Lotus Exige S1
A raw, road-legal racer that defined the modern Lotus ethos.
- Power
- 177 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 4.7 s
- Top speed
- 136 mph
- Est. value
- $50k–$85k
About the Lotus Exige S1
The Series 1 Exige was born as a road-going version of the Lotus Motorsport Elise race car, featuring a fixed roof and aggressive aerodynamics. It is powered by the high-strung 'Very High Performance Derivative' (VHPD) of the Rover K-series engine, which requires commitment to keep on the boil. With unassisted steering and a focus on extreme weight reduction, it offers one of the most tactile and unfiltered driving experiences of any modern sports car. Its rarity and status as the original Exige have made it a highly sought-after collector's item.
Lotus Exige S1 specs
The Lotus Exige S1 produces 177 bhp (132 kW) and 171 Nm (126 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 136 mph (219 km/h).
| Make | Lotus |
|---|---|
| Model | Exige |
| Generation | S1 |
| Trim | 1.8 |
| Years | 2000–2001 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 604 built |
| Engine | 1.8-litre Rover K-series VHPD inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc (1.8 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 177 bhp (132 kW) at 7,800 rpm |
| Torque | 171 Nm (126 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 8,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 4.7 s |
| Top speed | 136 mph (219 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 780 kg (1,720 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 227 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 Exige S1 worth?
A typical Lotus Exige S1 is estimated to be worth $50,000 – $85,000 (about £37,000 – £63,000).
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 Exige S1 rarity in CarSpot
The Lotus Exige S1 is an Epic card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 67 out of 100. Supercars and serious performance cars, typically worth around £100,000 to £250,000. An Epic card is worth 80 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 Exige S1 fun facts
- The Exige S1's rear wing was borrowed directly from the Lotus Esprit Sport 350 to provide functional downforce.
- Only 604 units were produced globally before production shifted to the Toyota-powered Series 2.
- The car was so track-focused that air conditioning was only added as an option late in the production run to help demist the cabin.
