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LOTUS EXIGE V6 FITMENT
The Lotus Exige V6 (2012–2021) takes the legendary Elise platform and transforms it into a road-legal race car. The supercharged Toyota 2GR V6 produces 345 hp (S) to 430 hp (Cup 430), stuffed into a chassis weighing under 2,400 lbs. The result is a power-to-weight ratio that matches or beats cars costing ten times as much. Later V6 models use a 5x114.3 bolt pattern with a 68.1mm center bore. On a car this light, forged wheels aren't a luxury — they're essential for preserving the Exige's razor-sharp character.
Quick Reference
Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 | Center Bore: 68.1mm | Hub Type: Conical Seat | Lug Torque: 100 Nm (74 ft-lb)
Note: Early 4-cylinder Exige S1 models used 4x100. Verify your bolt pattern before ordering.
17"/18" Staggered — Track Standard
The Exige V6's wider rear haunches and mid-engine layout demand a staggered setup. The 17/18 split provides a nimble front end with a wide rear contact patch — essential for a car with 400+ hp and under 2,400 lbs.
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17/18" Track Stagger
The proven stagger for serious track use — maximum rear grip with a nimble front end.
- Recommended Front: 17x7.5 ET26
- Recommended Rear: 18x9.5 ET35
- Street Tires: 215/45R17 Front, 265/35R18 Rear
- Track Tires (200TW): 225/45R17 Front, 275/35R18 Rear
Why this setup: The 7.5" front with a 215/225mm tire keeps the front end incredibly light — critical for a mid-engine car where the front axle carries minimal weight. The wider 9.5" rear with a 265/275mm tire provides enormous traction for the supercharged V6's power. ET35 rear keeps the tire centered in the wider rear arch. The front fender is tighter — ET24 is the minimum safe offset. The AP Racing brake calipers on Sport/Cup models require careful spoke clearance at 17".
17"/18" Staggered — Street & Canyon
For canyon carving and spirited street driving, a slightly narrower setup provides better ride quality and more forgiving handling characteristics.
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17/18" Flush Street Stagger
A more conservative setup for canyon carving and weekend drives.
- Recommended Front: 17x7 ET30
- Recommended Rear: 18x9 ET38
- Tires: 205/45R17 Front, 255/35R18 Rear
Why this setup: The narrower widths with higher offsets tuck the wheels safely inside the arches for worry-free daily driving. The 205mm front tire still provides more grip than the Exige's modest front-axle weight can fully exploit. The 255mm rear handles the supercharged V6's output comfortably without the snap-oversteer risk that wider, stickier tires can create on a short-wheelbase mid-engine car.
Recommended Tires by Use Case
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Exige V6 Tire Selection Guide
- Street Performance: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S — outstanding wet and dry grip. The progressive breakaway suits the Exige's communicative, lightweight chassis.
- Track Day (200TW): Yokohama Advan A052 — highest peak grip. The Exige on A052s is one of the fastest cars pound-for-pound at any track event.
- Lotus Cup: Hankook Ventus RS4 — the spec tire for many Lotus racing series. Consistent, durable, and cost-effective.
- Canyon/Spirited: Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 — firm sidewall for crisp turn-in at a strong value.
The Lotus Weight Philosophy
- "Simplify, then add lightness": The Exige embodies Colin Chapman's philosophy more than any other modern Lotus. At under 2,400 lbs, every gram of unsprung weight matters more than on any other car in our catalog.
- Forged is mandatory: The Exige was designed to be lightweight. Running cast wheels contradicts the car's fundamental engineering principle. A forged 17x7.5 at under 13 lbs is transformative.
- Brake cooling: The Exige runs hot — open spoke designs improve airflow to the AP Racing brakes, reducing fade during extended track sessions.
Configure Your Set →