End of Exige in Europe?

It looks like the Lotus range in Europe could be decimated at the end of 2010. The reason is that the Toyota-sourced 1.8 litre engine, used in the Elise and Exige, is not compliant with Euro 5 emissions regulations.



That may surprise some people because, despite being quick cars, they have fairly good fuel economy and their carbon dioxide levels aren’t too awful. For example, the normally aspirated Elise R will do 34.4 mpg (8.2 l/100 km) on the combined cycle while producing 196 g/km of CO2.



But none of that matters, because Euro 5 focuses only on permitted amounts of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter in exhaust gasses. The Euro 5 standard came into force across the European Union for newly-launched models in September 2009, and will apply to all cars on sale (regardless of their original introduction dates) from January 2011.



Consequently, production of the European versions of the Elise R, Elise SC, Exige S and Exige Cup 260 will have to end. However, Lotus is keen to stress that manufacture will continue for other markets. So what does that leave for Europe? The answer is no Exige models and only one Elise - the recently introduced ‘base’ variant with its Euro 5 compliant 1.6 litre Toyota engine, which generates 134 bhp (100 kW / 136 PS).



With large gaps in the line-up to be filled, perhaps Lotus will take the opportunity to further divide the engineering philosophies behind the two cars? After all, there have recently been rumours of a V6-powered Exige being developed, probably using the engine from the Evora. By contrast, the Elise could stick to four-cylinder power, with additional adaptations of the 1.6 litre unit.



In the meantime, Lotus has decided to mark the European demise of the 1.8 litre cars with a couple of bespoke versions. The Elise SC RGB Special Edition and Exige S RGB Special Edition carry the initials of Roger Becker, former Director of Vehicle Engineering for Lotus who retired from the Norfolk firm in January after 44 years.

The supercharged Elise SC RGB, with 217 bhp (163 kW / 220 PS), can accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.6 seconds. That time is eclipsed by the Exige S RGB though, which does the same sprint in half a second less thanks to its 257 bhp (191 kW / 260 PS) engine, as usually found in the Exige Cup 260.



Both will be available in a choice of Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow or Carbon Grey paint finishes, with Roger Becker’s signature on the side of the body and a special monochrome Lotus nose badge.  The effect is finished off by a numbered plaque in the cabin.



The specification of the Elise SC RGB, which costs £38,550 in the UK, includes ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels, Sport Pack, Touring Pack and air conditioning.



In addition, the £41,950 Exige S RGB gets the Performance Pack. That consists of 308 mm front discs with AP Racing four-piston calipers, uprated front and rear brake pads, full length roof scoop, variable traction control, launch control and an uprated clutch plate and cover.



The Elise SC RGB Special Edition and Exige S RGB Special Edition will be available from September 2010.