In a way, all Lotus cars are limited-editions, in that they don't produce hundreds of thousands of vehicles per year. On the other hand, there are the truly special models, like the Scura, or "Stealth," unveiled today ahead of the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.
Just 35 examples of the Scura will be built globally, making this Exige exclusive in the extreme. It's purely an appearance package, however, with the internals more than up to the job of special-edition duty.
“The Exige Scura is a stunning vehicle which offers an adrenaline fuelled experience and is a real head-turner! Our Exige customers choose Lotus because we deliver thrilling performance and dynamic design and this special edition fits the bill on both counts,” said Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars.
It's official unveiling is set for October 21, but today's press release reveals the car in all its matte-black glory. High-gloss Phantom Black stripes offer some muted contrast, while a carbon fiber front splitter, oil cooler inlet vanes and rear spoiler give a high-tech accent.
Inside, the Scura gets more carbon fiber trim and a corresponding weight reduction, cutting the dash to 62 mph to just 4.1 seconds. An anthracite anodized aluminum gearknob and handbrake lever help carry the dark theme forward, though the interior carbon fiber elements are finished in a gloss lacquer rather than matte.
A number of standard features make the Exige Scura more capable and more rewarding to drive than a base-level car, including standard launch and Lotus adjustable traction control, Ohlins two-way adjustable dampers, and a track pack aerodynamics kit that yields about 90 pounds of downforce at 100 mph.
Pricing starts at £45,000 in the UK and about €60,000 in the EU, so if the car makes its way Stateside, expect to hand over about $75,000-$80,000 for the chance to own one.
