Lotus Excel. A developement of the Lotus Eclat, the car was originally named the Eclat Excel in 1982, however, the car was later names the Excel. Due to the Lotus - Toyota link up in the early 1980's, the Excel used Toyota running gear, brakes and much from the Toyota "parts bins." Due to this, the cars has proved very reliable. The body styling had a new front and rear bumpers, a new bonnet and rear integrated pillars. It was later updated to the Excel SE, featuring blistered wheel arches and a rear spoiler.