View source for Lotus Excel

{{short description|Sports car}}
{{Distinguish|text=[[Lotus 1-2-3]], a competitor to [[Microsoft Excel]]}}
{{distinguish|Hyundai Excel}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2017}}
{{more citations needed|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox automobile
| image        = 1986 Lotus Excel S.E., front right.jpg
| name         = Lotus Excel
| manufacturer = [[Lotus Cars]]
| production   = {{ubl | 1982–1992 | 2,075 built}}
| assembly     = United Kingdom: [[Hethel]], [[Norfolk]]
| designer = [[Oliver Winterbottom]]
| predecessor  = [[Lotus Eclat]]
| class        = [[Sports car]] ([[S-Segment|S]])
| successor  = 
| body_style   = 2-door [[2+2 (car body style)|2+2]] [[coupe]]
| layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive]]
| engine       = 2.2&nbsp;L [[Lotus 900 series#Type 912|''Lotus 912'' I4]]
| transmission = {{unbulleted list
|5-speed ''[[Toyota W transmission#W58|Toyota W58]]'' [[Manual transmission|manual]]
|4-speed [[ZF Friedrichshafen|ZF]] [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
}}
| length       = {{convert|4398|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| wheelbase    = {{convert|2483|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| height       = {{convert|1207|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| width        = {{convert|1816|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| weight       = {{unbulleted list
|{{convert|1168|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|1135|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (S.E)<ref name="motor"/>
}}
| related      = [[Lotus Eclat]]
}}

The '''Lotus Excel''' (Type 89) is a [[sports car]] designed and built by British automobile manufacturer [[Lotus Cars]] from 1982 to 1992. It is based on the design of the earlier [[Lotus Eclat]], which itself was based on the earlier [[Lotus Elite#Types 75 and 83 (1974–82)|Lotus Type 75 Elite]].

==Development==

[[Toyota]] engaged Lotus to assist with the engineering work on the [[Toyota Supra|Supra]]. During this period, Toyota became a major shareholder in Lotus, later giving up their holding when [[General Motors]] bought Lotus.

Part of the deal between Lotus and Toyota included the use of many Toyota mechanical components in Lotus' cars. The original Excel (aka the Eclat Excel) used the [[Toyota W transmission#W58|W58 manual transmission]], driveshafts, rear differential, 14x7&nbsp;inch alloy wheels, and door handles from the A60 Supra. The engine was the familiar all-aluminium, [[DOHC]] 2.2&nbsp;L [[Lotus 900 series#Type 912|Lotus 912]] slant-four engine also used in the [[Lotus Esprit]] S3, producing {{cvt|160|hp|kW PS|0}}.

== Overview ==
Launched in October 1982, the Excel received two major upgrades during its 10-year production run. With the introduction of the Excel SE in October 1985, the bumpers, wing and interior were changed, including a new dashboard. In October 1986 the Excel SA with an automatic gearbox was introduced.<ref name="AR87">{{cite book | ref = AR87 | title = Automobil Revue 1987 | editor-last = Büschi | editor-first = Hans-Ulrich | publisher = Hallwag AG | location = Berne, Switzerland | language = de, fr | page = 357 | volume = 82 |date=5 March 1987 | isbn = 3-444-00458-3 }}</ref> Further facelifts in 1989 saw [[Citroën CX]]-derived mirrors, as also featured on the Esprit, and 15&nbsp;inch [[OZ Group|OZ]] alloy wheels to a similar pattern as the Esprit's.

The body was made from vacuum injected resin and was made in upper and lower halves which were joined, evident from a piece of black trim around the car. The body was mounted onto a galvanised steel backbone chassis. This manufacturing process gave the car a good level of structural rigidity. The suspension system consisted of a single transverse lower arm coupled with an anti-roll bar and a wishbone above the lower arm at the front while at the rear the wishbone was mounted below the transverse links. Coil springs and dampers were used throughout.<ref name="motor">{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/september-1986/72/new-cars-lotus-excel-se|title=New Cars: Lotus Excel SE|first=Gordon|last=Cruickshank|date=7 July 2014 |publisher=Motorsports Magazine|access-date=12 May 2020}}</ref>

The Excel is also known for its cornering and handling due to 50:50 [[weight distribution]].

The Excel was never formally imported or made available in the US, but one was imported for evaluation in 1987. According to the importer "In early 1987 we imported one Excel (an SE, LHD, white with a blue half leather interior), on a carnet for evaluation and public review. It was returned to LCL, Hethel 6 months later as required by the carnet and US regulations."

The decision not to release the model in the USA was due to that country's stringent emission regulations (which would hinder the car's performance), and poor sales of the car in Europe.

By 1991, Lotus was planning to replace the Excel with a coupé version of the [[Lotus Elan|Elan]] roadster, but these plans were shelved as a result of falling sales which saw the whole Elan project cancelled and no direct replacement for the Excel when it was discontinued in 1992.

415 are still registered in the United Kingdom as of 2011, but 240 of them are [[Vehicle excise duty|SORN]] (Statutory Off Road Notification).<ref>{{cite web|author=Olly Smith |url=http://howmanyleft.co.uk/vehicle/lotus_eclat_excel |title=LOTUS ECLAT EXCEL - How Many Left? |publisher=Howmanyleft.co.uk |access-date=30 September 2011}}</ref>

==Model Year changes==

===1984===
From 1984 the Eclat Excel was referred to as the Excel. Body-coloured bumpers were introduced. It also received a louvered bonnet, a boot spoiler, and new eight-spoke alloy wheels became an option. The Lotus badge was all black background to mark the death of founder Colin Chapman.

