which helps promote the “Venturi effect” underneath the car
Deep front splitter, which sits just 108 mm (4.3 inches) from the ground (giving just enough ramp angle clearance) whilst still maintaining the aerodynamic properties and, ofcourse, the aggressive stance.
Fixed rear wing that is set at the optimum 11.5 degree angle for the best compromise between downforce and drag.
The Legendary Chassis and Body
The Lotus Exige 265E is built around the revolutionary and award winning extruded and bonded aluminium tub, with a light weight steel rear subframe, as used in the Exige. The chassis tub itself weighs just 68 kg (150 lbs) and has a torsional stiffness of 10,500 Nm per degree. The body of the Lotus Exige 265E remains unchanged from the Exige as it is already a winning formula that is both effective and stunning to look at.
To further differentiate the Lotus Exige 265E from its production cousins, two bold stripes (in yellow to symbolise the bio-ethanol fuel and green to demonstrate the environmental considerations of the vehicle).
Exterior
Lightweight Lotus Sport five spoke forged alloy wheels have a slightly wider section, when compared to the standard Exige wheel, to accommodate the optional extra track use only specification slick tyres. These wheels, with Lotus Sport etched on one spoke of each wheel, are painted in “High Power Silver” colour.
The Brakes and the Suspension
The brake system has been upgraded to 4-piston AP Racing calipers with sport brake pads and increased diameter 310 mm drilled and vented discs at the front. Brembo single-piston sliding rear calipers with 282 mm diameter discs are fitted at the rear. High grade silicon brake fluid, metal braided brake hoses are all linked to the proven Lotus track tuned servo-assisted fourchannel ABS system that enhances braking performance and minimising stopping distance without taking over from the skill of the driver.
To suit different driving styles and road conditions, the Lotus Exige 265E has been fitted with Ohlins two-way adjustable dampers and ride height adjustment to reduce the ride height from 130 mm to 120 mm and an adjustable front anti-roll bar.
An oil “Accusump” is included as an oil reservoir backup for extreme track use. Cornering speeds and the lateral forces generated within the car when driven on the track are far higher than what can be experienced safely on the road and the “Accusump” ensures that, under these extreme conditions, the engine oil pressure remains constant.
A “Stage One” sports exhaust is fitted with the bifurcated exhaust pipes exiting from the centre of the anodised-finish 3-piece rear diffuser. Front driving lamps, twin oil coolers, central door locking, alarm (with immobiliser) and air conditioning (weighing in at a minimal 15 kg, 33 lbs) completes the equipment package.
Interior
The unique interior trim takes the black, green and the yellow theme of the exterior paint colours by using predominantly black trim with green and yellow highlights on certain components including the padded leather door inserts and the seats.
Summary of Equipment on Lotus Exige 265E (in addition to the standard equipment on the Lotus Exige)
Wider section lightweight Lotus Sport 5-spoke alloy wheels painted in “High Power Silver”.
Upgraded brake with 4-piston AP Racing calipers with sport brake pads and 310 mm diameter drilled and vented discs at the front. Brembo single-piston sliding rear calipers with 282 mm diameter discs at the rear, high grade silicon brake fluid and metal braided brake hoses.
Ohlins two-way adjustable dampers with ride height adjustment
Adjustable front anti-roll bar
“Accusump” oil reservoir backup
Sports exhaust – “Stage One”
Anodised-finish 3-piece rear diffuser
Front driving lamps
Twin oil coolers
Air conditioning
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