The new Fiat 500L, 40% all new from the previous market leader, now comes with better tech, and look.

• Even more 500, even more convenient, even more technology: that sums up the new Fiat 500L
• A unique combination of spaciousness and personality
• 40% of all components are new
• Not just a range, but three separate identities to cover all needs: Urban, Cross and Wagon

Having dominated its segment, across Europe, for five years, here comes the new Fiat 500L. The roomiest 500 of all is now even more full of technology and has even more character and personality. These characteristics combine in the three distinct versions of the car: Urban, Cross and Wagon, offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines to delight different people and serve their individual needs.

All three share outstanding safety features and a flexible internal configuration, enabling customers to create up to 1,500 internal customisations. The 500 style is even more obvious in this updated version, on which 40% of all components are new. The Fiat 500L combines all the style and excitement of the Fiat 500 with the spaciousness and functionality of an MPV.

Design: Even more 500

The new Fiat 500L is designed to reinforce the family feeling of the model. The exterior style expresses all the distinctive elements which have characterised the model throughout its history, ever since its iconic 1950s forerunner. The most obvious visual links are the "moustache and badge" combo set on the trapezoidal nose, the upper headlights with chrome-plated elements and the lower cluster, now with LED daytime running lights, which pick up the graphics of the two "zeros" in 500. These elements ensure that this new car is clearly identifiable as a Fiat 500L, even in the dark.

The revised front bumper with signature trapezoidal trim and the chromed "studded" three-dimensional lower grille mesh give the car an elegant look. At the same time, the chromed strips, which direct the eye to the wheel arches, convey toughness, resulting in the new Fiat 500L looking even more expressive. The chromed inserts at the rear underline the 500 family feeling and horizontal trims reinforce the car's presence on the road. The fog and reversing lights are now in the underside of the bumper, increasing their effectiveness.

The new Fiat 500L is available in ten pastel or metallic colours and with three types of roof: body-coloured, glossy black or white or matt black, giving customers a choice of no less than 36 colour combinations. The colours available are the new Bellagio Blue, Sicilian Orange and Donatello Bronze, Bossa Nova White, Hip Hop Yellow, Darkwave Black, Minimal Grey, Heavy Metal Grey, Beatbox Green and Pasodoble Red.

A unique combination of spaciousness and personality

The interior of the new Fiat 500L is completely new, starting with an updated dashboard to give a more high-tech and iconic look. The passenger compartment offers comfort, convenience, versatility and is filled with light, while being rich in distinctive 500 touches, such as the bright "500" signature on the dashboard.

The area behind the restyled multifunctional steering wheel, now with added chrome accents, has an updated design with two circular instrument gauges on either side of a 3.5-inch colour graphic display. This combination of new steering wheel and dashboard improves the visibility of the instrument cluster, which is further enhanced by white backlighting. The driver also benefits from an innovative TFT colour digital display, with a full set of useful information.

The new Fiat 500L displays an innovative wraparound glazing concept to improve its now class-leading visibility and ease of parking, thanks to its glazed A-pillar. Available as a fixed panel or electrically opening, the 1.5m2 optional panoramic glass roof of Fiat 500L means that occupants can enjoy a light, bright passenger compartment. 

While the top section of the dashboard conveys a fresh personality, the lower part focuses on convenience with new, larger storage compartments and the introduction of new comfort features, such as the central armrest. The gear lever has also been redesigned and placed higher up for greater driving comfort. 

Internal space is top of its class, thanks to the passenger compartment's generous length. Boot volume with the rear seat in the forward position is 455 litres for the Urban and Cross models. The boot on the Wagon offers up to 493 litres when the two additional seats are folded. With the rear seats folded and tumbled, capacity rises to 1480 litres for Urban and Cross and 1509 litres for the Wagon.

Specification: Three identities: Cross, Urban and Wagon

The new Fiat 500L is available with three distinctive personalities: Urban, Cross and Wagon. The more adventurous character of the Fiat 500L is represented by the Cross version. The new Fiat 500L Cross has a one-of-a-kind crossover look with new bumpers and skid plate, new two-colour diamond-finish 17-inch alloy wheels and a bold grille to give it a sporty appearance. It has crossover substance, as well as looks, with ground clearance raised by 25mm, new Uconnect™ HD Live 7-inch touchscreen and the new Mode Selector; with a choice of Normal, Traction+ and Gravity Control.

