Lotus honors F1 efforts with limited-edition Exige LF1

Tue, 10 Jun 2014

Lotus has announced a new, special edition of its hardcore Exige for customers in the UK and Europe. Limited to just 81 units (for the Lotus Formula One team's 81 victories), the new Exige LF1 is the ultimate accessory for fans of the British manufacturer's Formula One efforts.

Befitting of a car inspired by the Lotus E22, this particular Exige is finished in the team's traditional black and gold colors, complete with red accents inspired by the F1 racer. The exterior is further enhanced with unique badges that proclaim the LF1's limited-edition status. Matte gold wheels have also been fitted, just like this Lotus' big brother.

This isn't purely a paint-and-stickers job, though. Lotus has also touched up the cabin, offering up black leather and "technical fabric," complete with gold contrast stitching and piping. The seat backs and floor mats feature embroidered logos, while an individually numbered, carbon-fiber plaque sits on the LF1's dash.

Prices start at 62,900 pounds ($105,641) in the UK, which includes a 20-percent value added tax. EU customers, meanwhile, will need to shell out 65,500 euro ($88,988).

Included in the cost of the car are a few insider perks, including tours of the Lotus car and F1 factories, a life-time discount on Lotus' accessories and fashion items and a few other tchotchkes.

Take a look below for the official press release from Lotus.

LOTUS CELEBRATES FORMULA 1 PROVENANCE WITH LIMITED EDITION 'EXIGE LF1'

Fuelled by the excitement and anticipation of the 2014 Formula 1® season, Lotus gives its Exige S range a shot of race adrenaline with the Exige LF1 limited edition.

This summer 81 Lotus Exige S cars will receive a Lotus F1® Team inspired livery and interior trim to commemorate the number of grand prix victories held by the Lotus marque*,

Delivering race-car thrills on the road and track, the critically acclaimed supercharged 3.5l V6 Exige S is well known for its focussed dynamic performance, now, with a striking bespoke black and gold paint scheme with red accents and gold 17" front and 18" rear cast alloy wheels, the Exige LF1 leaves no doubt as to its heritage or indeed to its intention!

The Exige LF1 is a car that begs to be driven; inside the meticulously designed black and gold interior ensures that the driver and passenger environment evokes the spirit of competition, the sporty details a continuity of the Formula 1® inspired scheme.

Exclusivity and performance are at the heart of the Exige LF1; each car will be individually numbered with its own limited edition carbon fibre build plate and loaded rich with extras such as the Exige Race Pack with Dynamic Performance Management system, two-piece high performance brake discs and high-performance Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo tyres. For those drivers wanting to optimise their Exige LF1 optional Convenience Pack, heated seats and rear parking sensors are available.

Designed with Lotus fans firmly in mind, the Lotus Exige LF1 brings to life the iconic black and gold livery of the 1970s and 1980s. A blend of heritage and modernity, the Exige LF1 pays homage to the great Lotus Formula 1 cars of yesteryear yet incorporates the pallet and sophistication of today's E22. Each of the 81 limited edition cars will sequentially celebrate a specific Grand Prix from car #1 commemorating Lotus' first GP victory at Monaco in 1960 to car #81 marking Kimi Raikkonen's win at Australia in 2013.

Not only will Exige LF1 owners be guaranteed an exclusive driving experience, but they will also automatically become Exige LF1 Members. Exige LF1 Membership offers a real Lotus F1 experience including a behind the scenes tour of the Lotus Cars and Lotus F1® Team factories and a range of Lotus F1® Team gifts and memorabilia.

Jean-Marc Gales, Lotus CEO explained, "Lotus' DNA is borne of the Formula one® arena and with 65 years of motorsport racing experience, 40 of those in F1® it's fitting we celebrate our sporting origins and our race successes with the new Exige LF1. 81 limited edition cars, each one an acknowledgement to each of Lotus' 81 Grand Prix wins, this car is intended for the truest of Lotus' racing fans."

The Exige LF1 makes its public debut during the second week of June, showcased in its right-hand drive guise at the Canary Wharf Motorexpo in London from Monday 9 June until Sunday 15 June and simultaneously in its left-hand drive European-spec at Le Mans 24 hours from Wednesday 11 June to Sunday 15 of June 2014.

Visitors to the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed can see the Exige LF1 on display from 26 until 29 June.

For more details about Lotus' activities at these events please visit the 'Events' section of our website 4lot.us/events

The Exige LF1 Special edition in detail

Exterior:
Bespoke black and gold livery with red accents
Bespoke exterior badges incorporating 'LF1' logo

Exclusive black and gold 'Lotus' nose badge and wheel centres

Interior:
Bespoke trim in leather and technical fabric featuring black and gold design with gold contrast piping and stitching details
Embroidered 'LF1' logos on headrests and floor mats
Embroidered 'Lotus F1® Team' logo on seat backs
Matt gold 5-spoke 17"/18"cast alloy wheels
Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo Tyres
Race Pack
Two-piece high performance brake discs
Red brake calipers
Air conditioning
Individually numbered limited edition carbon fibre build plate
Bespoke carbon fibre engine plate

Optional Equipment:
Convenience Pack
Heated seats
Rear parking sensors

The Lotus Exige LF1 special edition comes with the following Formula 1® package within the purchase price of the car:

– A factory tour for 2 people of the Lotus Cars production facility at Hethel
– A factory tour for 2 people of the Lotus F1® Team headquarters at Enstone
– Collector's edition owner's pack including Exige LF1 Membership card entitling members to 20% discount on Lotus Originals and Heritage ranges and 10% off Lotus F1® Team Replica collection
– Romain Grosjean 1:2 scale replica helmet
– Lotus F1® car key fob
– Lotus F1® Team USB stick

Performance:
Max Power; 345 hp (350 PS) at 700 rpm
Max Torque; 295 lbft (400 Nm) at 4500 rpm
0-60 mph; 3.8 seconds
0-100 km/h; 4.0 seconds
Max Speed; 170 mph (274 km/h)
Weight; 1176 kg

The Lotus Exige LF1 is available to customers in all Global markets (excluding the USA).

Fuel consumption for Exige S; Urban 19.5 mpg – 14.5 litres / 100km. Extra urban 37.2 mpg – 7.6 litres / 100km. Combined – 28.0 mpg – 10.1 litres / 100km.
CO2 emissions 236g CO2 / km.

* as at the end of the 2013 season

By Brandon Turkus