Lotus reveals heritage-inspired Elise models

Lotus has launched a run of limited-edition Elise models that pay tribute to its pioneering and successful racing history.

Four special Elise Classic Heritage Edition colour schemes will be available, with production limited to just 100 cars.

Based on the Lotus Elise Sport 220, Lotus has priced the exclusive Elise models at $104,990 plus on-roads – $17,000 more than the model on which they’re based – but says they add around $27K of extra value.

Extras include the statement colour schemes – black and gold; red, white and gold; blue, red and silver; and blue and white.

All resemble various victorious Lotus racers over the years, including a blue, red and silver design that pays homage to a Lotus Type 81 driven by Nigel Mansell, Elio de Angelis and Mario Andretti in 1980, as well as a tribute to the 1960 Type 18 – the first Lotus to take a Formula 1 pole position with Sir Stirling Moss at the wheel.

Each car also comes with a numbered build plaque on the dash and a range of standard features that are usually optional, including cruise control, ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, digital radio and an interior colour pack among other things.

Optional extras include a fibreglass hard-top roof, lightweight lithium-ion battery and a lightweight titanium exhaust.

“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,” said Lotus’ head of product marketing, Ema Forster.

“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?”