← Lotus Exige · 2012-2021 · S3

Lotus Exige S3

Headline trim: Cup 430 — 430 bhp, 0-60 in 3.2s.

press photo
Verdict
A
BHP
430 bhp
0–60
3.2 s
Top speed
180 mph
MPG
23 mpg (US)
Used
$70,000-$178,000

Strengths

  • 3.5 V6 SC sounds amazing
  • Sub-1,200 kg with 430 bhp
  • Cup 430 cult money

Weaknesses

  • Cabin extreme
  • Final cars expensive
  • Service via Hethel only

Notable tech

  • Bonded aluminium chassis
  • Fixed-roof coupe (Roadster also offered)
  • Toyota 2GR 3.5 V6 SC
  • 6MT only
  • S / V6 Cup / Sport 350 / Sport 380 / Sport 410 / Cup 430 / Cup 430 Final Edition

Common issues

  • V6 charge-cooler pump
  • Front splitter cracks
  • Clutch wear track

Engine derivatives

US-spec trims and engines offered across S3's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.

Pick two engines to compare
V6 3.5 SC S
BHP345
Torque400 Nm
0–603.8 s
Top170 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox6MT
V6 Sport 380
BHP375
Torque410 Nm
0–603.7 s
Top178 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox6MT
V6 Sport 410
BHP410
Torque420 Nm
0–603.4 s
Top180 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox6MT
V6 Cup 430
BHP430
Torque440 Nm
0–603.2 s
Top180 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox6MT