Lotus Exige S RGB
Special gives extreme Brit supercar final flourish
The Exige goes out with a bang. The RGB special edition neatly summarises everything that’s good about this Lotus, while also highlighting its shortcomings – such as the extremely limited rear visibility. But those gripes melt away when you sample the acceleration and handling: we can’t think of a car that’s faster around a twisting circuit, or as much fun on a B-road. This last-of-the-line model looks set to become a future classic.
Roger, over and out! Lotus’ long-serving engineering director, Roger Becker, is retiring – and to mark the occasion, the firm has built two scorching special editions.
The limited-run RGB Elise and Exige S RGB also mark the end of the Toyota-sourced 1.8-litre petrol engine. This has powered a variety of memorable Lotus models, and disappears from the range at the end of the year as it falls foul of Euro V emissions rules – leaving the 1.6-litre Elise to soldier on.
Both newcomers are based on the supercharged S models, and we drove the Exige. It inherits elements from the hardcore 260 Cup version, including a stiff rear subframe, lightweight wheels and 257bhp engine, which offers amazing acceleration.
The chassis really shines, too. The RGB is incredibly nimble and agile through corners, and while the steering is delicate in your hands, it’s super sharp and accurate. Also included are the Touring, Sport and Performance option packs, so this car has just about every creature comfort Lotus offers – even air-con.
Other distinctive features are a numbered plaque, Becker’s signature on the rear end and a monochrome Lotus badge on the nose. There are only four colours: white, black, yellow and grey.
