What appears to be a V6-powered Exige has been spied once again testing just outside Lotus headquarters in Norfolk. Spy photos of the more motent Exige model first surfaced last year.

There’s no confirmation that a V6 engine is motivating this new test mule, but according to the spy photographers the engine sounds more like the Evora than the typical supercharged 4-cylinder found in the Exige. Also of note are the flared rear fenders, possibly used to make room for the larger V6 and most certainly making space for extra rubber to deal with the added power and torque. In the Evora, a new 3.5-liter V6 makes 276-hp, up slightly from 257-hp in the top level Exige. More importantly is the torque increase, of 258 ft-lbs, compared to just 174 ft-lbs.

According to a report by AutoCar, the V6-powered Exige was put on hold over the winter as Lotus brought on a host of new top executives and rethought its business plan. Resumed testing of this more potent V6 model suggests the project has been given the green light.

And with the Evora’s V6 powering the Exige, it can’t be long before Lotus announces a more powerful supercharged Evora.

Hit the link below to check out the spy photos.

[Source: AutoCar]

According to a report by LeftLaneNews, Lotus has been spied testing a version of its Exige, powered by the same V6 engine that can be found in the new Evora.

While some Exige models make as much as 260hp using a supercharged four-cylinder, the Evora’s V6 (sourced from the Toyota Camry) makes 276 ponies without the need for forced induction.

There is the possibility that under the familiar bodywork this is actually the next-generation Exige. There is also a strong possibility that this could be some limited edition model.

Regardless, as the report gives no real photographic evidence to support the V6 claim, and a V6-powered Exige seems to fly in the face of the light-weight Lotus philosophy, we’ll wear our skeptical hat for now.

[Source: LeftLaneNews]