The subsidiary of Lotus Cars for North America, Lotus Cars USA displayed for the first time in public the brand spanking new MY2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup. Staged at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, this 252 hp, intercooled and supercharged sports beast has had all of its components targeted at maximizing performance for some of the finest race circuits in North America. Based on the road-going Exige S, the Lotus Sport Exige Cup has increased standout appeal with its visually striking standout appeal.
With a super low weight of 1800 lbs the already superb power to weight ratio has been yet further improved moving the output of power from 243 hp to 252 hp. This car is as light as possible due to only the bare essentials remaining. Careful consideration of cutting edge lightweight materials alongside the removal of the front mudflaps, bulkhead trim, central locking and carpets have all played their part. Standard equipment consists of uprated 4-piston front breaks, an up-to-date SCCA-compliant roll cage, track-specific slick tires, adjustable anti-sway bar, adjustable dampers, FIA approved Lotus Sport branded driver's seat that has six-point driver harness (there is no passenger seat) and a ultra-light rear screen (no glass). Efficiency is yet further improved with the Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger running without using the cars oil thanks to its 'sealed-for-life' internal mechanism. An air-jack system and level two stainless steel exhaust with de-cat pipe, FIA approved 70 liter fuel cell and plate type limited slip differential and Star Shield complete this cars unnerving racing bias.
One of the fastest cars to be found on a racing circuit, the Lotus Sport Exige Cup is highly aerodynamic and is capable of in excess of 90 pounds of downforce when traveling at 100mph, ultimately improving traction and safety whilst at top speeds.
Capable of reaching almost 160 mph and a catapulting acceleration of zero to 100 mph in just under 9.8 seconds, a 0-60mph of 3.9 seconds, this sports machine is the ideal partner for a track day nut.
At $84,990, with extra options available, delivery charges and taxes to be paid these cars will amass a large queue of enthusiastic buyers, receiving their car on a purely first come first serve basis.
High Performance Electric Car
When buying insurance, most people ask for "full coverage" without knowing what they're asking for. What's the problem? There is no such thing as "full coverage". While understanding your coverage is important for everyone, it is vitally important if you're driving a Mercedes, BMW, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Viper, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, or Aston Martin.
If you're driving an expensive, exotic or high-performance car, you will want to make sure that after an accident you receive OEM parts, OEM paint, the ability to repair your vehicle at the auto body shop of your choice, and the amount of money needed for the repair.
Repairing an expensive car with non-OEM parts and/or improper workmanship will result in substantial diminished value. With expensive cars, even a proper repair will result in diminished value. What is diminished value? It is the lowered market value of a vehicle subsequent to repair. For instance, a Porsche or Ferrari will be worth less after an accident, even after it has been properly repaired. For research on diminished value, see http://www.hurt911.org/accident/car-accident-car-value.html
You do not want to get into an argument with your insurance company as to whether or not your vehicle can be repaired or should be totaled. Often, insurance companies will want to repair your car, when you think it should be totaled. If the insurance company agrees to total your car, most insurance policies only provide "actual cash value" insurance coverage which would only give you with a payment based on the current replacement cost of your vehicle, less depreciation (the decrease in the value of your car due to use, deterioration and the passage of time).
In the event that an exotic or high-priced car is totaled, the best replacement coverage is "agreed value" or "stated value". The only insurance companies I have found to offer agreed value insurance are Chubb and MetLife.
Chubb's web site states: "You and Chubb can agree on a value and lock it in for a full year. That's the exact amount you'll receive if your car is stolen or totaled in a covered loss. Never mind the "book" value. We even waive the deductible. No haggling, no depreciation, no deductible, no problem."
MetLife's web site states: Equivalent New Automobile Replacement for Total Loss is offered for vehicles within the first year of purchase or the first 15,000 miles, whichever comes first.
What's the difference between Chubb's "Agreed Value Option" and MetLife's "Equivalent New Automobile Replacement" coverage? For high-value cars, Chubb is definitely the better choice. Chubb offers its agreed value coverage every year and readjusts the agreed value upon policy renewal. From what I have seen, the adjusted agreed value even years and over 100,000 miles later is substantially higher than actual value. Additionally, on a different topic, Chubb also offers up to $1 million of underinsured coverage, which is also vitally important. Make sure you ask your Chubb agent for the maximum underinsured coverage.
For average value new cars, MetLife is a good choice. MetLife does not offer its Equivalent New Automobile Replacement coverage after the first year or first 15,000 miles. For drivers of most new cars, this is still a good value because it is not uncommon for someone to total their new car soon after purchasing it. Usually, just driving a car out of the showroom can result in as much as $10,000 depreciation.
Both Alex Rider & Philip L. Franckel, Esq. are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
