Lotus Excel I (Type 89) gallery (1982–1992)
The Lotus Excel was a four-seater GT sports coupe developed as an evolution of the Eclat, featuring Toyota mechanical components.
The Lotus Excel (Type 89) debuted in October 1982 as the successor to the Eclat (initially badged as the Eclat Excel). Retaining Lotus's signature galvanized steel backbone chassis and fiberglass-reinforced composite body, the car was engineered with a 50:50 weight distribution. Thanks to an engineering and component-sharing partnership with Toyota, the Excel utilized the reliable Toyota W58 5-speed manual transmission, driveshafts, rear differential, brakes, and electrical switchgear alongside Lotus's own front suspension. It was powered by the 2.2-liter 16-valve Lotus 912 naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine generating 160 hp. In 1985, the high-compression Excel SE arrived with 180 hp, followed in 1986 by the automatic Excel SA equipped with a 4-speed ZF transmission. A facelift in 1989 introduced restyled bumpers, a reprofiled hood, and an updated rear spoiler before production concluded in 1992.
