2000, 2001, 2002
MSRP:$70,000 – $75,000
The 2000–2002 Lotus Exige S1 distilled Lotus’s lightweight philosophy into an especially focused track-oriented road car. Based on the Elise platform, it combined a compact two-seat body with a mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, emphasizing agility and driver involvement rather than comfort or practicality. Its low-slung proportions and minimalistic approach made the Exige feel closer to a competition machine than a conventional sports car, establishing the formula that would define the model through later generations.
A naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder produces 178 hp and 127 lb-ft, driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. With a curb weight of just 1,733 lb, the Exige reaches 136 mph and accelerates from 0–60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The combination of low mass, mid-engine balance, and high-revving power delivery gives the S1 its distinctive character, prioritizing precise handling and responsiveness above outright power.
Sports ConvertibleGasoline$56,000 – $60,000
232
hp
2
seats
16.2
mpg
Super-luxury ConvertibleGasolineCorniche
$65,000 – $90,000
321
hp
4
seats
13.2
mpg
Sports ConvertibleGasoline400 Spyder
$70,000 – $95,000
190
hp
2
seats
17.7
mpg
Medium CabrioletGasolineB3 3.3 Cabrio
$45,000 – $50,000
276
hp
4
seats
20.7
mpg
Sports ConvertibleGasolineBiguà
$100,000 – $150,000
305
hp
2
seats
15.8
mpg
Sports ConvertibleGasoline$130,000 – $180,000
325
hp
2
seats
18.3
mpg
Sports ConvertibleGasoline2.0
$40,000 – $50,000
143
hp
2
seats
32.2
mpg
Medium ConvertibleGasoline1.8
$28,000 – $32,000
123
hp
5
seats
26.1
mpg
