Lotus special editions revealed

Lotus has launched special-edition versions of the Elise and Exige in honour of its celebrated development guru Roger Becker.

Becker, whose official title was Director of Vehicle Engineering for Lotus, retired in January following 44 years of service.

See the special edition Lotus Elise

The RGB Special Edition cars are essentially run-out versions of the 2010 Lotus Exige and Lotus Elise, powered by the Toyota-sourced four-cylinder 1.8-litre engine that no longer meet the required Euro5 standards.

The Elise gets a 217bhp engine from the SC model, while the Exige gets the 257bhp unit from the Cup 260.

The cars, which have the Sport and Touring packages fitted, are standard in every other way save for Becker's signature on the B-pillar and a numbered plaque

Both cars are available in white, yellow, black and grey with black forged alloy wheels.

The Lotus Elise SC RGB Special Edition costs from £38,550, while the Lotus Exige S RGB Special Edition costs from £41,950.

Meanwhile, Lotus has announced that it will reveal "the dawn of a new era" at the Paris motor show in September. It has given no details of its plans, beyond further describing them as "the future evolution of an iconic British brand".

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