Review The Lotus Excel Sports Car

Review The Lotus Excel Sports Car

A review of The Lotus Excel Sports Car, discuss improvements, important features, and technical data is in the range of 27 models Lotus.

In this post, I provide you with a nostalgic look at the Lotus Excel, regarded as one of the exclusive group of classic cars, which is generated during the period 1982-1992.

Excel Lotus sports car released in 1982, and submit the name of the Type 89.

In terms of design, it is similar in shape to Eclat, where it is focused, but had a much softer styling in the nose, along with integrated lights, bumper and spoiler.

The result is a stylish 2 + 2 sports coupe.

As the upper body molding accept a design that is much more intense, the lower half is stored on the Eclat.



It was because of this that the car was also referred to as Eclat Excel, and even Eclat 3.

Interestingly, the first batch of production of Excel displayed "Eclat" badge on the boot, and "Excel" badge on the rear wing.

However, in late 1983, this anomaly has been removed.

At about this time, Toyota started to become a 20% shareholder in the Lotus and, as part of the contract, it allows Lotus to use many of their mechanical elements.

As a result, the original Excel using the gearbox, drive shaft, differential, wheels, and the doorknob of the Toyota Supra Grand Tourer.

Excel is supported by Lotus 912, 2174 cc, 4-cylinder, double overhead cam, all aluminum engine, as previously used in Esprit Series 3.

Equipped with two twin choke carburettor Dell'Orto DHLA 45E, produces 160 bhp, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 134 mph.

In October 1985, Excel SE was launched, as well as the 912 engine was further improved to ensure that the SE variants now developed 180 bhp, with a best speed of 135 mph.

This model changes, including changes to the bumpers, wings and interior, along with the new dashboard.

In October 1986, the version of Excel SA is included in the range, and served the addition of four-speed ZF automatic transmission, which is targeted at the US market.

In 1989, adjustments include rearview mirror was taken from the Citroen, and OZ alloy 15-inch wheels, as used in Esprit.

Excel receives credibility for great cornering and handling characteristics because, to some extent, to the 50:50 weight distribution.

It used galvanized steel chassis, the rear suspension is tight, Toyota's five-speed gearbox, disc brakes all in all, while increasing passenger space.

During the period 1982-1992, Excel undergone a number of changes, the more important where there included:

1984 - fitting the body color bumper, hats now louvered, spoiler added to boot

1985 - extended wheel arches, boot lid increased in size

1986 - high-compression engine variants became available, the steering column is now adaptable, air conditioning system developed

1989 - hood was modified, such as the front and rear spoiler

The following reliability issues with previous versions, the increase is designed to Excel, although the shortage is still far below its nearest rival over the years, Porsche 944.

Ten-year production run ended in 1992, when the 2159 Lotus Excel developed, reflecting record sales were disappointing.

The main factor is due to the fact that Excel was never officially sold in the US, since Lotus thinks that it can not manage to meet the stringent US emission control systems.

It marks the end of the Lotus Excel

Maybe this walk down memory lane might answer, or at least explained, the question might be:

What Lotus Sports Car Is Your Favorite?

However, should this question continues to be missed, let me review, in some elements, in a future article in this blog, the whole range of Lotus sports cars which are reviewed in the memories of the era spanning 1952-1996.