British Hype: Lotus Announces “Final Edition” Exige And Elise For North America

If you saw our coverage from last year’s LA Auto Show you know that a whole slew of new models from Lotus are on the way to American soil in the near future.  That means the legendary current model line will be on its way out.  The current Elise and Exige are cars that are loved by thousands all over the world.  Heck, we love them too and we don’t even own one!  To help soften the blow of their departure Lotus is paying homage to both models by offering “Final Editions” of both.  These Final Editions are also extremely limited as well.  There will only be 15 Elise SC Final Editions shipped to U.S. soil.  There will be 25 examples of the Exige Matte Black produced and 30 Exige S260 examples produced.  Given the super limited production numbers it is almost certain that each Final Edition will be seriously sought after collector cars.  This means if you want to get in on this final run you better high-tail it to your closest Lotus dealership and get your name on a list ASAP as production on the “normal” Lotus Elise and Exige is slated to stop by the end of this month!  Scroll down below for pics, and the official press release from Lotus.

  

Press Release:

 August 4, 2011

Lotus Launches “Final Editions” of the Iconic Elise and Exige for North America

 Lotus celebrates end of production for renowned North American bound Elise and Exige models with the Elise SC, Exige Matte Black and Exige S260 Final Editions

As the saying goes; “all good things must come to an end”. Such is the case now with two of the greatest, purest drivers’ cars ever offered for sale in North America – the Elise and Exige.

While the Elise and Exige will continue to be available in other markets around the world, the lack of continued availability of the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder Toyota 2ZZ engine that powers all North American Elise and Exige models necessitates the stopping of production by the end of August, 2011 for North America.

To celebrate these iconic Lotus sports cars and provide true driving enthusiasts one final chance to acquire pure driving nirvana, Lotus will build and import into the US and Canada just 15 Elise SC, 25 Exige Matte Black and 30 Exige S260 Final Edition models.

2011 Elise SC Final Edition – only 15 produced

 To mark the end of an era of Lotus Elise production, Lotus has created the Elise SC Final Edition exclusively for North America. With a supercharged 218bhp engine, exclusive matte black paint detailing on the rear transom panel, roll hoop cover, hardtop and door mirror housings and an unprecedented level of standard equipment, this “Final” Elise makes a striking statement. Only 15 Elise SC Final Editions will be built for the North American market, virtually insuring this Elise becomes instantly collectible. The Elise SC Final Edition will be available in Ardent Red, Aspen White, Carbon Grey and Chrome Orange at a base price of just $57,500 ($66,500 CAD) including all of the following highlighted features:

SPECIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS (beyond details mentioned above)

Rear diffuser with black anodized finish

Black leather perforated steering wheel

Polished aluminium gear knob and handbrake sleeve

Driver and passenger front airbags

Air conditioning

Audio system with radio, single CD and MP3 player with four speakers

Remote activated central locking and alarm system with engine imobiliser

Engine start push button

Extruded aluminium storage tray and machined billet aluminium cup holder

Yokohama A048 high-performance tires

Black 14-spoke forged alloy wheels

Black ProBaxTM sport seats with Alcantara trim

Sport suspension, springs and dampers

UPGRADE OPTIONS INCLUDED IN BASE PRICE

Touring Pack:

 Padded leather door panels

 Perforated leather door inserts

 Leather trimmed center console

 Black perforated leather handbrake lever gaiter

 Black carpet floor mats with embroidered Elise logo

 Noise insulation material

 iPod® stereo connectivity

Matte black painted hardtop

Limited slip differential (LSD)

Lotus Traction Control System (TCS)

2011 Exige Matte Black Final Edition – only 25 produced

 To mark the end of an era of Lotus Exige production, Lotus has created the Exige Matte Black Final Edition exclusively for North America. With a supercharged and intercooled 257bhp engine, exclusive matte black paint finish, black Alacantara sport seats and a high level of standard equipment, this one of two “Final” Exige models makes a stealthy and aggressive statement. Only 25 Exige Matte Black Final Editions will be built for the North American market, virtually insuring this Exige becomes instantly collectible. The Exige Matte Black Final Edition will be shown for the first time in North America within the Lotus exhibit on Peter Hay Hill in Pebble Beach Thursday, August 18 through Sunday, August 21 and will have a base price of just $69,900 ($80,800 CAD) including all of the following highlighted features:

SPECIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS (beyond details mentioned above)

257bhp supercharged and intercooled 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine

Exclusive Matte Black paint finish

Three-element rear diffuser with black anodized finish

Body-colored rear wing, front splitter, side scoops and roof scoop

Double shear track control arm brace

Black leather perforated steering wheel

Polished aluminium gear knob and handbrake sleeve

Driver and passenger front airbags

Air conditioning

Audio system with radio, single CD and MP3 player with four speakers

Remote activated central locking and alarm system with engine imobiliser

Engine start push button

Yokohama A048 high-performance tires

Black 5-spoke ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels

Limited slip differential (LSD)

UPGRADE OPTIONS INCLUDED IN BASE PRICE

Sport Pack:

 Lotus Traction Control System (TCS)

 BS4 T45 steel roll-over hoop and struts

 Adjustable front anti-roll bar

 ProBaxTM sport seats with black Alcantara trim

Touring Pack:

 Alcantara door panels

 Alcantara door inserts

 Alcantara trimmed center console

 Black Alcantara handbrake lever gaiter

 Black carpet floor mats with embroidered Exige logo

 Noise insulation material

 iPod® stereo connectivity

 Extruded aluminium storage tray and machined billet aluminium cup holder

Track Pack:

 Track suspension with adjustable dampers and adjustable ride height

2011 Exige S260 Final Edition – only 30 produced

 Lotus has also created the Exige S260 Final Edition exclusively for North America. With a supercharged and intercooled 257bhp engine and a high level of standard equipment, this one of two “Final” Exige models is available in the full array of Lotus exterior colors. Only 30 Exige S260 Final Editions will be built for the North American market, virtually insuring this Exige becomes instantly collectible. The Exige S260 Final Edition will have a base price of just $67,500 ($78,100 CAD) including all of the following highlighted features (certain exterior colors available at an additional cost):

SPECIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS (beyond details mentioned above)

257bhp supercharged and intercooled 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine

Full Lotus exterior color range available (Standard & Metallic paints at no extra cost, Lifestyle & Limited paints at an extra cost)

Three-element rear diffuser with black anodized finish

Body-colored rear wing, front splitter, side scoops and roof scoop

Double shear track control arm brace

Black leather perforated steering wheel

Polished aluminium gear knob and handbrake sleeve

Driver and passenger front airbags

Air conditioning

Audio system with radio, single CD and MP3 player with four speakers

Remote activated central locking and alarm system with engine imobiliser

Engine start push button

Yokohama A048 high-performance tires

Black Y-type 5-spoke forged alloy wheels

Limited slip differential (LSD)

UPGRADE OPTIONS INCLUDED IN BASE PRICE

Sport Pack:

 Lotus Traction Control System (TCS)

 BS4 T45 steel roll-over hoop and struts

 Adjustable front anti-roll bar

 ProBaxTM sport seats

Touring Pack:

 Padded leather door panels

 Padded leather door inserts

 Leather trimmed center console

 Black perforated leather handbrake lever gaiter

 Black carpet floor mats with embroidered Exige logo

 Noise insulation material

 iPod® stereo connectivity

 Extruded aluminium storage tray and machined billet aluminium cup holder

Track Pack:

 Track suspension with adjustable dampers and adjustable ride height

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