Lotus is marking the end of 1.8-litre Elise and Exige production with special run-out models. These vehicles will also pay tribute to Roger Becker, Lotus's Director of Vehicle Engineering - who retired recently after 44 years service - by carrying his initials, RGB.
The Elise SC RGB and Exige S RGB special editions come with both Sports and Touring packs as standard. The Elise, with a supercharged 1.8-litre engine developing 217bhp, should do 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds according to the manufacturer. With an intercooler and an extra 40bhp the Exige should get the 0-60mph time down to about four seconds.
Both limited edition models are offered in four colours: Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow and Carbon Grey. The cars also carry Roger Becker's signature on the side of the bodywork, a numbered interior plaque and a monochrome Lotus badge on the nose.
Lotus is phasing out the models powered by Toyota's 1.8-litre engine by the end of the year, because it does not comply with the latest Euro 5 emissions legislation. However the engine will still be offered in Elise and Exige models for other markets.
The RGB models will go on sale in September.
John Lambert - 22 Jun 2010
