First unveiled at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Elise is getting a 20th birthday present in the form of a Special Edition model. Based on the Elise S Club Racer, the Special Edition benefits from lightweight wheels, a lighter center console and sport seats finished in either leather or Alcantara. Those weight-saving measures trim about 22 pounds from the car’s curb weight. Other enhancements over the standard Elise include a sport mode that sharpens throttle response and a revised traction control system.
The Elise Special Edition will be available for order in four colors — Blue, Green, Yellow and Silver. All color schemes include a rear diffuser, wing mirrors, roll hoop cover and rear transom painted matte black.
Power for the 20th anniversary Elise is provided by a supercharged 1.8L four-cylinder engine that can catapult the roadster from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is limited to 145mph.
“It is sometimes hard to believe that the Elise has been around for 20 years,” said Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales. “It was ground breaking when it was launched and continues to be the benchmark for handling and performance in its class. Over the years we have improved and refined the Elise but we have also ensured that we have retained the purity of the driving experience and for the Elise to remain as the sports car to which other marques aspire.”
Lotus hasn’t announced U.S. pricing for the Elise 20th Anniversary Special Edition, but the package will add £2,700 to the base price of the Elise S in the UK.
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