Lotus pays tribute to the Exige on its 20th anniversary with a special edition

In the year 2000 the British company Lotus decided it was time to create a coupé version of its Elise roadster; that coupé version was named the Lotus Exige, creating what today is the perfect dance partner for the manufacturer from Hethel, since these two models essentially support most of the company’s sales. In this way, as it is such a special model, Lotus celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Exige with a special edition.

To create this special edition, Lotus has decided to take the Exige Sport 410 as its base, a model that should be remembered as the toned-down version of the Exige Cup 430, from which it takes many parts but whose character has been somewhat softened to make it more friendly for everyday driving. The Lotus Exige Sport 410 20 Anniversary serves not only to celebrate this anniversary but also to bring us certain touches from the past, as it also pays homage to the Exige Series 1, the first of the saga.

In this way, the Lotus Exige Sport 410 20 Anniversary will feature an exterior look with a color palette taken directly from that of the Exige Series 1, so we will find the colors Chrome Orange, Laser Blue and Calipso Red. But for those who do not wish to apply these “retro” colors, the brand will make available to its customers three other colors called Motorsport Black, Arctic Silver and Saffron Yellow, the latter a color reminiscent of the Norfolk Mustard Yellow that was also part of the Exige Series 1 colors.

But the exterior modifications and nods to the Exige Series 1 on the Lotus Exige Sport 410 20 Anniversary do not end here, as we will also find that the shark-fin-shaped protectors located in front of the rear wheel are brought back, and that certain elements such as the side air intake domes, the roof and the spoiler have been painted in the same color chosen for the bodywork. Changes are also made to the interior: through the use of Alcantara leather and a combination of stitching and colors for the panels, an attempt is made to reproduce the interior of the Exige Series 1.

It should be emphasized that the Lotus Exige Sport 410 20 Anniversary will not have mechanical improvements, nor does it need them, so under its hood we will find the same 3,500 cc engine that produces a power output of 410 CV together with a torque of 420 Nm, which, combined with its reduced weight, allows it to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 290 km/h. But despite this, the brand will offer an expanded standard equipment list, including a DAB digital radio with Bluetooth, cruise control and forged alloy wheels.

The Lotus Exige Sport 410 20 Anniversary will reach its future owners at the end of the year, upon payment of 83,613 euros.