Normal is the default function and provides a comfortable, safe ride in ordinary conditions. Traction+, which can be activated at speeds of less than 18mph, helps the car to start on slippery surfaces and provides optimal torque distribution across the front axle, braking the wheel with less grip on the ground and transferring torque to the one with more grip. Gravity Control keeps the speed constant when descending steep slopes, and can be enabled when the Traction+ function is active. The new Fiat 500L Cross is 4.28m long with a wheelbase of 2.61m. It is 1.80m wide and 1.68m high.

The metropolitan soul of the Fiat 500L finds expression in the Urban version, available in Pop Star and Lounge trim levels. In Pop Star trim, also available in the new Bellagio Blue colour, the new Fiat 500L Urban come complete with ABS, ESP, 6 airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, multifunction Techno-leather steering wheel, electrically adjustable & heated door mirrors, 3.5-inch colour TFT display, 5-inch Uconnect™ radio with Bluetooth, voice control, USB port and Aux-in, rear seat with 60/40 split, LED daytime running lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

In the more luxurious Lounge trim, it features upgraded seat upholstery, a dashboard fascia finished with technical fabric, dual zone climate control, fixed glass roof, chromed inserts, fog lights, Uconnect™ HD Live 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, voice control, DAB radio, 2 USB ports and Aux-in, rain and dusk sensors, rear parking sensors and Cargo Magic Space height-adjustable load platform. The Fiat 500L Urban measures 4.24m in length, has a wheelbase of 2.61m, is 1.78m wide and 1.66m high.

The Wagon, available in a seven seat configuration, is the ideal solution for combining spaciousness and versatility with the distinctive 500 style. Available in Pop Star or Lounge trim, the new Fiat 500L Wagon is the most compact seven-seater on the market at 4.38m long.

Customising the driving experience

Exclusive packs are available across the new Fiat 500L range to enhance the driving experience, comfort and safety. Every version can customise its style, connectivity, comfort and safety features by adding one of these great value packages; City, Comfort, Safety, Style and Style Plus packs.

Autonomous City Brake, available as part of the Safety Pack, consists of a laser sensor located on the top of the windscreen to monitor the position of the cars ahead. When travelling at less than 18mph, the system automatically brakes the new Fiat 500L if a potential collision is imminent.

Other key equipment include the child monitoring mirror to keep an eye on rear seat passengers, LED daylight running lights and parking lights, which in addition to being design features that reassert the 500 style, also ensure excellent visibility. As well as electrical adjustment and heating, the door mirrors can be upgraded to fold electrically and add puddle lights, to illuminate the area around the car when light is poor.

The passenger compartment lighting is also improved, with the Style Plus Pack providing with ambient light in the base of the central console, on the central tunnel and on the doors. The optional rear parking camera, included in the City Pack, has an improved resolution and active grid lines to assist parking.

Technology: More connected than ever

New advanced smartphone integration systems are debuting on the new Fiat 500L. Smartphone apps can be accessed directly on the 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen of the Uconnect™ HD Live system integrated in the dashboard. The system is also available with Apple Car Play and Android Auto™.

The next-generation Uconnect™ system features a hands-free Bluetooth interface, audio streaming, text reader and voice recognition, AUX-in and USB ports with iPod integration, controls on the steering wheel. A rear parking camera and the new TomTom 3D built-in navigation system are also optionally available. The Uconnect™ LIVE app offers music streaming with Deezer and TuneIn, news from Reuters and connected navigation with TomTom LIVE, as well as updating Facebook and Twitter. Users can also monitor their driving style with eco:Drive and my:Car.

The Fiat 500L is now available with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™. Apple CarPlay perfectly integrates the iPhone with the display and native controls of the car so users can make calls, play their music, send and receive messages, get directions optimised for traffic conditions and much more, while staying focused on the road.

