2007 LOTUS EXIGE S 220 'CUP' (S2) - LHD

This Lotus Exige S is a bespoke and pared-back track car that features a raft of performance-enhancing modifications, and which is ready to thrill on any given circuit. Its engine is the 1.8-litre supercharged inline-four, tuned to 263bhp at the flywheel, driving the rear wheels via a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 1,300 miles from new.

It was supplied new via Lotus dealer PB Racing in Bergamo, Italy, owned by touring car driver Stefano D'Aste. The first owner, who is a friend of the current (second) owner, used it sparingly for a few track days in its stock form, totalling around 15 hours of running time.

After this initial use, the car was extensively modified, both cosmetically and mechanically. The front and rear clamshells were upgraded to lightweight motorsport-specification fibreglass items, and a carbon-fibre roof was also added. It was fitted with lightened doors – featuring carbon-fibre interior trim panels – as well as Lexan side windows. Carbon-fibre components were also used for the front lip spoiler, rear diffuser, side skirts, door mirror, service panels, and the GT3 rear wing. There are mandatory tow hooks at the front and rear, and there is wiring in place for additional endurance driving lights.

Inside, the cabin was stripped down to the basics, and fitted with a Lotus motorsport roll cage. A Recaro bucket seat was installed for the driver, while a moulded Lotus item was fitted on the passenger side. Both seats were given OMP racing harnesses. A plumbed-in fire extinguisher system was added, along with a lightweight motorsport battery and an external kill switch. The steering wheel was swapped to a dished and suede-trimmed OMP quick-release rim, a Motec MDD digital dashboard display was installed, and it was given a brake bias adjustable pedal box.

The powertrain, cooling, and fuel systems were upgraded with silicone hoses throughout, as well as steel braided fuel lines and uprated supercharger hoses. It was fitted with a carbon-kevlar air intake, larger intercooler, Laminova heat exchanger, and an oil cooler. A motorsport coolant radiator was installed, along with an ATL fuel cell, an additional high-pressure fuel pump, and pressure regulator. It was given a baffled aluminium sump pan, an automatic Accusump system, a two-litre oil catch can, and braided oil lines.

These modifications were rounded off by a Motec M400 drive-by-wire ECU, and the engine now produces 263bhp at the aluminium flywheel. It was also fitted with a close-ratio gearbox, motorsport clutch, upgraded gear selection cables, and a GT3-specification titanium exhaust.

Its suspension was uprated to keep the car planted, with race-specification uniball TIG welded T45 tube wishbones at the front and rear, billet uprights all round, and rose-jointed billet front steering arms. Two-way Öhlins shock absorbers were installed, along with an upgraded solid mount anti-roll bar, and higher grade wheel studs. The braking system also received upgrades, with floating discs of 305mm at the front and 300mm at the rear. The front discs were given four-pot AP Racing calipers, while the rears have two-piston AP Racing items. Braided brake lines were installed throughout.

In its significantly more powerful and focused form, this Exige S saw just five further hours of use with the first owner, before being put into storage for a year. As the current owner knew this gentleman, he was offered the chance to buy the car, and did so, subsequently shipping it to the UK where it went into indoor storage for another six years.

Today, this Exige S built to a custom ‘Cup’ specification presents in good order, with the seller noting various chips and blemishes as expected from a used racing car, minor cracks in the carbon-fibre roof, and some gel coat damage to the front wings. It is fitted with the five-spoke Lotus Sport forged alloy wheels as seen on the Exige 240R, with a 16-inch diameter at the front and 17-inch at the rear, which are all in great shape.

Mechanically, this car is reported to be in superb condition. It has recently had an oil service, as well as a full ‘nut and bolt’ inspection, and is ready to be put into use as a thrilling track day toy. The seller states it could be used for competitive events as well, though it would need some mandatory elements to be updated or renewed – including the seats, harnesses, and fire suppression system.

The car is not road-registered, and has not been subject to annual MOT inspections. It will be supplied wearing new and unused Toyo Proxes R888R semi-slick tyres in size 205/45 ZR16 at the front and 235/40 ZR17 at the rear.

Famed for its engaging lightweight chassis and razor-sharp handling, the Exige S2 is an ideal platform for further tuning. In this case, it has undergone a detailed cosmetic transformation, and has received extensive mechanical upgrades, to produce what must be one of the most exciting examples of the model. This Exige S 220 has been modified at significant expense, and is now offered as a turn-key track car that can be immediately enjoyed on the circuit by its next owner.