Lotus is a brand that prides itself on having some of the best automotive engineers in the world, something that has always been evident in its sports car fleets. Lotus has always been a name synonymous with motorsports, lightweight and performance-oriented cars. Although ownership has changed several times over the past few decades, along with all the changes that came with them, the company has remained true to its sports philosophy. An excellent example of how true the brand is to these attributes is the Lotus Exige, a nameplate that dates back to the early 2000s.

The Exige sports cars have traveled the world. From the original Series 1 Exige, we’ve seen the Series 2, the Exige S 260, and the performance-inspired GT3, to name a few, with some having a higher marker value than others. But things got a lot more interesting when the brand replaced the standard Exige S with the Lotus Exige Sport 350. Its mid-engine configuration housed a potent 345 hp V6 engine, and the styling, either on the inside or outside, is out of this world. Later, Lotus made a more powerful and track-based Exige Cup 430. As time went on, the British brand decided to combine the essence of the sport 430 and the Sport 350, seemingly connecting the dots. The result is the Lotus Exige Sport 410.

The Lotus Exige Sport 410 made its industry debut in 2018. Created with various traits and cues from the Sport 350 and the Sport 430, the two-door Sport 410 coupe offers the best of both worlds.

In this special Lotus piece, we will explain why the Lotus Exige deserves your garage space, with a closer look at its features, engine, design, and performance.

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The Lotus Exige Sport 410's Detuned Engine Still Has A Strong Punch

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Via: Lotus Cars

The Lotus Exige Sport 410 gets its power from a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 motor, which is essentially a detuned version of the track-focused Exige Cup 430’s engine, which made 430 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft or twist. The detuned version has a peak output of 410 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 310 lb.-ft or torque at 4,000 RPM.

With a sports car that was created to offer an unwavering performance on both the track and the highway, the Sport 410 is a great center point. So, while the detuned engine may seem less powerful on paper, its strong punch makes all the difference behind the wheel.

The Lotus Exige Sport 410 Is A Well-Rounded Sports Car

Lotus Exige Sport 410 Front Angle
Via: Lotus Cars

The styling of the Lotus Exige Sport 410 is not very different from other members of the Exige family. The car has an eye-catching aerodynamic exterior design, with cool-looking headlights and a sporty bumper that houses a large grille and air intakes, which were significantly enlarged to improve cooling efficiency. The Sport 410’s Team Dynamics forged 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels further boost the car’s profile, with Michelin Pilot Sports Cup 2 tires, as well as AP Racing discs and calipers.

Beneath the chassis is the Cup 430 chassis, but, like the engine, it’s been tuned for road use. Also, there is lesser downforce on the 410 than on the drag-focused 430, keeping the car pinned to the ground at all times. To increase performance, Lotus added a rear spoiler, an aluminum diffuser, and a front splitter. The anti-roll bars have also been adjusted to meet the same principles.

In dimension, the Lotus Exige Sport 410 measures 160.8 inches in length, 70.9 inches in width, and 44.4 inches high, with a 93.3-inch-long wheelbase. Also, keep in mind that the Sport 410 only weighs about 2,442.7 pounds, making it one of the most lightweight sports cars you can find.

The interior styling takes on a more elegant, but athletic approach, with a sporty steering wheel and seats. It gets standard power windows, Central Locking Remote Control, and a retro-inspired console. There are a plethora of optional features on the 410, including Alcantara sill covers, cruise control, and carbon fiber seats.

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The Lotus Exige Sport 410 Has Seamless Transitions From Racetrack To Highway

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Via: Lotus

Performance is one thing that separates the Lotus Exige Sport 410 from the rest of the Lotus cars lineage, or any other cars produced within its timeline. It all starts from the engine, which produces loud roars every time you press on the throttle, either when you rev the car or when you’re going at highway speeds. This can be a little irritating at first, but it’s the one thing we can forgive on the Sport 410. The petrol-propelled engine sends power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual, making it one of the few sports cars that have remained true to the manual gearbox.

The steering is very natural and feels soft when making maneuvering at high speeds. You’ll almost feel as if the front wheels are wired to your hands. Though, you might need extra effort to turn at lower speeds. The Chassis is in constant conversation with you as dampers and springs react to every bump or hole in the terrain, but the intuitive construction makes the ride ever-so-pleasant. On the highway, the vehicle dances with every input you make. The manual gearbox provides excellent and unwavering shifts. With its 42-liter fuel tank, you’ll travel as far as 271.8 miles.

And regardless of whether you get your hands on the coupe or roadster version of the Sport 410, you will still manage to achieve a 60-mph sprint in as little as 3.3 seconds, and a top speed of 180 mph. The combination of steering, chassis, and engine performance in a low, light, and (somewhat) narrow two-seater body results in a car that takes your sports car experience to a whole new level. And if that’s not enough to make you want the Lotus Exige Sport 410, you’re simply not a Lotus person.