With Android Auto™ drivers can access Google Maps, with voice-guided navigation, real time traffic information and lane guidance and Google Play Music, among other music services. They can also make and receive calls and send messages while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The Fiat 500L can be upgraded with the BeatsAudio™ system, which boasts a total power of 520Watt, divided between two 80Watt mid-Woofer speakers (diameter 165mm) positioned in the bottom part of the front door panel, two 40Watt tweeter speakers (diameter 38mm) positioned in the top of the front door panel, two 60Watt full-range speakers (diameter 165mm) positioned in the rear door panel and an 80 + 80Watt subwoofer (diameter 165mm) located in the boot – which ensures dynamic, powerful bass tones, maximising the listening experience. The package is completed by an amplifier with DSP and 8 channels, featuring a built-in advanced equalisation algorithm capable of reproducing the entire spectrum of sound that an artist experiences in the recording studio.

Engines and pricing

The engines most suited for the specific needs of customers were picked for the different identities of the model. The petrol engine line-up includes the 1.4-litre 16V, delivering 95hp, and the 1.4-litre 16V T-Jet, delivering 120hp. The offering is completed by two diesel engines: the 95hp 1,300cc 16V MultiJet, also available with Dualogic transmission, and the 120hp 1,600cc 16V MultiJet. All engines comply with the Euro 6 standards and combine optimal performance with impressive fuel economy.

The new Fiat 500L will be priced from £16,195 OTR for a Fiat 500L 1.4 95hp Pop Star.

Fiat 500L pricing:

Fiat 500L Wagon pricing:

Mopar for the new 500L

Mopar offers a collection of ninety-two accessories created to enhance the versatility of the car, optimise its functional and loading capabilities, further enhances the safety and protection of families with children and provide solutions for customising the looks and details of the new 500L.

A variety of solutions are available for the boot including protectors, nets and cargo organizers, to increas transport capabilities. Mopar has also created surf board racks, ski racks and boxes, which can be easily installed on the roof racks to carry everything you need for your hobbies. Practical and convenient coat hooks and tables can be anchored to the head restraints while seat back protectors, front seat organiser with multiple pockets and a tablet holder offer additional versatility.

Finally, with Mopar, Fiat 500L becomes the ideal choice for pet-loving families with a range of essential accessories for travelling with your four-legged friends safely and comfortably. These include the handy, removable and washable boot protective tray, the rear bumper luggage protector, the rigid partition net, the rear window sun shades and the convenient rear seat housing.

Mopar Vehicle Protection ensures that servicing is performed by highly qualified, specialised technicians at authorised FCA service centres, using specialist equipment and tools and genuine spare parts. The Mopar product portfolio contains a wide and flexible range of extended warranties and service plans. Each plan offers different options in terms of duration and mileage and is designed to meet the different driving requirements of individual customers, ensuring that the car works as efficiently as possible in the long run. A MAXIMUM CARE warranty extension and the EASY CARE prepaid service package are both available on the Fiat 500L.

The smallest Skoda, the Citigo gets a midlife makeover with numerous frontal tweaks.

• New front section with redesigned bonnet, bumpers, fog lights and radiator grille
• LED daytime running lights and dark-tinted rear lights (standard from SE, optional for S)
• Fog lights with cornering function (optional) 
• City Safe Drive with light and rain sensors as well as Light Assist with Coming Home function (optional) 
• UK prices from £8,635 (OTR) for Citigo S 3DR 60PS, all models available to order now
• UK line up consists of S, SE, Colour Edition, SE L and Monte Carlo

ŠKODA is upgrading the smallest member of its model range. The ŠKODA CITIGO is being launched with three or five doors and many new design, technology and equipment features. The city car stands out in the crowd. The front, side and rear sections display precise shapes, defined edges and smooth surfaces. Instantly recognisable as an attractive, modern and practical city runabout. The ŠKODA CITIGO embodies modern technology and modern urban mobility.

Design: compact yet spacious

With a length of 3,597 mm, width of 1,645 mm and height of 1,478 mm (five-door model), the ŠKODA CITIGO is one of the most compact yet spacious cars in its segment. There is a choice of three trim levels: S, SE and SE L. The ŠKODA CITIGO is also available as a Monte Carlo edition.

The completely revised front section includes a new bonnet with powerdome design, a modified bumper, revamped fog lights and a redesigned radiator grille in the typical ŠKODA design. The headlights feature LED daytime running lights (standard from SE) and the fog lights are now available with a cornering function (optional). City Safe Drive with light and rain sensor as well as Light Assist with Coming Home function also provide greater comfort (optional from SE trim level).