===1985===
The front [[Fender (vehicle)|wheel arch profile]] was flared, but it became no wider overall. The boot opening was made larger, while front fog lamps and a [[VDO (company)|VDO]] instrument cluster were installed. 15-inch wheels became an option.

===1986===
[[File:1986 Lotus Excel S.E. rear.jpg|thumb|Rear view of 1986 Lotus Excel S.E.]]
In October 1985, for the 1986 model year, the '''S.E.''' option arrived, coupled with the more powerful H.C. (High Compression) engine. The engine received a power increase to {{convert|180|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} and had red cam covers to further distinguish it from the standard engine. Other changes included a higher compression ratio of 10.9:1, higher lift inlet cams and larger portion to inlet and exhaust valves. Torque was marginally increased to {{convert|165|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} and the engine was fed by two 45&nbsp;mm twin-choke Dellorto carburettors. The fascia and switchgears were modified on all Excel models, along with an upgraded air conditioning system (an extra-cost option) and a standard adjustable steering column. The standard Excel remained available alongside the pricier S.E.<ref name="motor"/>

===1987===
For 1987 the ''S.A.'' [[Automatic gearbox|automatic]] model was made available, equipped with a [[ZF Friedrichshafen|ZF]] four-speed unit. With a focus on comfort, it also offered [[cruise control]] and [[Power door locks|central door locking]].

===1988===
In 1988 the Excel received a number of under-the-shell improvements, including a lighter, cross-drilled crankshaft, new engine mounting legs and bell housing, altered rear body mounts, a boot floor brace and revised body shell undertray, and a revised fuel system. In terms of appearance, the 1988 Excel looked mostly as it had done since 1984.

===1989===
[[File:1990 Lotus Excel 2.2 (26828048681) (cropped).jpg|thumb|A 1990 Excel, showing the external upgrades introduced for 1989]]
In 1989 the Excel was given another makeover, with a restyled bonnet, new front and rear spoilers, updated wheels and interior trim. The wing mirrors were changed to the aerodynamic ones from the [[Citroën CX]]. The engine received an air intake temperature control system for increased longevity. The Excel continued to be built in small numbers until the plug was pulled in 1992.

===Hethel 25th Anniversary Celebration edition===
Only forty of the "Hethel 25th Anniversary Celebration edition" were produced, 35 in Celebration Green Metallic and 5 in Calypso Red. This special edition received a [[Clarion (car audio)|Clarion]] CDC 9300 [[head unit]], a remote control stacking CD player and upgraded speakers, red instrument lighting, air conditioning, a full tan leather interior with perforated leather panels and tan leather-clad steering wheel. The floors were carpeted in 100 per cent [[Wilton, Wiltshire|Wilton]] wool. The car's technical specifications were as for the standard Excel.<ref>official Lotus "Hethel Celebration Excel" sales brochure and from the www.lotusexcel.net website</ref>

==Models produced==
* Excel     1982–1992
* Excel S.E.  1985–1992
* Excel S.A.  1986–1992

== In Popular Culture ==
[[File:James May's Top Gear Lotus Excel Motorhome 001.jpg|thumb|159x159px|James May's 1987 Excel S.E., modified into motorhome for ''Top Gear.'']]
In 2010, a 1987 Excel S.E was featured in [[Top Gear (series 15)|Season 15]], Episode 4 of ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]].'' Modified by [[James May]] into a motorhome, it featured a roofbox-style sleeping accommodation with a passageway to the car's interior.<ref>{{Citation |last=Churchward |first=Phil |title=Building Motor Homes |date=2010-10-18 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1691304/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |series=Top Gear |others=Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May |last2=Ford |first2=Lee |last3=Simpkiss |first3=Nigel}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 January 2011 |title=Motorhomes challenge, part 1/3 (Series 15, Episode 4) |url=https://www.topgear.com/videos/jeremy-clarkson/motorhomes-challenge-part-13-series-15-episode-4 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |website=Topgear.com}}</ref>

A 1983 Excel was used in the 2012 ''Top Gear'' special "50 Years of Bond Cars."<ref>{{cite web |title=Top Gear - 50 Years of Bond Cars |url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt2486902/ |website=[[IMDb]]}}</ref> The Excel was modified into a functioning [[submarine]] similar to "[[Wet Nellie]]," the 1976 [[Lotus Esprit]] used in the [[James Bond]] film ''[[The Spy Who Loved Me (film)|The Spy Who Loved Me]].'' Driven by [[Richard Hammond]], the car successfully operated as both a submarine and road car.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lotus Excel in "Top Gear" |url=http://www.imcdb.org/v544925.html |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=IMCDb.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=PETRÁNY |first=MÁTÉ |date=January 25, 2019 |title=When Top Gear Outdid James Bond's Q Division |url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/entertainment/a26038487/top-gear-james-bond-submarine-lotus/ |access-date=January 6, 2024 |website=Road & Track}}</ref>

[[File:Top Gear 007 Lotus Excel Submarine car at Top Gear Live event (Ank Kumar) 03.jpg|thumb|160x160px|1983 Excel used in the ''Top Gear'' special "50 Years of Bond Cars."]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.lotusexcel.net/ Lotus Excel Register/Owners Club ]
* [http://www.lotusexcel.co.uk/ Lotus Excel info. and maintenance site ]

{{Lotus}}

[[Category:Lotus vehicles|Excel]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Sports cars]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:1990s cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1982]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1992]]