Lotus Exige Scura unveiled
October 27, 2009 by Matt Brogan
As spotted by CarAdvice at the Tokyo Motor Show, Lotus have unveiled its latest special edition: the Exige Scura.
The Scura, translated as ‘dark’ from Italian, is so called due to its dramatic matt black and carbon fibre theme. The name ‘Scura’ reflects the stealth character of this already fierce looking Lotus and its stunning soft-feel matt black paint finish.
Limited to just 35 cars globally, this Exige evokes a desire to ‘indulge your dark side’. This is a serious looking car and enhancements to performance and a reduction in weight from the production level Exige S means that the Exige Scura demands to be driven by a serious driver.
Contrasting high gloss ‘Phantom Black’ triple stripes run the length of the car and offer a stunning distinction to the main matt black finish of the bodywork. A carbon fibre front splitter, oil cooler inlet vanes, side air-scoops and rear spoiler provide a weight saving and an aesthetic enhancement to the car.
“The Exige Scura is a strong and aggressive vehicle which offers an adrenaline fuelled experience and is a real head-turner!” said Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars. “Our Exige customers choose Lotus because we deliver thrilling performance and dynamic design and this special edition fits the bill on both counts.”
Continuing the dark ‘Scura’ appearance into the interior, carbon fibre is used extensively to compliment the exterior theme and reduce weight. The seats and centre console are crafted from carbon fibre and the handbrake and gearknob have a special anodised treatment which leaves the metal with an anthracite colour finish. All carbon fibre components have been beautifully finished in high-gloss clear lacquer allowing the weave to remain exposed which gives the cabin a raw and racy ambiance.
Whilst there is no doubt that this is a visually stunning car, the Exige Scura is not just about its looks – it begs to be taken on track, and its racing character encompasses poise, power and technology to make it a serious contender. Equipped with the most powerful engine in the Exige range and generating 191kW, the Exige Scura achieves a top speed around 245km/h and reaches 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds.
Considering the performance on offer, the Exige Scura boasts impressive all around fuel economy with an Official European Combined Cycle figure of 8.5 litres/100 km and 6.5 litres/100km on the Official European Extra Urban Cycle and emissions of 199g/km of CO2.
The Lotus Exige Scura (known as Stealth in the Japanese market) is priced at $139,990* in Australia, plus dealer delivery and statutory government charges.
*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer.
Print it: 
too cool for Australian tastes.
That’s true. It doesn’t have anywhere near enough decals/spoilers/LED daytime driving lights.
Given that Lotus can extract so much power out of a Toyota engine not to mention design such a sleek sport car such as this.. makes you wonder why Toyota didn’t get Lotus to design the FT-86.
IMHO Toyota have never designed a good looking sports car
I dunno the 2000GT from the 60’s looks nice.
I always thought the MR2’s were good loking cars. I also liked the early Celica’s and all of the Supra’s. All down to personal taste I suppose.