Thread: Lotus to phase out Exige/Elise Models

Via Autoblog, so long lotus. This comes on the heels that Lotus was unable to secure a loan to build the new factories responsible for building all those new models Lotus is determined to build.

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, 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.

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 color 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. If you're hoping to get your hands on a Final Edition, get in line now.

thats rather disappointing, there was something about the exige and elise that drew my eye

You must be joking . . . Toyota won't sell them more engines?

it just just production to come to a HALT, not cease entirely or am interpreting that wrong? And even if ToMoCo won't sell Lotus more 4banger engines, can't lotus source them from other manufacturers?

After the special editions are sold there will be no more Exige/Elise models is what the article claims. This is due because lotus is focusing on the Evora and was planning to build new factories to replace the models. Apparently Lotus is close to being broke and doesn't either have the money to invest in building more of these models, or they just are unwilling to invest the money if they can't secure funding for the new factory.

Originally Posted by eXpensiveGears

it just just production to come to a HALT, not cease entirely or am interpreting that wrong? And even if ToMoCo won't sell Lotus more 4banger engines, can't lotus source them from other manufacturers?

do you know what it cost to get a new motor in a chassis certified for use in lets just say this country? it could be upwards of 10mil. crash test, emissions, epa, development, etc.


Its possible that Toyota is no longer producing that motor going forward and told Lotus to start planning ahead.

I don't see why they can't just start dropping in Honda K20s in them. People are already doing that.

Originally Posted by timscribbles

I don't see why they can't just start dropping in Honda K20s in them. People are already doing that.

Did you read what i posted before and what the op posted about them possibly hurting for cash?

Also does Honda still use the K20 in any newly produced vehicles?

Originally Posted by Liqidvenom

Did you read what i posted before and what the op posted about them possibly hurting for cash?

Also does Honda still use the K20 in any newly produced vehicles?

The currently produced Honda Civic Si is using them....

Honda civic si is an old chassis vehicle.