Lotus Exige LF1 special edition launched

Lotus has unveiled a limited edition Exige to commemorate its long history in Formula 1. Called the Exige LF1, just 81 examples of the V6 two-seater sports car are being produced for global markets outside of the US.

Targeting the ‘truest of Lotus’ racing fans, the Exige LF1’s black and gold theme mimics the famous Gold Leaf colours of some of Lotus’ most iconic Formula 1 years, with added red accents much like the current Lotus F1 Team cars. Bespoke black and gold Lotus nose and wheel badges accompany LF1 logos to emphasise the car’s racing connection.

Inside, the theme continues with black and gold leather seats with gold piping and stitching, LF1 logos on headrests and floor mats and Lotus F1 Team logos on the seat backs. For added practicality buyers can spec a convenience pack with heated seats and air conditioning.

Every car will receive individually numbered carbonfibre build plates, each one with a different victory number to celebrate the marque’s 81 F1 wins between 1960 and 2013. The engine will also receive carbonfibre numbered plaques.

Since the LF1 is based on the Exige S, it gets the same supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 345bhp and 295lb ft of torque. This gives the 1176kg sports car near supercar performance, with a 0-60 sprint of just 3.8secs and a top speed of 170mph.

Matching this straight line performance is the handling you’d expect from a Lotus, the Exige S’ Race Pack option coming as standard on the LF1. This adds a Dynamic Performance Management system, two-piece high-performance brakes and sticky Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo tyres to give the limited run car an optimised sport set up.

Buyers of the LF1 will also receive Exige LF1 Membership, which brings with it a tour of the Hethel Lotus Cars production facility and Enstone F1 headquarters, half scale Romain Grosjean replica helmet, a Lotus F1 car key fob, Lotus F1 Team USB stick and discounts on the brand’s lifestyle products.

A right-hand drive version of the car will be on display at London’s Canary Wharf Motorexpo until 15 June, whilst a Euro-spec left-hand drive version will be on show from 11 June to 15 June at the Le Mans 24 Hours. The Goodwood Festival of Speed will also see the Exige LF1 on display between 26 and 29 June.