Lotus Elise and Exige Final Edition: a farewell to two icons

A new era at Lotus is about to begin, but it also means another must come to an end. That transition will take place this year, with production of the Elise, Exige and Evora already confirmed to be ending, while the Evija and the as-yet-unnamed Type 131 arrive. Before that happens, however, there is still room for special farewell versions: the Final Edition models for both the Elise and Exige - with the Evora to be unveiled later.

These are the brand's longest-serving models. Despite the numerous developments and iterations introduced over the years, they remain fundamentally the same cars - still using the same aluminium platform - that were launched 25 years ago in the Elise's case, and 21 years ago for the Exige.

Their respective Final Edition models bring unique styling additions, extra equipment and… power increases.

Lotus Elise Final Edition

Starting with the smaller Elise, two variants bring the career of one of the most significant sports cars ever made to a close after a quarter of a century: the Elise Sport 240 Final Edition and Elise Cup 250 Final Edition.

Both use Toyota's 2ZZ engine, a 1.8-litre supercharged inline four-cylinder unit that has powered the Elise throughout this century. For the first time, each also gains a digital TFT instrument display.

They additionally share a new flat-bottomed steering wheel trimmed in leather and Alcantara, a small “Final Edition” plaque, and exclusive new upholstery and stitching for the seats and cabin. Finally, they are offered in distinctive colours that recall the model's past, including Azure Blue - the same shade used on the 1996 model - the brand's motorsport division black, and the classic British Racing Green.

The Lotus Elise Sport 240 Final Edition is based on the Sport 220, but receives an extra 23 hp, taking output to 243 hp (and 244 Nm of torque). Thanks to its modest 922 kg (DIN) weight, it reaches 100 km/h in only 4.5 seconds.

Its low weight is helped by exclusive 10-spoke forged wheels, which are 0.5 kg lighter than those fitted to the Sport 220. Choosing carbon-fibre panels, a lithium-ion battery to replace the standard unit, and a polycarbonate rear window reduces the 922 kg figure to 898 kg.

The Lotus Elise Cup 250 Final Edition, the Elise intended for track days, receives no power increase, gaining downforce instead. Its new aerodynamic package - comprising a front splitter, rear wing, rear diffuser and side extensions - enables it to produce 66 kg of downforce at 160 km/h and 155 kg at its 248 km/h top speed.

It also gets new 10-inch forged M Sport wheels, while Bilstein sports dampers, adjustable anti-roll bars, a lithium-ion battery and a polycarbonate rear window are all standard. Selecting the carbon-fibre components available on the Elise Sport 240 Final Edition brings its final weight to 931 kg (DIN).

Lotus Exige Final Edition

The more extreme and powerful Exige has three distinct Final Edition versions: the Exige Sport 390, Exige Sport 420 and Exige Cup 430.

Every version remains faithful to the 3.5-litre V6, another supercharged Toyota-sourced engine. They also share the equipment introduced on the Elise: the new TFT digital instrument display, the new steering wheel, seats with new trim and the “Final Edition” plaque. The exclusive colours likewise refer to the model's heritage: Metallic White and Metallic Orange.

The Lotus Exige Sport 390 Final Edition replaces the Sport 350. It offers 402 hp (and 420 Nm of torque), an increase of 47 hp over before. Weighing just 1138 kg (DIN), it reaches 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 277 km/h. At that maximum speed, it can generate up to 115 kg of downforce.

The Lotus Exige Sport 420 Final Edition adds 10 hp over the Sport 410, for a total of 426 hp (and 427 Nm of torque). It is the fastest Exige, capable of reaching 290 km/h and completing 0-100 km/h in a scant 3.4 seconds. It is also marginally lighter than the Sport 390, at only 1110 kg (DIN).

It is fitted with adjustable Eibach anti-roll bars and Nitron dampers adjustable in three directions. The brakes have also been upgraded, sourced from AP Racing and featuring forged four-piston callipers and two-piece J-hook discs.

Finally, the Lotus Exige Cup 430 Final Edition is the circuit-focused version. It retains the output and torque of the familiar Cup 430 - 436 hp and 440 Nm - but stands apart through its aerodynamic package: 171 kg of downforce. It can produce as much downforce at 160 km/h as the Exige Sport 390 generates at 277 km/h, its maximum speed. It weighs 1110 kg (DIN), needs 3.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h, and has a top speed of 280 km/h.

Competition-specification carbon fibre is used for the front splitter, front access panel, roof, diffuser surround, enlarged air-intake scoops, rear wing and rear engine cover. The steering has revised geometry, while the chassis incorporates the same adjustable components and braking system as the Exige Sport 420. The track-driving experience is further enhanced by a unique soundtrack, courtesy of the titanium exhaust system.

The Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora production farewell

Once production ends for good, combined Elise, Exige and Evora sales will total around 55,000 units. That may not sound like much, but it represents more than half of all Lotus road-car sales since the company was founded in 1948.