The redesigned rear section is characterised by the dark-tinted tail lights (from the SE trim level upwards). In the Style and Ambition trim levels, the roof and the wing mirrors are available in white or black as an optional extra (not applicable for the body colours Sunflower Yellow and Dark Sapphire Blue).

14-, 15- and 16-inch alloy wheels are available. The new 15-inch ‘Conan’ alloy wheel (optional for SE L trim level) is available in silver. The shape of the eight spokes creates the impression of a turbine. In terms of body colours, the vibrant standard colour Kiwi Green replaces the metallic colour Spring Green.

In the interior, the city car presents large interior dimensions that are typical of ŠKODA. The ŠKODA CITIGO offers a boot capacity of 251 l and elbow room of 1,369 mm (in the five-door). With the rear seats folded down, the boot can hold 951 l in the three-door and 959 l in the five-door. The long wheelbase of 2,420 mm creates plenty of space in the rear; four people can enjoy journeys in comfort. The EasyEntry function in the three-door version (standard in SE and SE L trim levels) makes it easier for passengers to get into the back.

The rear headroom is a generous 947 mm (993 mm in the front). Elbow room in the rear, which measures 1,389 mm in the three-door and 1,388 mm in the five-door, is also very generous.

Leather multifunction steering wheel and Climatronic

The ŠKODA CITIGO’s dashboard has a neat, uncluttered design. The instrument cluster with speed indicator, rev counter and fuel gauge comes in a new design and is available in two different versions. The standard three-spoke steering wheel bearing the ŠKODA logo is now available as a multifunction steering wheel with leather cover (standard for SE L). Its buttons allow control of the radio and paired phone without the driver having to remove their hands from the steering wheel. The Climatronic system (optional from the Ambition trim level) ensures pleasant temperatures at all times.

The Swing infotainment system and the Move&Fun App allow the integration of smartphones

The new-generation Blues and Swing radio and infotainment systems offer many connectivity options – ranging from an aux-in socket to an SD-card slot and a USB port. The Swing variant additionally features a colour display, six speakers and a Bluetooth connection, meaning the Swing infotainment system can be paired with the smartphone. The Move&Fun App, which runs on the iOS and Android operating systems, provides navigation, a driving data display, hands-free phone calls and tips for efficient driving as well as playing music and the radio. A Maxi-DOT trip computer display is available as an optional extra on SE L and Monte Carlo trim levels.

Driver assistance systems and comprehensive safety equipment

The emergency brake helps to prevent rear-end collisions in city traffic. The assistance feature is automatically active at speeds up to 19 mph. A laser sensor, which is integrated in the rear-view mirror mount, scans an area of 10 m in front of the vehicle. In the event of an impending collision – if the driver does not react – the braking system is primed in the first instance and the hydraulic Brake Assist function becomes more sensitive. The system also initiates a full application of the brakes to bring the car to a standstill if required, or – if the driver is not braking hard enough – it automatically increases the braking force.

Standard equipment includes four airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a traction control system, Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), electromechanical power steering, three-point seat belts for all four seats, belt tensioners for those in the front, Isofix anchor points on the rear seats (including top tether fastening), automatic activation of the hazard lights in the event of emergency braking, Hill‑Hold Control and tyre pressure monitoring.

A choice of two engines with three cylinders

Modern three-cylinder engines are used in the ŠKODA CITIGO. The front-, transverse-mounted engines produce 44 kW (60 PS) and 55 kW (75 PS), and drive the front wheels. The cylinder capacity is 1.0 l (999 cc) in each case. Despite the small cylinder capacity, all power variants of the 1.0-l powertrain are characterised by high torque with low noise levels and high efficiency. All engines meet the strict requirements of the EU6 emissions standard. In addition, models at all trim levels can be equipped with GreenTech technology as an option, which optimises fuel consumption.

The entry-level engine is the 1.0-l engine with 44 kW (60 PS). Maximum torque of 95 Nm is achieved at 3,000 rpm. The ŠKODA CITIGO accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 14.4 seconds. Its top speed is 162 km/h. In combination with the five-speed manual transmission, it has a combined consumption of 4.4 l per 100 km on average and emits 101 g of CO2 per km. In the particularly fuel-efficient GreenTech version, these values are 4.1 l per 100 km and 96 g CO2/km respectively.

