In celebration of the 2014 F1 racing season, Lotus has revealed the Exige LF1 special edition. The hot, race-inspired limited-run car gets new black, gold and red livery, recalling Lotus race cars of generations past.
"A blend of heritage and modernity, the Exige LF1 pays homage to the great Lotus Formula 1 cars of yesteryear yet incorporates the palette and sophistication of today’s E22," Lotus explains.
The heritage is injected into the LF1's appearance. Its exterior and interior are dressed in a black-and-gold livery inspired by Lotus race cars from the 1970s and 80s. The glossy black body is accented with red and gold stripes and trim throughout. The car's 17-in front and 18-in rear cast alloy wheels are also gold. LF1 badges appear around the exterior.
The LF1 interior is finished in black leather offset by gold piping and stitching. The headrests and floor mats have embroidered "LF1" logos, while the seat backs have "Lotus F1 Team" embroidery.
The LF1 is built on the Exige S and uses the 345-hp 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine to throw its 2,593-lb (1,176-kg) two-seat body around the track at speeds up to 170 mph (274 km/h). It hits 62 mph (100 km/h) in a flat 4 seconds. The LF1 comes standard with the Race Pack, which adds Lotus' four-mode Dynamic Performance Management system with launch control. The model also includes two-piece high performance brake discs and high-performance Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo tires.
Lotus is limiting Exige LF1 production to 81 examples in recognition of the marque's 81 Grand Prix victories. As a bit of a spin on the numbered plaques typical of limited edition sports cars, each model's carbon fiber plaque will include a specific Lotus victory, from car number one and Lotus' first 1960 Grand Prix win to car number 81 and Kimi Räikkönen’s win last year.
In addition to securing a potent, limited edition coupe, each buyer of the £62,900 (approx. US$105,400) LF1 will enjoy a Lotus F1 package. That package gives them behind-the-scenes tours of the Lotus Cars factory and Lotus F1 Team headquarters, as well as Lotus gifts and discounts. Lotus says the LF1 will be offered in all its global markets, excluding the United States.
Source: Lotus
