Lotus Exige

[qkslvr]

http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=102&i=8026

i know it's old news but this article seems to cover a few details i never knew.

Edited April 18, 2005 by qkslvr

[oz_viking]

The most interesting part is the "brand new, custom-engineered Lotus T4 engine management system (EMS) developed specifically for the Exige by Lotus":

The high revving engine is governed to a maximum engine speed of 8500 rpm on up changes (8000 rpm at steady state). The change from the low speed cam to the high speed cam is controlled by the Lotus engine management system to achieve a smooth transition, which will not upset the balance of the car. This change occurs at around 6200 rpm, but can vary by a few hundred rpm depending on engine operating conditions. The return switching from the high speed to low speed cam occurs at 5800 rpm to extend the operating range of the engine on the high speed cam. This helps the enthusiastic driver stay on the high output cam between gear changes.

In order to protect the engine during the warm up phase, the maximum engine speed is limited to 6000 rpm and is restricted to the lower speed cam when the engine coolant temperature is below 70 °C.

I wonder whether the Lotus EMS plugs into the Toyota ECU harness, and how much does it cost? Anyone for instant 8500 rev limit and always staying in lift on changing without really trying?

[ZEEROLLA]

The most interesting part is the "brand new, custom-engineered Lotus T4 engine management system (EMS)  developed specifically for the Exige by Lotus":

The high revving engine is governed to a maximum engine speed of 8500 rpm on up changes (8000 rpm at steady state). The change from the low speed cam to the high speed cam is controlled by the Lotus engine management system to achieve a smooth transition, which will not upset the balance of the car. This change occurs at around 6200 rpm, but can vary by a few hundred rpm depending on engine operating conditions. The return switching from the high speed to low speed cam occurs at 5800 rpm to extend the operating range of the engine on the high speed cam. This helps the enthusiastic driver stay on the high output cam between gear changes.

In order to protect the engine during the warm up phase, the maximum engine speed is limited to 6000 rpm and is restricted to the lower speed cam when the engine coolant temperature is below 70 °C.

I wonder whether the Lotus EMS plugs into the Toyota ECU harness, and how much does it cost?  Anyone for instant 8500 rev limit and always staying in lift on changing without really trying?

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Gear ratios are probably different too? But i'm up for the ECU if there is one for sale :D

[oz_viking]

I'll just pop down to the local Lotus dealer and order us both one then?

And yep - the ratios are very different, the car being half the weight and all...

[MR22ZZ]

The latest edition of SPEED (iss. 20, May '05) has an article on the Exige update and includes the 240R (supercharged to produce 179kW and 230Nm) but also a mighty 3.0L V6 version that they had to make 200mm longer and 100mm wider to fit produces 298kW @ 7750rpm and 399Nm @ 6500rpm but sadly this is just a one off produced for a cashed up 'South-East Asian chap' to compete in both sprint and long-distance events.

[oz_viking]

So there's a Lotus supercharger we can buy??

[MR22ZZ]

I guess so, Lotus has made 50 240R units

[ZEEROLLA]

I'll just pop down to the local Lotus dealer and order us both one then?

And yep - the ratios are very different, the car being half the weight and all...

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Don't think Toyota will cover it under warranty will they, maybe Lotus will :P

Toyota might even be using this ECU as a TRD unit..

Edited April 25, 2005 by ZEEROLLA

[02rolla]

Gotta love the Lotus Exige, I've got that awesome topgear episode where British Airforce are trying to get missle lock on it and Jeremy is evading by doin heaps of 360s and swerving eveywhere.

In the end they say that its the best handling car in the world.

[ZEEROLLA]

Gotta love the Lotus Exige, I've got that awesome topgear episode where British Airforce are trying to get missle lock on it and Jeremy is evading by doin heaps of 360s and swerving eveywhere.

In the end they say that its the best handling car in the world.

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Looks bloody awesome on the street/track, very mean and alien.. a much cheaper alternative to a Ferrari 360 Modena or Porsche GT3 if you are after that Supercar look.. lets not compare whats under the bonnets..