Lotus, despite its recent involvement with Proton, is one of the quintessentially British marques, an accolade shared with the likes of TVR and Morgan. The Esprit began a succession of fabulously individual sportscars through the Elan and Elise attracting a cult following in the process. Its latest offering -
the Exige - is no exception to the rule, with the wonderful styling matched by a powerful 1.8-litre engine. However, the company's latest publicity stunt has fallen well wide of the mark in my opinion.
Lotus has launched a one-off Exige 'Espionage' in collaboration with the Saville Row tailors Gieves & Hawkes, highlighting the association with fictional super-spy James Bond, a famous customer of the Norfolk marque's machines during the 1980s. The car forms part of the Truly British display at Harrods in London, designed to promote the unique design characteristics of Britain's finest establishments.
Although the producers of the James Bond films now have a contract with Aston Martin, the Esprit was perhaps one of 007's most recognisable gadget-ridden machines thanks to appearances in the hands of Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton.
Lotus claims:
"Creating the ultimate vehicle for the secret agent demands a flair
for creativity and a passion for engineering the latest innovations,
therefore making Lotus the perfect candidate'" - a justified perception, although the attachment of this description to the Exige Espionage is sadly unwarranted. Any Bond enthusiasts on the lookout for concealed weapons or ejector seats will be disappointed, while the Exige's aquatic abilities are neither documented nor anticipated. In truth the Exige Espionage lacks any 007 gimmickry - simply featuring Gieves & Hawkes celebrated navy pinstripe colours in abundance. The exterior paintwork is unsurprisingly navy and white pinstripe, complemented by black and silver V-spoke alloy wheels, whilst inside the theme continues, with specialist seat and door trims, complete with silk lining.
While the Espionage may highlight the manufacturing prowess of two great British companies, the final result disappoints, with none of the technical innovations that made Bond cars so exceptional. It may have the looks of a Bond car, but Q wouldn't approve.
The Truly British exhibition at Harrods continues until October 15th.
Andrew Frampton - 5 Oct 2005
