FirstDrive: Lexus Exige 265E PrototypeLotus believes that small manufacturers should not take a backseat, writes Shane O'Donoghue
Flexi-fuel vehicles such as those offered in limited numbers by Ford and Saab have the ability to run on any mixture of regular unleaded petrol and 'E85' bio-ethanol, the latter coming from a renewable source that helps to reduce the overall production of CO2 emissions during the car's 'life-cycle'.
This all sounds very commendable, but it's not practical to grow enough crops to satisfy even 10 per cent of the energy currently consumed by the motoring sector.
So why then has Lotus Engineering gone to the trouble of developing a one-off, flexi-fuel version of its Exige coupé?
Is it merely a publicity stunt or has it any relevance to the future of the motor car in general?
James Turner, chief engineer of powertrain research at Lotus, claims that in the short to medium-term, the internal combustion engine simply needs to be more efficient, in order not only to maximise the reserves of fossil fuels on the planet, but also to reduce the car's effect on global warming.
In order to investigate further, Lotus looked at improving the efficiency of an engine in one of its own cars.
Option one involved throwing money and technology at the basic engine. This was ruled out on the grounds that the Toyota engines currently used are fairly optimised to begin with.
Next up was the utilisation of a hybrid powertrain. Not only is this an expensive process, but it adds a significant amount of weight to a car and increases the number of components needed.
The third and chosen option was to change the fuel.
In essence, Lotus believes that alcohol-based fuels are actually better for spark-ignition internal combustion engines, particularly those that are supercharged or turbocharged.
While it's accepted that sports car owners are rarely regulars at Green Party conferences, there's an even more compelling reason for even performance car buyers to support this idea - increased power.
In this Exige 265E prototype, for example, the use of bio-ethanol in the Exige's engine has actually released a substantial increase in performance.
The name of the car refers to the power output, but where this car impresses is in the mid-range, where response is even keener than ever.
If you find a long enough road (or piece of track) on which to extend this engine it is truly, frighteningly fast.
The blurring scenery is accompanied by a manic, banshee-like wail from over your shoulder.
The downside? None that we could find. The 265E holds the road in just the same legendary fashion as any other Exige; it's just got a bigger kick in the kidneys.
Theoretically, fuel consumption is increased, but we traversed fast, sweeping back roads for two hours and only used a quarter of a tank.
The good news is that Lotus could offer this kit for sale on every Exige it produces.
The bad news is that it will not do it - for now.
Regardless of this, Lotus believes that small manufacturers should not leave the future developments to the big players.
Everyone has a role in shaping the future and the Exige 265E is Lotus's way of showing the world what can be done.
Factfile
ENGINE:Mid-mounted transverse Toyota 2ZZ-GE four-cylinder 1.8-litre engine.
Maximum power:264bhp at 8000rpm
Maximum torque:249Nm at 5500rpm
Acceleration:0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds
Top speed:approx 240km/h