Fresh from looking to the future with its new Evora 400, Lotus is taking a moment to reflect on the past. The British carmaker has announced a special Lotus Elise to celebrate the 20th birthday of the iconic car. The Elise 20th Anniversary Special Edition is based on (and replaces) the Elise S Club Racer.
The Lotus Elise was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1995 and has gone on to become the most successful Lotus model in terms of numbers built. It was originally designed to be very lightweight for quick acceleration and great handling. To achieve this, Lotus used an aluminum chassis, which is still used on today's models.
The 20th Anniversary Special Edition weighs in at 914 kg (2,015 lb), which is a touch below the current Elise S. It is powered by a 1.8-L supercharged engine that can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.6 seconds and maxes out at 145 mph (237 km/h).
Although that performance comes in a touch below the Elise S, the Special Edition does have a variety of standard features that set it aside. Amongst them are matte black forged alloy wheels, lightweight sports seats and Elise 20th Anniversary decals on both its exterior and dashboard stereo blanking-plate. A sport mode that gives the driver enhanced control is also included.
Those who buy the car can get it in blue, green, yellow or silver, with the rear diffuser, wing mirrors, roll hoop cover and rear transom in matte black. A hard-top is available as an additional extra.
The Lotus Elise 20th Anniversary is available now from £39,900 (US$58,900).
Source: Lotus