How to decode a 2011 Lotus Exige VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2011 Lotus Exige VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer, vehicle type, and country of manufacture. For the 2011 Lotus Exige, the WMI “SCC” designates it as a product of Lotus Cars Ltd, a renowned sports and racing car manufacturer based in Norfolk, United Kingdom. This particular WMI specifies a passenger car, underlining the vehicle’s classification. The manufacturing location, noted as Gaydon in the broader geographical context of Norfolk, denotes the production site in the United Kingdom where this high-performance vehicle was crafted. The unique WMI is an indispensable tool for tracing the vehicle’s origin, type, and manufacturing details, ensuring clarity and security in vehicle identification.

List of WMI Codes for a 2011 Lotus Exige

WMI: SCC

Model Years Covered: 2011-2012
Example VIN: SCCLHHAC0BHA12393
Manufacturer Name: Lotus Cars Ltd
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Gaydon
State or Province: Norfolk
Country: United Kingdom

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2011 Lotus Exige VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

Engine type
Transmission
Model or trim
Body style
Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2011 Lotus Exige:

Known VDS for a 2011 Lotus Exige
LHHAC

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2011 Lotus Exige VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2011 Lotus Exige VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
B	2011

11th Character in the 2011 Lotus Exige VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2011 Lotus Exige Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
H			Nan	Hethel	SCCLHHAC0BHA12393

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2011 Lotus Exige

The final 6 characters in a 2011 Lotus Exige’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Lotus Exige’s VIN below:

How to find a 2011 Lotus Exige’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2011 Lotus Exige is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Check the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Lotus Exige. The VIN is often viewable through the windshield on a small plate.
Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Lotus Exige. You might find the VIN on a label or sticker where the door closes.
Look at the front of the engine block. In the Lotus Exige, the VIN can sometimes be found stamped onto the metal of the engine.
Check the rear wheel well on the driver’s side. The VIN might be located above the tire.
Examine the underside of the car. The Lotus Exige may have the VIN on the chassis or on one of the cross members.
Review your vehicle registration documents or insurance card, which should list the VIN of your Lotus Exige.

What info can a 2011 Lotus Exige VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year. For the Lotus Exige, the VIN might indicate that it is from the year 2011, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class and the number of doors. For the Lotus Exige, this may indicate a Coupe with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
Engine Specifications: Detailed engine information, such as “2ZZ s/c 260 c/c” for certain models like the Lotus Exige, may be included in the VIN decode report, providing valuable insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Safety Features: The VIN can provide insights into safety features, such as the Exige’s “Front 3pt. Dual SIR” restraint systems, indicating front 3-point seat belts and dual Supplemental Inflatable Restraint systems, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s safety capabilities.
Manufacturing Details: The location of the manufacturing plant, such as Hethel, and possibly the company name responsible for the production, may be uncovered through a VIN, helping in understanding the vehicle’s origin and production details.
Vehicle Type: A VIN can reveal the type of vehicle, such as indicating it is a “Passenger Car,” giving an indication of the vehicle’s primary use or categorization.
Unique Vehicle Identifier: The distinctive sequence within the VIN, such as “SCCLHHAC*BH” for certain models, aids in identifying specific vehicle traits and history, potentially offering valuable insights for potential buyers or enthusiasts.

Don’t have your 2011 Lotus Exige’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2011 Lotus Exige

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Coupe
Doors	2
Engine Model	2ZZ s/c 260 c/c
Model	Exige
Model Year	2011
Other Restraint System Info	Front 3pt. Dual SIR
Plant Company Name	Hethel
Vehicle Descriptor	SCCLHHAC*BH
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	SCCLHHAC0BHA12393