Automotive

Lotus celebrates F1 racing with Exige LF1 special edition

Lotus celebrates F1 racing with Exige LF1 special edition
Lotus will build 81 Exige LF-1 models
Lotus will build 81 Exige LF-1 models
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Popping the hatchback on the Exige LF1
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Popping the hatchback on the Exige LF1
Gold accents around the body help give the LF1 its heritage look
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Gold accents around the body help give the LF1 its heritage look
Lotus revealed the right-hand-drive LF1 at this week's Canary Wharf Motorexpo
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Lotus revealed the right-hand-drive LF1 at this week's Canary Wharf Motorexpo
The black and gold styling is accented by red brake calipers, stripes and trim
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The black and gold styling is accented by red brake calipers, stripes and trim
The cast alloy wheels have a gold finish
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The cast alloy wheels have a gold finish
Inside the LF1 cockpit
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Inside the LF1 cockpit
The rear-wing mounting hardware is finished in gold
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The rear-wing mounting hardware is finished in gold
The LF1 has 345 hp on tap
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The LF1 has 345 hp on tap
The supercharged 3.5-liter V6 includes a carbon fiber plaque
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The supercharged 3.5-liter V6 includes a carbon fiber plaque
Gold piping and stitching pop against the black interior
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Gold piping and stitching pop against the black interior
Each LF1's plaque highlights not only its production number, but also the Lotus victory with which it corresponds
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Each LF1's plaque highlights not only its production number, but also the Lotus victory with which it corresponds
Inside the Lotus Exige LF1
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Inside the Lotus Exige LF1
Lotus will also debut a left-hand-drive model this week
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Lotus will also debut a left-hand-drive model this week
Inside the special edition Exige LF1
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Inside the special edition Exige LF1
The LF1 includes embroidered badges
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The LF1 includes embroidered badges
Like the standard Exige S, the LF1 can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4 seconds
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Like the standard Exige S, the LF1 can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4 seconds
Red accents on the wing mirrors
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Red accents on the wing mirrors
Gold under the wing
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Gold under the wing
The Exige LF1 starts at £62,900
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The Exige LF1 starts at £62,900
LF1 options include heated seats and rear parking sensors
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LF1 options include heated seats and rear parking sensors
Each LF1 model will commemorate a specific Lotus Grand Prix victory
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Each LF1 model will commemorate a specific Lotus Grand Prix victory
Lotus will build 81 Exige LF-1 models
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Lotus will build 81 Exige LF-1 models
View gallery - 22 images

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 has 345 hp on tap
The LF1 has 345 hp on tap

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.

Each LF1's plaque highlights not only its production number, but also the Lotus victory with which it corresponds
Each LF1's plaque highlights not only its production number, but also the Lotus victory with which it corresponds

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.

The Exige LF1 made its debut in right-hand spec at this week's Canary Wharf Motorexpo in London and will appear in left-hand-drive at Le Mans on Wednesday. The car will also appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed later this month.

Source: Lotus

View gallery - 22 images
1 comment
1 comment
Gargamoth
Hyundai could build the Passo Corto which is a concept design now. It would be well equipped with a finished carpeted interior touch screen and more, not to mention it would be affordable on a middle class wage.