About This Lotus Exige S2 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Green Lotus Exige S2 sits on a set of 16×7 and 17×8-inch Rays TE37V 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 Green exterior with the Rays TE37V creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Rays TE37V on the Lotus Exige S2
I walked around this Exige S2 for twenty minutes just to soak in the proportions. Running 16x7 in the front and 17x8 in the rear is the gold standard for this chassis. These TE37V wheels give the car a much wider, more purposeful stance than the stock setup.
The offset on these wheels pushes them perfectly flush with the factory fiberglass arches. You get that aggressive look without needing to hack away at the bodywork. It looks like a factory race car that escaped the track.
Caliper clearance is always the big worry on a Lotus, but the TE37V design handles it well. I checked the gap behind the spokes and there is plenty of room for those AP Racing calipers to breathe. You will not need spacers to clear the front hubs.
The barrel lip depth on the V model adds a vintage touch that the standard TE37 lacks. It breaks up the flat face of the spoke design and gives the side profile some real depth. It balances the modern lines of the Exige with a classic motorsport aesthetic.
I noticed the hub bore fits the Lotus spindles like a glove. You do not want any slop there, and these wheels seat perfectly against the hub face. It eliminates vibration and keeps the unsprung weight exactly where it needs to be.
Watch out for the inner fender liner if you drop the car on stiffer coilovers. You might see a tiny bit of rub at full steering lock if you run a meaty tire compound. Keep your alignment specs tight and you will avoid any drama on the street.
What We Recommend for Lotus Exige S2 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, stick to the 16/17 staggered combo. The Exige geometry relies on that diameter difference to keep the handling sharp and predictable. Never try to force a square setup unless you enjoy unpredictable oversteer.
Aim for offsets that keep the wheels tucked just inside the arch lip. If you push the offset too far out, you will catch rocks and ruin that beautiful green paint. We always suggest staying within a 5mm window of the factory ET specs.
Don't fall into the trap of over-stretching your tires. These wheels look best with a sidewall that sits flush or slightly proud of the rim edge. It protects your investment from potholes and gives you the grip this car deserves.
Avoid cheap hub-centric rings if you can. Find wheels that are bored specifically for the Lotus hub diameter to ensure total safety. It is a small detail that saves you a massive headache during high-speed cornering.
Finally, invest in high-quality hardware when you bolt these on. You are putting world-class wheels on a precision machine, so do not cheap out on the studs or lug nuts. Quality parts prevent sheared bolts and keep your wheels on the car where they belong.
Style and Build Analysis
The bronze finish against the deep green paint is an absolute masterclass in color theory. It feels like a nod to the classic Lotus racing liveries of the past. The warm metallic tones of the wheels pop against the cool, dark exterior of the car.
The six-spoke design of the TE37V provides a clean, open look that showcases the braking system. It feels light and nimble, which perfectly matches the philosophy of a Lotus. There is no excess weight or unnecessary clutter in the design.
I have seen plenty of Exiges with black or silver wheels, but they often get lost in the shadows. These bronze wheels define the silhouette of the car from fifty yards away. They demand your attention without being loud or obnoxious.
The stance is low, tight, and incredibly aggressive. Every time I see this car, it reminds me that wheels can completely change the personality of a vehicle. It looks fast even when it is sitting perfectly still in a parking lot.
Compared to other builds, this one feels intentional and cohesive. The owner did not just slap on some wheels; they curated a look that honors the Lotus brand. It is a textbook example of how to modify a car with taste and restraint.
Why We Love This Build
This car stops me in my tracks every time. The green paint glows under the sun, and those bronze TE37Vs pull the whole look together into something truly special. It captures that raw, mechanical soul that makes the Lotus Exige a legend.
I love how the wheels fill the arches perfectly, making the car look hunkered down and ready to hunt apexes. It is a functional piece of art that looks just as good at a track day as it does at a local meet. You can feel the intention behind every single part choice.
This build inspires me to keep my own projects simple and focused. It is a reminder that you do not need wild body kits to make a statement. Sometimes, just the right wheels and a great color palette are enough to create a masterpiece. Pure perfection on four wheels.
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: Green
- Wheel Brand & Model: Rays TE37V
- Wheel Size: 16×7 and 17×8
- Offset: Contact dealer
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
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 16×7 and 17×8-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 16×7 and 17×8-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
