The 2021 Lotus Exige and Elise Final Edition are a range of limited-edition sports cars that celebrate the discontinuation of the Exige and Elise. The company's oldest models to date, the Elise and Exige are being retired in 2021 after 25 and 21 years on the market, respectively. The Final Edition lineup includes five models, two based on the Elise and two based on the Exige. All feature updated engines, extra standard features, and are lighter than their regular counterparts. The 2021 Lotus Exige and Elise Final Editions are basically the ultimate versions of their respective nameplates. What sets them apart and how much they cost? Let's find out below.

2021 Lotus Exige and Elise Final Edition

Specifications
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  • Model: 2021 Lotus Exige and Elise Final Edition
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2021 Lotus Elise Sport 240 Final Edition

One of the two Elise Final Edition models is based on the Sport 220. It looks about the same on the outside, but it comes with special 10-spoke wheels that are lighter than the standard rims. Lotus offers a range of optional carbon-fiber panels, including sill covers and engine hood, as well as a polycarbonate rear window.

Of course, the Sport 240 packs a beefed-up engine. The supercharged, 1.8-liter four-cylinder generates 240 horsepower, 23 horses more than the Sport 220. Torque comes in at 180 pound-feet. Floor the gas pedal and the Sport 240 Final Edition will take you from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.

2021 Lotus Elise Cup 250 Final Edition

This one is obviously based on the Elise Cup 250, a track-ready version of the British coupe. It comes with the same aero-enhanced body elements, including a front splitter, rear wing, and side skirt extensions, but all have been further optimized.

This model also rides on new, 10-spoke wheels, this time around featuring a diamond-cut finish. Extra standard features include Bilstein dampers, adjustable anti-roll bars, and a polycarbonate rear window. Depending on what options you get, the Cup 250 Final Edition can weigh as low as 931 kg. Lotus doesn't mention engine upgrades, so it's safe to say that the 1.8-liter four-cylinder generates the same 243 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The sprint to 60 mph takes only 3.9 seconds.

2021 Lotus Elise Cup 250 Final Edition specifications

Engine

1.8-liter four-cylinder

Horsepower

243 HP

Torque

184 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

3.9 seconds

Top Speed

154 mph


Both Elise Final Edition models are available in brand-new colors inspired from the past, including Azure Blue and Racing Green. The former is the color of the Elise that was first presented to the media in 1996, while the latter is a tribute to the first car unveiled to the public at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show. Lotus also offers new decals, seat trim, and stitching patterns.

2021 Lotus Exige Sport 390 Final Edition

The Exige Sport 390 is basically an Exige Sport 350 with a more powerful engine. The supercharged, 3.5-liter V-6 features a recalibrated Edelbrock blower, which adds 47 horsepower for a new total of 397 horses.

That's also more than the Sport 380 model, rated at 375 horsepower. The V-6 also cranks out 310 pound-feet of torque. New bits include 10-spoke lightweight wheels wrapped in Michelin PS4 tires and a revised aero packs that enables the car to generate 253 pounds of torque at a top speed of 172 mph. The Exige Sport 390 Final Edition hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

2021 Lotus Exige Sport 420 Final Edition

The fastest Exige model available, it hits 60 mph in only 3.3 seconds and charges toward a top speed of 180 mph. On top of the extra oomph, it comes with an impressive list of standard equipment, including adjustable Eibach anti-roll bars front and rear, adjustable Nitron dampers, and AP Racing brakes with four-piston calipers. The 10-spoke Anthracite wheels come wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for extra grip.

2021 Lotus Exige Cup 430 Final Edition

As the range-topping version of the Exige, the Cup 430 could not be absent from this list of Final Edition cars. Featuring a further upgraded 3.5-liter V-6 that cranks out 430 horsepower, the Cup 430 is not as fast as the Sport 420, topping out at 174, but it's a tenth-second quicker to 60 mph. Specifically, it hits the benchmark in just 3.2 clicks. It also features a more radical aero package that enables it to generate up to 377 pounds of downforce.

2021 Lotus Exige Cup 430 Final Edition specifications

Engine

3.5-liter V-6

Horsepower

430 HP

Torque

315 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

3.2 seconds

Top Speed

174 mph


The Cup 430 Final Edition is fitted with motorsport-grade carbon-fiber body elements, including the splitter, front access panel, roof, diffuser, side pods, and rear wing. It features the same adjustable suspension system as the Sport 420, the same brakes, and diamond-cut wheels in Michelin Pilot SPort Cup 2 tires. Extras include a high-flow titanium exhaust and a racing-derived variable traction control system linked directly to the ECU.

All three Exige Final Edition models are available in new colors that pay tribute to older models. There's Metallic White, sourced from the first Exige V6 shown in 2011, and Metallic Orange, which was used on the first press car in 2000 and the Exige GT3 concept from the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.

How much do they cost?

The Elise Sport 240 is obviously the most affordable Final Edition model. It starts from £45,500 in the U.K. (including VAT) and from €47,479 in the Eurozone (excluding VAAT). The Elise Cup 250 comes in at £50,900 in the U.K. and €53,750 in Europe before options. Next up is the Exige Sport 390 at £64,000 / €67,151, while the Exige Sport 420 retails from £79,900 / €83,610. Finally, the Exige Cup 430 fetches £100,600 in the U.K. and €108,403 in Europe.

Lotus Elise and Exige Final Edition cars prices

Elise Sport 240

£45,500

€ 56,500

€ 56,980

€ 60,290

€ 47,479

CHF 61,000

Elise Cup 250

£50,900

€ 64,000

€ 64,500

€ 67,940

€ 53,750

CHF 68,500

Exige Sport 390

£64,000

€ 79,910

€ 80,590

€ 84,290

€ 67,151

CHF 85,200

Exige Sport 420

£79,900

€ 99,500

€ 100,400

€ 104,460

€ 83,610

CHF 106,000

Exige Cup 430

£100,600

€ 129,000

€ 130,100

€ 134,660

€ 108,403

CHF 136,000


None of these cars are available in the U.S., but Lotus will soon offer a Final Edition version of the Evora, which has also entered its final year of production.