Does the Lotus Exige have a Toyota engine?
The Lotus Exige is a remarkable sports car known for its lightweight design and exceptional handling. One of the key components that contribute to its performance is its engine. In this article, we will explore the relationship between the Lotus Exige and Toyota engines, shedding light on the engineering choices that define this iconic vehicle.
The Engine Behind the Exige
Yes, the Lotus Exige is equipped with a Toyota engine. Specifically, it utilizes the Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine, a 1.8-liter inline-four engine that is renowned for its high-revving capabilities and performance characteristics. This engine was chosen for its reliability and performance, making it an ideal fit for the lightweight and agile Exige.
Why a Toyota Engine?
Lotus's decision to use a Toyota engine in the Exige stems from several factors:
- Performance: The 2ZZ-GE engine is known for its VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) technology, which enhances power delivery and efficiency, allowing the Exige to achieve impressive acceleration and speed.
- Reliability: Toyota engines are celebrated for their durability and low maintenance requirements, which aligns with Lotus's commitment to providing a dependable sports car.
- Weight Distribution: The compact size of the Toyota engine helps maintain the Exige's lightweight design, crucial for its handling and performance.
Conclusion
In summary, the Lotus Exige indeed features a Toyota engine, specifically the 2ZZ-GE. This collaboration between Lotus and Toyota exemplifies how strategic partnerships can lead to the creation of high-performance vehicles that deliver both excitement and reliability on the road. Whether you're a car enthusiast or simply curious about the engineering behind the Exige, understanding its Toyota roots adds another layer of appreciation for this exceptional sports car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Toyota own Lotus?
1986 – General Motors and Toyota buy a combined majority share in Group Lotus as co-owners. Toyota sells out to General Motors four months later. 1993 – General Motors sells Lotus to A.C.B.N Holdings S.A. of Luxembourg. 1996- Proton, a Malaysian car company, buys a majority share in the company.
Does Lotus use Toyota parts?
A common perspective shared amongst enthusiasts about modern Lotus vehicles is that while the British-built parts may break often, the Toyota-supplied parts are reliable. This video documenting the problems of a 2013 Evora shows that sometimes even the Toyota parts can cause issues.
Which Lotus has a Toyota engine?
The Evora is equipped with a mid-mounted, transverse, Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre 24-valve 2GR-FE V6 engine. The Evora S uses the same engine but with a supercharger. Both versions are available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with "Intelligent Precision Shift," manufactured by Aisin.
Who makes Lotus engines?
The Lotus Emira, a recent addition to the Lotus lineup, continues the tradition of utilizing Toyota engines. While the base model Emira features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from Mercedes-AMG, the more powerful Lotus Emira V6 is equipped with a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine from Toyota.
Does Toyota still own Lotus?
Any driver who owns Lotus cars can tell you what an incredible driving experience these precision-engineered sports cars provide. But who makes Lotus cars? Currently, Lotus is owned by Geely, a Chinese multinational company, and Etika Automotive.
Does the Lotus Emira use a Toyota engine?
The new Emira went on sale in March 2022 and came with a 3.5 litre supercharged V6 sourced by Toyota.
Why is the Lotus Exige illegal in the US?
There is no way to make a 2011+ Elise or Exige street legal in the US. The re-engineering required was not economical for Lotus, and the Elise was the best seller in one of their largest markets. The V6 Exige has never been federalized, so it would have to be crash tested, etc.
Which Lotus has a Honda engine?
Lotus Type 99T
| NAME | Lotus Type 99T |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | Honda RA166-E V6 turbo |
| POWER OUTPUT | 800 bhp |
| TRANSMISSION | Lotus/Hewland six-speed |
| WEIGHT | 538 kg |
What Japanese car is banned in the US?
Japanese Kei cars
A cute, cheap death trap? Japanese Kei cars banned by yet another US state. Limited in size and power, Kei cars are like fishes out of water on US roads. Kei cars are the antithesis of the big American SUV.
Who supplies Lotus engines?
Esprit Engineering are suppliers of genuine Lotus Engines and Engine Parts and we organise and stock parts that we have had fabricated to replace obsolete Lotus parts.