With the same cylinder capacity (999 cc), the more powerful engine variant of the ŠKODA CITIGO delivers 55 kW (75 PS). 90 per cent of its maximum torque, which is also 95 Nm, is available at 3,000 rpm. Top speed: 173 km/h (with manual transmission), acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: 13.5 seconds. Combined consumption with manual transmission averages 4.4 l per 100 km, corresponding to CO2 emissions of 101 g/km. In the GreenTech version, the engine consumes 4.1 l per 100 km, with CO2 emissions of 96 g/km.

GreenTech: particularly fuel-efficient

A Stop-Start system and brake energy recovery – innovative solutions which ensure lower consumption and emissions – are key features of the 1.0-l engines with GreenTech technology used in the ŠKODA CITIGO.

Transmission, steering and lightweight construction

The ŠKODA CITIGO’s compact overall package with its short front and rear overhangs, long wheelbase and rigid body structure forms the basis for the finely tuned chassis and good driving dynamics. Lightweight, high-strength steel reduces the weight and improves safety. The low weight of both the manual and automatic gearboxes as well as the intelligent operation of the steering also reduce fuel consumption.

In all trim levels, electromechanical power steering with an actuator on the steering column is used. The power support works only when it is required.

The ŠKODA CITIGO comes with either a five-speed manual gearbox or an automated shift gearbox. The focus here was on a compact design weighing very little. The manual gearbox weighs just 27 kg. Weighing less than 30 kg, the automated version of the gearbox – known as ASG – is also one of the lightest automatic gearboxes ever built. The gearbox reduces consumption by up to 0.1 l of petrol per 100 km compared to the manual version.

The ŠKODA CITIGO’s body design not only sets benchmarks in terms of safety. With its particular rigidity, it also meets the highest demands in terms of comfort with regards to acoustics and vibration behaviour.

A wealth of ‘Simply Clever’ features in the car

The abundance of diverse and intelligent features, which are available in all of the models produced by the long-established Czech brand, has become the motto for the entire product range: ‘SIMPLY CLEVER’. Even the smallest model is packed full of features that make travelling in the car easier. Here is just a selection: umbrella under the passenger seat, fold-out bag hook on the handle of the glove compartment, storage nets on the inner side of the front seats’ backrests (standard from SE), multimedia holder in the centre console, ticket holder on the windscreen and sun visor, cup holder between the front seats,1,5-litre bottle holder in the storage compartments of the front doors, variable boot floor, boot nets and hooks for securing luggage, folding backrest on the front passenger seat (five-door model), storage compartments beside the rear seats (three-door model), removable waste bin. In total, the three-door and five-door models each offer 16 ‘Simply Clever’ features.

Monte Carlo edition

The ŠKODA CITIGO MONTE CARLO is launched in a rally design with dynamic details as standard. Its most striking features are the sports chassis, which has been lowered by 15 mm, front and rear spoilers and the motorsport-inspired styling. The modified front spoiler immediately catches the eye. The radiator grille frame and wing mirror housings come in a sporty black. The rear window and rear side windows are tinted. The interior is also eye-catching with seat covers especially designed for this trim level in Monte Carlo Red. The specification of the ŠKODA CITIGO MONTE CARLO, which is available with three or five doors, is based on the Ambition trim level. The wheel arches are filled out by 15-inch black ‘Crux’ alloy wheels with 185/55 tyres.

ŠKODA also offers a special Colour Editon with three or five doors. This comes with 15-inch Crux alloy wheels in either black or white, metallic paint for the body and tinted rear windows, over the SE on which it is based, Front fog lights complete the look. Inside it features Bluetooth hands-free phone equipment and an SD-card slot. If the smartphone is in the docking station (with holder on the dashboard – optional for the SE and SE L trim levels), it can control the radio and music media.

UK specification

Citigo S models feature a black radiator grille, Isofix child seat fittings on the rear seats, ticket holder on the windscreen and the Blues radio system with SD card slot, USB port, two speakers and aux-in and CD player functions. Prices for S trim start at £8,635 (OTR) for the three-door model and £8,985 (OTR) for the five-door with 1.0-litre 60PS engine.

