- Four new Lotus Elise Classic Heritage Editions pay tribute to the
company’s pioneering racing history
- All feature instantly recognisable Lotus motorsport colour schemes
- Enhanced exterior and interior equipment list delivers exceptional value
for money
- Production limited to just 100 cars in total
Lotus has launched four new limited-edition versions of the Elise, each with
a vibrant and distinctive colour palette which pays tribute to the company’s
pioneering and highly successful racing history.
The exterior colour combinations are black and gold; red, white and gold; blue,
red and silver; and blue and white. The famous black and gold references the
livery of the Lotus Type 72D which Emerson Fittipaldi raced to five victories
over the course of the 1972 Formula 1 season. Red, white and gold echoes the
Type 49B that Graham Hill raced in 1968, while the blue, red and silver is
inspired by the Lotus Type 81 of 1980 driven by Nigel Mansell, Elio de Angelis
and Mario Andretti.
The fourth new Elise, finished in blue and white, is in tribute to the Lotus
Type 18 design from 1960. Exactly 60 years ago, it was the first Lotus car to
achieve a Formula 1 pole position and victory, courtesy of the late Sir Stirling
Moss, at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Officially called the Elise Classic Heritage Editions, all four offer an
enhanced exterior and interior spec over the Elise Sport 220 on which they’re
based. They are on sale now across selected international markets.
As well as their unique colour schemes – instantly recognisable by motorsport
fans worldwide – each car comes with an exclusive numbered ‘build plaque’ on the
dashboard referencing the limited production run. A total of just 100 cars will
be made, with the final numbers of each variant dictated by customer demand.
Each car has as standard a number of features which were previously on the
options list. These include DAB digital radio with four speakers,
air-conditioning, cruise control, ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels with
racing livery finish, two-piece disc brakes and black carpet with floor mats.
The Elise interior colour pack is also now integrated as standard. Elements
include the upper door trim and central seat insert finished to match the
exterior, with detailing on the door, gear selector surround and dashboard
picking out key colours. The only one that’s different is the blue and white car,
which has red alcantara seat centres.
Pricing is very simple – all four cars cost exactly the same, at £46,250
(€47,848). While that’s £6,350 more than a standard Elise Sport 220, with
£11,735 of added features it represents outstanding value for money.
Ema Forster, Head of Product Marketing, Lotus, said: “Motorsport success has
been at the heart of the Lotus philosophy for more than seven decades, and the
Elise is our iconic roadster known around the world for its exceptional ‘For The
Drivers’ performance. What better way to celebrate than by bringing these two
pillars of our brand together, launching four new Classic Heritage cars which
fans will instantly recognise?”
Several optional extras are available for each car, including a fibreglass
hardtop roof, lightweight lithium-ion battery and titanium lightweight exhaust.
The Lotus Elise is an icon of lightweight performance car design and
engineering. Built around its driver-focused interior, it delivers a pure,
immersive and exhilarating on-the-road experience with outstanding ride and
handling.
Images and text copyright Group Lotus PLC
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