Lotus Cars chose this month's Tokyo International Motor Show as the forum to launch the strictly limited edition Exige Scura.
One look at this fierce, dark (Scura is taken from the Italian for dark) beauty and you could almost guess that it can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and, perhaps even more impressively, to 160 km/h in a whisker under 10 seconds.
Triple bright black stripes run the length of the car and contrast impressively with the remarkable soft-feel matt black paintwork.
The stealth visuals are backed by extensive use of carbonfibre to effect a significant weight reduction. This material is used externally on the front splitter, rear spoiler, side air scoops and oil cooler inlet vanes. It also comprehensively defines the interior, being used for the seats and centre console.
Joyous details include a special anodised treatment for the metal of the handbrake lever and gearknob which gives them a striking anthracite colour and bespoke character.
All carbonfibre components have been beautifully finished in high-gloss clear lacquer allowing the weave of this attractive material to remain exposed.
The Scuro begs to be taken on track where it should prove a strong contender. It is equipped with the most powerful engine in the Exige range which has a capacity of 1.8 litres and is both supercharged and turbocharged. Maximum power is 191kW and the maximum speed is around 245km/h. Other equipment fitted as standard to boost the Exige Scura's track credentials include:
- Launch control to ensure optimum performance from a standing start
- Lotus Variable Slip Traction Control, enabling the driver to tune the car to track surface conditions and their own driving style
- Ohlins 2-way adjustable dampers for personalised ride and handling characteristics, so you can tune the suspension as you drive
- Track-ready Yokohama A048 LTS tyres
Remarkably in this era of increasingly heavy vehicles, the Scuro weighs just 925 kg.
Only 35 Exige Scuros will be produced for global consumption with the car designed to appeal to serious drivers keen to indulge their dark, passionate side.
Roger Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director, highlighted the performance of the Exige Scura, 'There are very few cars in the world that turn in the performance of the Exige Scura without the penalty of very high fuel consumption and emissions. As with all Lotus sports cars we offer the best of both worlds - a zero to 100 km/h time of just over four seconds and a CO2 figure of 199g/km; all this is down to light weight and a strict adherence to Lotus' core brand values.'
The Lotus Exige Scura is priced at $139,990 in Australia, plus dealer delivery and statutory government charges.
