Lotus Excel

Lotus Excel
Overview
Manufacturer Lotus Cars
Production 1982–1992
Body and chassis
Class Sports car
Body style 2-door coupe
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related Lotus Eclat
Powertrain
Engine 2.2 L Lotus 912 I4
Transmission 5-speed Toyota W58 manual
4-speed ZF automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,483 mm (97.8 in)
Length 4,398 mm (173.1 in)
Width 1,816 mm (71.5 in)
Height 1,207 mm (47.5 in)
Curb weight 1,168 kg (2,575 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor Lotus Eclat

The Type 89 Lotus Excel, built from 1982 to 1992, is a front-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car designed and built by Lotus. It was based on the design of the earlier Lotus Eclat, which itself was based on the earlier Lotus Elite II.

Development

Toyota engaged Lotus to assist with engineering work on the Supra. During this period, Toyota became a major shareholder in Lotus, later giving up their holding when General Motors bought Lotus.

Part of the deal between Lotus and Toyota included the use of many Toyota mechanical components in Lotus' cars. The original Excel (aka the Eclat Excel) used the W58 manual transmission, driveshafts, rear differential, 14x7 in alloy wheels, and door handles from the Supra Mk II, which was made from 1982 to 1986. The engine was the familiar all-aluminium, DOHC 2.2 L Lotus 912 Slant Four (which was used in the Lotus Esprit S3).

Upgrades

During its lifetime, the Excel received two major upgrades. With the introduction of the Excel SE (a 180 bhp (134 kW; 182 PS) engine vs the standard 160 bhp (119 kW; 162 PS) engined car) in October 1985, the bumpers, wing and interior were changed, including a new dashboard. In October 1986 the Excel SA with automatic gearbox was introduced.[1] Further facelifts in 1989 saw Citroën-derived mirrors, as featured on the Esprit, and 15 inch OZ alloy wheels to a similar pattern as the Esprit's.

The Excel is also known for its high cornering power and excellent handling thanks to 50:50 weight distribution.

According to Lotus records, only 1 Excel was manufactured to USA specification. The lack of release in the USA was due to the high emission regulations (which would hinder the car's performance), and poor sales of the car in Europe.

415 are still registered in the United Kingdom as of 2011, but 240 of them are SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).[2] James May purchased one on the television show Top Gear in the fourth episode of season 15. Top Gear also used a Lotus Excel in the James Bond 50th Anniversary Special and converted it into a submarine. This was done to prove the Lotus Esprit used in The Spy Who Loved Me wasn't science fiction.

Model Year changes

1984

1985

1986

Rear view of 1986 Lotus Excel S.E. (Sweden)

1987

1988

1989

Hethel 25th Anniversary Celebration edition

Models produced

1985 Lotus Excel

References

  1. ↑ Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (5 March 1987). Automobil Revue 1987 (in German and French). 82. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 357. ISBN 3-444-00458-3.
  2. ↑ Olly Smith. "LOTUS ECLAT EXCEL - How Many Left?". Howmanyleft.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-09-30.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lotus Excel.
Lotus production car timeline, 1950–present
Type 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456
Sports racer Mark VIII Mark IX Eleven 15 17 19 23 30 40 47 62
Mark VI Seven 340R 2-Eleven
Roadster Elan Elan M100 Elise Elise
Coupé Elite Elan Exige Exige Exige
Eclat Excel Evora
Grand tourer Elan +2 Elite
Europa Esprit Europa S
Saloon Ford Cortina Lotus Ford Cortina Lotus Carlton/Omega
Race cars
Related cars
Concept cars
Key figures
Group Lotus
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