Lotus unveils the Exige LF1 limited edition to commemorate each of its 81 Formula 1 victories.
[Not a valid template]If you discount Pastor Maldonado’s occasional – very occasional, barely worth mentioning – ‘incidents’ on-track this year, Lotus’ Formula 1 season isn’t going particularly well. In fact, a couple of eighth places for Romain Grosjean at Barcelona and Monaco are good as it’s gotten.
Few would argue that it’s time for a shot in the arm, and what better method than the special edition, custom liveried Exige LF1? Each of the 81 examples – one for each of Lotus’ current F1 victories – is decked out in a black and gold paint scheme with red accents, and boasts new 17-inch (front) and 18-inch alloy wheels, shod in special Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo performance tyres. Each will also sequentially celebrate a specific Grand Prix, with car #1 commemorating Lotus’ first GP victory at Monaco in 1960 to car #81 marking Kimi Raikkonen’s win at Australia in 2013.
Whilst changes are largely cosmetic in nature, the supercharged 3.5-litre V6 still kicks out 345hp and 295lb ft of torque, which – when combined with a 1176kg kerb weight – equates to 0-100kph in a flat 4 seconds and a 274kph top speed. Prices have yet to be confirmed for the (presumably) pre-sold models, but as crankandpiston has discovered first-hand, a JPS-painted Exige is nothing to scoff at.
The special edition is due to be displayed at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
– Shots courtesy of Lotus
| Lotus | Exige LF1 |
|---|---|
| Engine: | V6 /supercharged / 3456cc |
| Power: | 345hp @ 7000rpm |
| Torque: | 295lb ft @ 4500rpm |
| Transmission: | Six-speed close ratio gear box |
| Front suspension: | Fully independent double wishbone suspension with front anti-roll bar / Bilstein high performance gas dampers / Eibach coaxial coil springs |
| Rear suspension: | Fully independent double wishbone suspension with front anti-roll bar / Bilstein high performance gas dampers / Eibach coaxial coil springs |
| Brakes: | AP Racing twin-piston front calipers (front and rear) / ventilated and cross-drilled cast-iron discs |
| Wheels: | 17-inch (front) / 18-inch (rears) |
| Tyres: | 205/45 R17 (front) / 265/35 R18 (rear) / Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo tyres |
| Weight (kerb) | 1176kg |
| 0-100kph: | 4 secs |
| Top speed: | 274kph |