Choose an SE for another £1,000 and you benefit from 14-inch alloy wheels, chrome radiator grille surround, tinted rear lights, LED daytime running lights, air-conditioning, height-adjustable driver’s seat and Swing Radio with colour display, Bluetooth, SD card slot, USB port, six speakers and a Smartphone holder for app-based navigation and other functions. The SE model is also available in GreenTech specification for greater fuel efficiency for £9,975 (OTR) and with the ASG automated gearbox for £10,280 (OTR) in 60PS three-door form. Colour Editions are based on the SE and add 15-inch Crux Alloy wheels in black or white, metallic paint, tinted rear glass and front fog lights for an £855 premium.

With prices starting from £10,525 (OTR) for the same 60PS engine, flagship SE L models gain 15-inch Crux alloy wheels, chrome interior door handles, leather multifunction steering wheel, leather gearshift handle and handbrake lever, rear parking sensors, heated front seats and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.

Meanwhile those looking for a sportier feel from their Citigo can order a Monte Carlo edition, based on the SE but adding 15-inch Crux alloy wheels in black, 15mm lower suspension, sports seats and upholstery, red centre console, leather multifunction sports steering wheel and special Monte Carlo styling and badging.

CO2	VED Band	Recommended OTR	BiK Band 2017/18	P11D Value
Citigo S
1.0 MPI 60PS 5spd 3 door	101	F	£8,635.00	19%	£8,440.00
1.0 MPI 60PS 5 spd 5 door	101	F	£8,985.00	19%	£8,790.00
Citigo SE
1.0 MPI 60PS 5spd 3 door	101	F	£9,635.00	19%	£9,440.00
1.0 MPI 60PS GreenTech 5spd  3 door	96	E	£9,975.00	18%	£9,800.00
1.0 MPI 60PS 5spd ASG 3 door	100	E	£10,280.00	19%	£10,105.00
1.0 MPI 60PS 5spd 5 door	101	F	£9,985.00	19%	£9,790.00
1.0 MPI 60PS GreenTech 5spd  5 door	96	E	£10,325.00	18%	£10,150.00
1.0 MPI 60PS 5spd ASG 5 door	100	E	£10,630.00	19%	£10,455.00
Citigo Colour Edition
1.0 MPI 60PS 5spd  3 door	101	F	£10,490.00	19%	£10,295.00
1.0 MPI 60PS 5 spd  5 door	101	F	£10,850.00	19%	£10,650.00
Citigo SE L
1.0 MPI 60PS 5spd  3 door	96	E	£10,525.00	18%	£10,350.00
1.0 MPI 75PS  GreenTech 5spd  3 door	96	E	£10,915.00	18%	£10,740.00
1.0 MPI 75PS 5spd ASG 3 door	103	F	£11,240.00	19%	£11,045.00
1.0 MPI 60PS 5spd 5 door	96	E	£10,875.00	18%	£10,700.00
1.0 MPI 75PS GreenTech 5spd  5 door	96	E	£11,265.00	18%	£11,090.00
1.0 MPI 75PS 5spd ASG 5 door	103	F	£11,590.00	19%	£11,395.00
Citigo Monte Carlo
1.0 MPI 60PS 5spd 3 door	101	F	£11,170.00	19%	£10,975.00
1.0 MPI 60PS 5spd 5 door	101	F	£11,520.00	19%	£11,325.00

Unapologetic, uncompromising and built to win, Lotus has announced the development of the mighty Exige Race 380

• Race only version of sensational Exige Sport 380

• 375 hp and 410 Nm

• Weight cut to just 998 kg dry

• 0-60 mph in 3.2 secs

• Laps Hethel 1.5 seconds quicker than Exige Cup R

• Aerodynamic downforce boosted to 240 kg

Unapologetic, uncompromising and built to win, Lotus has announced the development of the mighty Exige Race 380 - the track-only sibling of what has been hailed as one of the marque’s most significant and sensational cars, the critically acclaimed Exige Sport 380.

Combining Lotus’ vehicle development skills with its motorsport pedigree, the class-leading competition car will set the pace when the first production cars reach owners in May 2017. 

As part of the current Exige’s development cycle, the Race 380 will become the race car of choice for teams as well as privateers for the 2017 / 2018 season.

