About This Lotus Exige S2 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Orange Lotus Exige S2 sits on a set of 17×7.5-inch Rays Volk TE37 SAGA wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Rays for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Lotus Exige builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the Orange exterior with the Rays Volk TE37 SAGA creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Rays Volk TE37 SAGA on the Lotus Exige S2
I walked around this Exige at the show and immediately knew the setup was dialed. The 17x7.5 Rays Volk TE37 SAGA wheels fit the S2 chassis like they left the factory with them. That ET38 offset pushes the wheel right to the edge of the fender line without looking like a track-day disaster.
You have to appreciate how these wheels clear the factory AP Racing calipers on the Exige. Most aftermarket wheels force you to run huge spacers, but the SAGA design clears the hardware with room to breathe. It keeps the scrub radius exactly where Colin Chapman intended.
The hub bore sits perfectly flush against the Lotus uprights. I checked for vibrations or play, and the seat is rock solid. You get zero wobble even when you are pushing hard through a technical section.
The barrel depth on this 17-inch setup provides that classic motorsport aesthetic we crave. The spokes arc outward enough to show off the rotor hats. It looks purposeful rather than just flashy.
We see a lot of people stuff too much rubber under these cars and kill the steering feel. By running a 205/45 up front and a 225/45 out back, the owner kept the steering razor-sharp. You do not want heavy front tires ruining the delicate balance of a mid-engine car.
I looked closely at the inner fender liners for signs of rubbing. With this specific offset, the tires clear the arch at full lock and during heavy compression. You will not find any shredded plastic bits here.
The suspension geometry on the S2 is sensitive to wheel weight, and these TE37s are feather-light. Reducing the unsprung mass makes the suspension react instantly to the road. It turns the car into a telepathic machine.
What We Recommend for Lotus Exige S2 Owners
If you own an Exige, stop obsessing over 18-inch wheels. They look huge, but they kill the handling and ruin the ride quality. Stick to 16s or 17s to keep the car feeling like a Lotus.
The ET38 offset we tested here is basically the gold standard for this platform. It clears the suspension links and the fenders without needing a fender roll. If you go lower than ET30, you will be fighting rubbing issues all day long.
Don't fall for the trap of massive tire stretch just to get a stance look. These 205 and 225 tires provide a perfect sidewall profile for cornering grip. The tire squareness protects the wheel lip from road debris too.
We see way too many guys install cheap spacers to fix bad wheel choices. Spacers add stress to the wheel bearings and compromise the structural integrity of the hub. Buy the right offset once and save yourself the headache.
If you really want to optimize the setup, pair these wheels with a good set of track-focused tires. The TE37 SAGA is strong enough for the track, so do not waste them on economy rubber. Put some real heat into the tires and enjoy the grip.
Style and Build Analysis
This car is finished in a loud, aggressive Orange that demands attention. Putting classic bronze or dark grey TE37s on an orange car could look messy, but this finish works. The contrast highlights the sharp lines of the S2 bodywork perfectly.
The TE37 is an icon for a reason, and it never looks dated. The six-spoke design mirrors the angular, race-inspired design language of the Lotus. It looks like it belongs on a grid at Le Mans, not just a parking lot meet.
I love how the wheels fill the arches. There is no awkward gap, and the tires sit perfectly flush with the body panels. It achieves a purposeful stance without resorting to extreme negative camber.
Most Exige builds go for the "blacked out" look, which hides all the detail. This build uses the wheels to accentuate the shape of the car. It makes the whole package look faster even when it is standing still.
The proportions are just right. Many builds look like a cartoon, but this one keeps the aggressive, low-slung silhouette intact. It is a masterclass in restraint and performance-focused styling.
Why We Love This Build
I stood there for twenty minutes just watching the sun hit that Orange paint. When the light catches the concave faces of the TE37s, the whole car looks like a predator waiting to pounce. It is the perfect blend of race-car function and street-car soul.
This build works because every single part serves a purpose. The wheels do not just look good; they make the car faster and sharper in every single corner. That is what a real Lotus build should always be about.
Seeing this car in the wild reminds me why we do this. It is loud, it is fast, and it is built exactly how I would do it. Go find yourself a set of TE37s and transform your own car today.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Lotus Exige S2
- Vehicle Color: Orange
- Wheel Brand & Model: Rays Volk TE37 SAGA
- Wheel Size: 17×7.5
- Offset: ET38
- Tires: 205/45/R17 and 225/45/R17
Additional Build Info:
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Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Lotus Exige owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 17×7.5-inch wheels fit my Lotus Exige? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Lotus Exige owners run 17×7.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
