Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition Celebrates 50 Years in Hethel
Lotus has revealed the latest addition to its collection, an exclusive Elise 250 Special Edition.
The model helps mark the 50th anniversary of the company’s Hethel site and is based on the Elise Cup 250 that was launched earlier this year. Sporting 243 horsepower from a 1.8-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine, the Lotus Elise 250 Special Edition weighs 1,982 pounds thanks to the use of carbon fiber and aluminum. The result is a zero-to-60 time of 3.9 seconds, but performance isn’t all the model is about.
Lotus has also outfitted the Elise 250 Special Edition with a selection of finished carbon fiber components as standard, including a front splitter, rear wing, tailgate and front access panel.
SEE ALSO: Next Lotus Elise Sticking to its Roots When it Arrives in 2020
The model will be limited to just 50 units and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is available in four colors: classic metallic blue, red, yellow and white. An optional carbon fiber hardtop roof panel is available as an option.
“When we first introduced the Elise, it redefined how involving and exciting, yet civilized, a sports car could be,” said Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales. “As the Elise was conceived, designed, engineered and is built at Hethel, we wanted a 50th tribute that’s even lighter than the fastest road-going Elise we’ve ever produced. The new Elise 250 Special Edition achieves that, so it’s supremely quick and agile, but it’s also wonderfully finished and stunning to look at.”
Discuss this story on our Lotus Forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
More by Jason Siu
Comments
Join the conversation
Its hard to keep track of all the 'special editions' lotus has managed to squeeze out of its line and with each special edition having such minor variants from the standard They must be knocking on the door to some award at this stage for 'company with the most special editions' Great cars to drive but getting rather long in the tooth