Lotus to phase out Toyota-powered Elise and Exige with special Final Editions

13 years, 6 months ago - 20 April 2011

Lotus's supply of Toyota 2ZZ-GE engines has finally run out, meaning production of the company's highly popular Exige and Elise will come to an abrupt halt in July. To commemorate its track-day superstars' success, Lotus will send the cars off with an extremely limited number of Final Editions. With Lotus up to its axles in financial uncertainty, this may represent your last chance to get your hands on a new Lotus Elise or Exige.

There are two trim levels planned for the Exige's parting-shot model. Lotus says it will build 30 examples of the Exige S260 Final Edition for North America, with Lotus' Track Pack, Tour Pack and LSD as standard. If that's not special enough for you, Lotus is offering 25 customers the chance to have their S260 painted matte black. Price for the "standard" S260 is $67,500, with the matte-black version ringing the register at $69,900.

American and Canadian fans of the Elise have fewer options, with only 15 examples of the 2011 Lotus Elise SC Final Edition planned. Lotus says the car will get the buyer's choice of four colour schemes based on the Europe-only Elise Club Racer. To sweeten the deal, the Elise SC Final Edition will come loaded to the gunnels with options. Price for the last Elise is $57,500.