LEGENDARY sports car maker Lotus has completed its Exige line-up with the arrival of a new lightweight version which boasts race car performance and handling.

The new Exige Sport 410 has been developed directly from the track-focused Exige Cup 430, and comes with the same advanced chassis, suspension and powertrain set-up as its more powerful stablemate.

The 3.5 litre, supercharged, V6 engine has, however, been recalibrated to produce 410 hp (416 PS) at 7,000 rpm - 20 hp less than the track car - but even so it will hit 60mph from standstill in a neck-wrenching 3.3seconds, a mere 0.1 of a second less than its race-tuned sister car. Top speed of the Coupe version is 180mph.

Weighing-in at 1,054 kg, it's even lighter than the 430 and is the lightest V6 Exige ever with a class-leading power to weight ratio of 389 hp / tonne.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc said, "We have taken the Exige Cup 430, the ultimate track-centric Exige, and developed it into the perfect road orientated sports car, ensuring that we stay ahead of rivals when it comes to cars that deliver a truly engaging analogue driving experience."

The newcomer is available in both Coupe and Roadster configurations with prices starting at £85,600.