40th Anniversary Lotus Elise S Announced

Lotus celebrates 40 years of production in the Hethel UK factory this year.  Commemorating the occasion is the announcement of a special limited edition 40th Anniversary Elise S which is available now as a 2008 model.  Purely as a trim package, only 50 units will be built with a specific allotment to certain European countries.  Ironically, the 40th Anniversary Elise S will not be available in the UK.  See press release below for pricing, options and country allotment.

Press Release

Lotus Launches ‘Elise S 40th Anniversary Limited Edition’
Lotus Cars is very pleased to release its limited edition for Mainland Europe – the Lotus Elise S 40th Anniversary Limited Edition. This unique limited edition is based on the entry-level model of the Elise Range – the Elise S – and commemorates the 40th anniversary of production at the Lotus factory in Hethel in 2007. The specification of the car is as follows:

• Elise S – Model Year 2008, featuring twin airbags

• Burnt Orange Premium Paint

• Hardtop

• Painted rear diffuser and wheels

• Leather trim in orange stitching

• Painted centre consol & exterior panels in body colour

• Coloured brake calipers

• Build plate

• Country specific unique Decals

• 40th commemorative letter signed by Mike Kimberley, CEO of Lotus Cars Ltd.

The car is available from official Lotus dealers in Mainland Europe from today and the production numbers will be strictly limited to the following countries as below:

• Germany 15

• Switzerland 10

• France 5

• Belgium 5

• Italy 6

• Other countries in mainland Europe 9, (signified with the Union flag)

To celebrate both the 40th anniversary of production at the Lotus factory in Hethel, England and also the fourth consecutive year of sales growth in Europe for Lotus (up 9% year to date verses the same period last year) the car will be extremely competitively priced giving the customer an extra 10% extra value in terms of equipment and options. The only additional cost options are Air Conditioning and Lotus Traction Control.

The retail prices per country are listed below. Please take into account that all prices include local tax and delivery:

• Germany: 39,995 EUR

• Switzerland:CHF 58,600

• France: 40,200 EUR

• Italy: 40,800 EUR

• Belgium: 40,600 EUR

• Holland: 53,600 EUR