First Look: 2006 Lotus Exige

Like a one-ton hornet, the Exige exploits its 10.6-pound/ horsepower figure to an uncanny degree. While it's no drag-racer (a still impressive 4.7 seconds to 60 mph), it'll corner at over 1.0 g and put a track lap together on par with many race cars. This is the kind of machine that doesn't make a lick of sense until you put a wheel on the track. Once you do, you'll come away with an appreciation of what Lotus is all about.

One might think a mid-engine car weighing within a Thanksgiving dinner of 2000 pounds and with what appears to be a 36-inch wheelbase would be a sneeze away from a spin. Not so. What a glance at its specs doesn't show is the fine-tuned suspension (the Elise's Sport package is standard on the Exige), non-assisted steering, and delayed-action ABS that combine to transmit the car's every move and intent to the driver. This car makes time where others must slow down to survive.

It's like piloting a feather: The Exige thrives on any corner it's presented and does so in a way that says, "You could've gone quicker through there--much quicker." Where the Exige outdoes even the most track-minded version of the Elise (upon which it's based) is with aerodynamic features that add just enough downforce (48 pounds rear; 42 front at 100 mph) to subdue a feeling of lightness and neutrality that doesn't promote confidence.

A front splitter, smooth undertray, recontoured body with a hard-but-removable roof, and rear wing do the trick. Despite their similar looks, only the doors are shared between the two Lotuses. While 90 pounds of pressure isn't a bunch, in a car this light it's enough to help a driver focus on and refine his precise braking zone, turn-in point, apex, and throttle roll-on.

When a company chooses to make adjustments to its car's pedal placement and resistance that result in millimeters of difference, you know it's got it as near to perfection as it can be. This is just one example of the numerous and subtle updates to the 2006-model-year Elise incorporated into the new-to-U.S. Exige. Looking like something costing twice the $51,860 price tag, the Exige takes the already dedicated Elise underpinnings to a higher level.

Save your brakes by having your brake fluid changed every 30,000 miles.

Check your tire pressure once a month. This simple maintenance check can add up savings at the gas pump!

Stop and go traffic causes excess wear and tear on your vehicle. Go ahead and give your car a nice twenty minute ride at 55 mph on the highway every couple weeks if you “major” in short trips.

There are other ways to save money on car expenses. Let’s look at the insurance payments.

If you’ve budgeted for possible out-of-pocket expenses in case of a car accident, you might want to consider increasing your insurance deductible to $500. This will lower the cost of your insurance.

Talk to your insurance agent. If your car is as old as the hills, you might want to drop collision coverage to save money.

Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. Ask your agent if the company offers reductions for driver training courses, anti-lock brakes, car alarms, air bags, mature drivers, good students or maintaining a good driving record.

Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the dealer's return policy, get it in writing and read it carefully. Dealers are not required by law to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel.

The same 1.8-liter, 190-horse Toyota engine spins to 8000 rpm (8500 for 1.5 seconds), but is now actuated by a throttle-by-wire controller that allows for the $495 option of Lotus traction control. The fully defeatable system can be paired with a new torque-sensing mechanical limited-slip differential that's offered as a response to autocrossers clamoring for better slow-turn exits. The downside of the $1790 LSD is some loss of steering feel, but the benefit is a greater ability to steer with the throttle.

Lotus's bumper and headlamp compliance waiver is due to expire at the end of 2007, so get the unmolested Exige while you still can. Only 300 are slated to be built (by hand) this year, so it'll be rarer still than the some 2200 Elises already on the road.

Last Car News

The Ultimate Corvette

There is no denying that the Corvette is an impressive sports car. With a powerful 400-horsepower V8 engine, classic styling, comfortable interior and excellent handling, what more could one want in an American sports car? So if you had a Corvette with even better handling, more aggressive styling and 105 more horses on tap, would it be any better? Absolutely!!!

That, of course, would be the all-new Corvette Z06. At first glance, it looks like any other Corvette, however those in the know will recognize it immediately. It has an air intake just ahead of the hood, larger rear fender flares with additional air scoops, and unique alloy wheels, and larger exhaust. Of course, there’s also the Z06 badge on the side that has red text on it telling the most important part of the story – 505 HP.

Yes, under the hood is Chevrolet’s LS7 7.0-liter V8 engine that pumps out 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This in a car that weighs just 3,000 lbs. 60 mph comes up in just 3.6 seconds; top speed is close to 200 mph. This is the fastest production ‘Vette ever.

But unlike the Viper, which has similar performance numbers, the Z06 is a civilized ride. It doesn’t cook you like the Viper, although after a long drive, the center console did get pretty toasty. The clutch is not heavy – your leg doesn’t hurt after sitting in traffic. Seats are very comfortable, and it drives smoothly at 40 or 140.

I had the opportunity to drive the Z06 from Portland, OR to Seattle, WA - about 190 miles. Even with some stop and go traffic, I averaged an impressive 22 mpg. This is from a 505 horsepower supercar! This is primarily because at 80 mph in 6^th gear, the engine is only turning about 1800 rpm. Although, I have to say it’s really hard to cruise along at 80 when you know the car can go twice that speed.

But cruising down the highway at 80 is not what this car is about, even if it does it well. This car is about shifting into 2^nd gear at 30 mph, flooring it and having the rear wheels break loose. The V8 sounds fantastic, and acceleration is incredible. It has excellent grip, and when the wheels break free, it’s still controllable. I’ve never driven this car at the track, but it must be phenomenal.

Where the Viper would make a great 3^rd or 4^th car, the Corvette Z06 could easily be a daily driver. It has a good amount of cargo space, storage pockets in the doors, plenty of room for every day stuff.

And with a starting price around $70,000, this car is an incredible deal. Especially when you compare it to Viper ($83,000) or Porsche 911 Turbo ($123.000). Definitely one of the more impressive cars I’ve driven.
--Perry Stern