Widebody Lotus Exige S240: A 16-Year Time Attack Build

This widebody Lotus Exige S240 has been sixteen years in the making, and its owner, Erick Marin (@le_batkid), still isn't calling it finished. Photography is by Adam Delgadillo. Here's the story in Erick's own words, followed by the full build list.

Meet the Owner Behind the Widebody Lotus Exige

Hi, my name is Erick. I've always been the type of person who enjoys staying busy, challenging myself, and pursuing things that most people wouldn't ordinarily consider. It's a mindset that's followed me throughout my life, even leading me to earn my private pilot's license at 38 years old. So, for those who know me, my somewhat unconventional collection of cars probably doesn't come as much of a surprise.

My passion for cars started in high school when my buddy Steve had a four-door '90s Honda Civic with a body kit and the obligatory fart can exhaust. I thought that thing was the bee's knees. Naturally, when I got my driver's license, I wanted a Civic more than anything. Instead, my mom surprised me with a beautiful red 1995 Plymouth Neon. It wasn't quite what I'd envisioned, but that little car became my first real project and sparked my appreciation for building something unique. I still own it to this day, and it'll always have a special place in my collection.

From a Lotus Elise to the Exige S240

Fast-forward to my early twenties. I was headed to the beach with friends when I spotted a beautiful 2005 Lotus Elise for sale. I remember saying, "If that car is anywhere near $30,000, I'm buying it." Mind you, I was an E-3 in the Navy, so financial responsibility wasn't exactly my priority. Nevertheless, I bought it.

A few years later, a drunk driver totalled the car, but the insurance settlement gave me enough equity to explore my next purchase. My search included an Acura NSX, Porsche GT2, Ferrari F355, and Noble M12 GTO-3R. Part of me still wishes I'd bought that Ferrari, but after an endless wild goose chase, I ended up with my 2008 Lotus Exige S240, and I certainly can't complain.

Building a Time Attack-Inspired Widebody Lotus Exige

I've now owned my widebody Lotus Exige for roughly 16 years, and it's become one of my favourite projects. I started documenting simple modifications on YouTube and quickly realized how few people were modifying these cars compared to more mainstream platforms. While the Exige is beautiful in factory form, I've always enjoyed making something great my own.

Having tracked the car before, with plans to continue, I've drawn inspiration from the aggressive, functional look of time-attack builds. Over the years, I've blended that influence with modern styling to create something that reflects my personality while preserving what makes the Lotus special.

Is It Finished? The K24 Swap and What Comes Next

People often ask whether the car is finished, and my answer is usually some variation of yes, no, and maybe. The next major chapter will likely involve a Honda K24 engine swap, which should bring an entirely new level of performance and possibilities to the platform. Beyond that, I'm sure I'll continue finding little things to change, improve, or experiment with.

I've never really viewed modifying cars as something with a definitive finish line. For me, it's about the process, the challenges, and the satisfaction of bringing an idea to life. From that little red Plymouth Neon to the Lotus I've spent the better part of two decades building, the passion has remained the same. The cars may have changed, but the curiosity that started it all never did.

Widebody Lotus Exige S240 Full Build List

Erick's widebody Lotus Exige is a proper who's who of the good stuff, from Forgeline forged wheels and APR carbon aero to Radium Engineering oiling and cooling hardware, all sitting under an Industry Garage widebody. Want to see how far other owners push the platform? FastX's twin-turbo Lotus Elise is worth a look, and for another widebody done properly, check out this 1 of 1 custom widebody Nissan GT-R R35.

Exterior and Aero

• Industry Garage Widebody
• Custom Aero in Carbon Fiber
• ReVerie Carbon Fiber Hatch
• ReVerie Carbon Fiber Inner Trunk Cover
• ReVerie Carbon Fiber Fender Louvers
• ReVerie Carbon Fiber Quarter Panel Louvers
• ReVerie Carbon Fiber Side Sills
• ReVerie Carbon Fiber Front Access Panels
• ReVerie Carbon Fiber Side Scoops
• Difflow Diffuser
• APR Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
• APR Carbon Fiber Front Lip
• APR Carbon Fiber Mirrors
• GB Composites Carbon Fiber Gas Lid
• GB Composites Carbon Fiber Rear Windshield
• GB Composites Easy Access Under Tray
• Voltex Carbon Fiber GT Type 2 Wing 1600mm
• BOE Fabrication Clam Hinge
• Sector 111 Front and Rear Tow Hooks
• Blue Streak Fab Wing Reinforcement Mounts
• Titanium Dress-Up Bolts

Lighting

• 6K HID Conversion
• GRP Carbon Fiber Headlight Housing
• GRP Red Headlight Halos
• GRP GT Taillights
• GRP Carbon Fiber Splitter Rods
• Elise-Parts LED License Plate Lights

Interior

• Reupholstered interior in burnt orange leather and suede by Top Stitch Upholstery
• Momo 6-Point Harness
• GRP Carbon Fiber Instrument Cluster
• GRP Carbon Fiber Center Console
• GRP Carbon Fiber Passenger Airbag Cover
• GRP Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel
• GRP Billet Aluminum Handbrake Handle
• GRP Stainless Shift Knob "GG"
• Pioneer AVH-X7700BT
• Rear View Camera
• ReVerie Carbon Fiber Inner Door Sills
• Sector 111 Alloy Pedals

Wheels, Tires and Brakes

• Forgeline GW3 (Polished)
• Toyo Proxes R888R
• Giro Disc Front and Rear Cup Discs
• Pagid Sport Cup Brake Pads
• Ballade Sports Shell Type Titanium Lug Nuts

Suspension

• Nitron Race 3-Way Coilovers
• Front Camber Arms
• BOE Fabrication Toe Links
• Sector 111 RTD Brace

Engine and Performance

• PPE Header
• Vibrant Ultra Quiet Resonator
• JS Custom Exhaust
• 2.90" Supercharger Pulley
• ReVerie Carbon Fiber Daytona Intake
• GRP Carbon Fiber Intercooler Tubes
• GRP Carbon Fiber Valve Cover Plate
• GRP Aluminum Oil Cap
• Radium Engineering Oil Catch Can
• Radium Engineering Coolant Expansion Tank
• Genesis High Impedance 550cc Injectors
• Walbro Fuel Pump
• LETSLA Short Throw Shifter
• Sector 111 Shifter Reinforced Kit
• Sector 111 Engine Mounts
• Sector 111 Clutch Pipe
• Fidanza Flywheel
• ACT HDSS Clutch
• Moroso 6 Quart Oil Pan
• Odyssey PC625 Battery

Final Thoughts on the Widebody Lotus Exige S240

Sixteen years in, Erick's widebody Lotus Exige proves a build doesn't need a finish line to be great. The time-attack attitude is all over it, the carbon is everywhere, and the burnt orange cabin keeps it personal. With a K24 swap on the horizon, the next chapter should be a wild one.

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Owner: Erick Marin, @le_batkid

Photography: Adam Delgadillo, @0adam7 | Facebook: Adam Delgadillo Photography