Taking one of the world’s best supercars, the Exige Sport 380, the new model provides the ultimate in race-bred engineering and comes with a host of competition-focused components as standard.

Gearbox, suspension, aerodynamics and electrical systems are among the items that have been modified to reflect the car’s role but, despite the fact that the new Race model is not available in a road-legal specification, the majority of the original car’s configuration is retained, thanks to the Exige Sport 380’s highly advanced development.

Unveiled late last year, the Lotus Exige Sport 380 has proved to be one of Lotus’ most successful new models in recent years, with orders for the next four months’ production already allocated.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, commented: “The Lotus Exige Sport 380 is a real giant slayer on the road, and one of the quickest A to B supercars around. It gave us the ideal platform from which to develop the new Exige Race 380 - a peerless competition car designed to beat the best. By setting its weight below 1000kg, its power to weight is unsurpassed in its class. When lapping Hethel, it’s a phenomenal 1.5 seconds faster than the previous Exige Cup R - a massive performance gain. It’s an unparalleled race car that follows the philosophy of Colin Chapman and we can’t wait for customers to experience its capabilities.”

The Lotus Exige Race 380 in more detail

In keeping with its name, the new Exige Race 380 includes a wide range of competition-orientated options as standard, covering everything from drivetrain to driver information system – all designed to increase the car’s capabilities. Developed to be eligible for the world-wide Lotus Cup series and a number of clubman championships, this race car is every inch a winner.

Retaining the race-proven 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, the Exige Race 380 boasts 375 hp at 6,700 rpm and 410 Nm (302 lbft) of torque at 5,000 rpm. However, in order to extract every ounce of performance, the car comes with an Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission, oil cooler, and cassette-type plate limited slip differential, and is operated by carbon paddles located behind the steering wheel. Opting for the full exhaust system in titanium removes a further 10 kg from beyond the rear axle. Extremely quick off the line, the Exige Race 380 sprints from 0-60 in just 3.2 secs, and laps the Hethel track in an outstanding 1 minute 23.5 seconds - the fastest ever for an Exige.

Generating even more downforce from the car’s aerodynamics, the Race 380 produces a phenomenal 240 kg at 170 mph, thanks to some careful revisions. Vents are incorporated into the front bodywork and rear bumper to reduce pressure around the wheels and increase downforce; and a grille mounted at the rear aids air circulation through the engine bay. A new front splitter reduces pressure beneath the Exige, whilst the rear diffuser and larger and a straight-cut motorsport rear wing mounted to the bodywork helps modify airflow at the rear of the car.

Helping the Exige exploit its performance, the Race 380 employs Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres as standard (wider 215/45 ZR17 at the front; 265/35 ZR18 at the rear), renowned for their predictable handling and high grip, which are complemented by the car’s ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels. The same attention to detail has been applied to the brakes, with AP Racing forged, four-piston callipers and grooved two-piece brake disc providing the stopping power.

The Exige has long set the benchmark for handling and, to ensure it remains perfectly poised and agile, the Race 380 uses a revised suspension configuration, incorporating 2-way adjustable Öhlins dampers and adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars. This, together with the Lotus Traction Control System, where the amount of wheel slip can be adjusted by the driver from the cockpit, allows owners to fine tune the vehicle’s handling characteristics.

The Exige Race 380 features a full, integrated roll cage, lightweight FIA Carbon driver seat (HANS compatible) and a six-point harness, as well as ultra-lightweight polycarbonate side windows, competition specification fire extinguisher, battery isolator and front and rear motorsport towing eyes. An ultra-lightweight carbon fibre motorsport specific louvered tailgate panel is fitted over the engine and carbon fibre air intake pods are fitted to either side of the car forward of the rear wheels. As with other race cars in the Lotus range, headlamps are replaced by matt black covers and airbags are not included in the specification.

Helping the driver stay on pace, the new Exige Race 380’s colour TFT instrument cluster offers numerous user customisable and programmable screen configurations. Incorporating a track data logger and GPS unit, owners have the opportunity to upgrade this logger with professional data analysis software.

As well as being designed to win, the Exige Race 380 looks exceptional and retains many of the hand-made carbon-fibre components from the Exige Sport 380 including the front inspection cover, hard top and diffuser surround.

The Exige Race 380 is available to order now, priced £99,500 excluding VAT.