350 Roadster has new front clamshell?

[StephVG]

I just noticed on the Geneva show pics that the Roadster's clamshell seems to be a different shape to any I've seen before (on V6S and V6S Roadster or on 350 Coupé), with the "boot" part a different shape. Have I missed something?

 

[PaulLF1]

Well spotted. I wonder if Lotus will put this on the other Exige models?

[Neal H]

It's the one from the 360 Cup.

[StephVG]

Of course! Thanks Neal  So does this one also lift out to reveal access to the battery charging points like the regular one?

[Gashead1105]

isn't it just the access cover that's been redesigned? Front clam looks the same.

[Neal H]

As far as I know it's just a redesigned access hatch cover so everything else (including the clam) will be the same.

[LotusPilot]

It looks like the exact same front clamshell.  Instead of having a "fixed" (i.e., screwed-on) radiator grille attached TO the upper clamshell - with a lift-off services panel - Lotus  appear to have deleted the fixed grille and incorporated it within an enlarged services panel.

Cleaning the radiator finning - and removing leaves from the upper "crap-catcher" - should not require the continued services of a Torx scredriver!

 

Update: The March Parts List includes details of the new "lightweight" Sport 350 rear hatch - but doesn't appear to Illustrate the new front services access panel.

Edited March 3, 2016 by LotusPilot

[DAV1D]

The clam is the same although I think Lotus now use lighter clams on all Exiges compared with the earlier V6 models. The only difference is the inspection panel which is simply a different shape and the same as the one on the 360 CUP. It looks great on the CUP but I'm not sure it works as well in the body colour. Just my opinion.