The Lotus 'special edition' is no endangered species, yet it appears to be a formula that goes down will with buyers of the British sportscars, so why wouldn't Lotus launch a new version of the Elise at the upcoming
Frankfurt Motor Show?
Based on the Elise S, the new Club Racer appears to be mostly a styling exercise, though for the record, it emits 179g/km of CO
2, returns 37.2mpg on the combined cycle yet has the ability to accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds.
Lotus has found a few pots of paint left over from the sixties, including 'Elite Yellow', 'Carbon Grey', 'Sky Blue' and 'Old English White'. Discreet badging and anthracite anodised six-spoke alloys are the Club Racer's other distinguishing features.
Inside the changes are more apparent, with large 'CR' logos, figure-hugging sports seats half-finished in the body colour and an on-centre marker for the leather and Alcantara steering wheel. You've got to appreciate Lotus's understated reason for this: 'enabling the more spirited driver to quickly and safely identify the straight ahead position of the front wheels.'
Assuming you can quickly and safely identify your local Lotus dealer, he'll gladly accept £26,212 of your hard earned to let you drive away in a new Club Racer.
Shane O' Donoghue - 4 Sep 2009