Lotus Excel
The reliable Lotus: a wedge-shaped GT refined by Toyota engineering.
- Power
- 160 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 7.0 s
- Top speed
- 134 mph
- Est. value
- $8k–$27k
About the Lotus Excel
The Lotus Excel was a significant evolution of the Eclat, benefiting from a strategic partnership with Toyota that introduced Japanese reliability to the British sports car. It utilised a Toyota W58 gearbox, differential, and various interior components, all mounted to a galvanised steel backbone chassis that resisted the corrosion issues of its predecessors. Powered by the 2.2-litre Type 912 engine, the Excel offered a 50:50 weight distribution and handling that contemporary testers often preferred over the Porsche 944. Despite its competence and 2+2 practicality, it remained in the shadow of the mid-engined Esprit, resulting in low production numbers.
Lotus Excel specs
The Lotus Excel produces 160 bhp (119 kW) and 217 Nm (160 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 7.0 seconds and has a top speed of 134 mph (216 km/h).
| Make | Lotus |
|---|---|
| Model | Excel |
| Trim | 2.2 |
| Years | 1982–1992 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 2,075 built |
| Engine | 2.2-litre Lotus 912 slant-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,174 cc (2.2 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 160 bhp (119 kW) at 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 217 Nm (160 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 7,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 7.0 s |
| Top speed | 134 mph (216 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,135 kg (2,502 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 141 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Lotus Excel worth?
A typical Lotus Excel is estimated to be worth $7,500 – $27,000 (about £5,600 – £20,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Lotus Excel rarity in CarSpot
The Lotus Excel is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 42 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Lotus Excel fun facts
- The Excel was the last Lotus road car to be launched during the lifetime of company founder Colin Chapman.
- Because of the Toyota partnership, the Excel shared its door handles, gearbox, and alloy wheels with the A60-generation Toyota Supra.
- The body was manufactured using a vacuum-injected resin process, resulting in a lightweight glass-fibre shell that never rusts.
