It is known for some time now that Lotus is going to axe the Elise roadster and Exige coupe from its North American lineup by the end of August due to Toyota’s decision to stop production of the 2ZZ 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine that powers the two models.

Fans of the Elise and Exige in other markets around the world including Europe need not to worry as the two cars will continue to be available as they are fitted with a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder unit.

To mark the end of production for North America, the British firm has announced the release of three Final Edition [FE] models. Lotus said will build and import into the US and Canada 15 examples of the Elise SC FE, 25 of the Exige Matte Black FE and 30 units of the Exige S260 FE.

For more details, check out the official press release after the break.

LOTUS PRESS RELEASE

2011 Elise SC Final Edition – only 15 produced

To mark the end of an era of Lotus Elise production, Lotus has created the Elise SC Final Edition exclusively for North America. With a supercharged 218bhp engine, exclusive matte black paint detailing on the rear transom panel, roll hoop cover, hardtop and door mirror housings and an unprecedented level of standard equipment, this “Final” Elise makes a striking statement. Only 15 Elise SC Final Editions will be built for the North American market, virtually insuring this Elise becomes instantly collectible. The Elise SC Final Edition will be available in Ardent Red, Aspen White, Carbon Grey and Chrome Orange at a base price of just $57,500 ($66,500 CAD) including all of the following highlighted features:

SPECIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS (beyond details mentioned above)

  • Rear diffuser with black anodized finish
  • Black leather perforated steering wheel
  • Polished aluminium gear knob and handbrake sleeve
  • Driver and passenger front airbags
  • Air conditioning
  • Audio system with radio, single CD and MP3 player with four speakers
  • Remote activated central locking and alarm system with engine imobiliser
  • Engine start push button
  • Extruded aluminium storage tray and machined billet aluminium cup holder
  • Yokohama A048 high-performance tires
  • Black 14-spoke forged alloy wheels
  • Black ProBaxTM sport seats with Alcantara trim
  • Sport suspension, springs and dampers
  • UPGRADE OPTIONS INCLUDED IN BASE PRICE
  • Touring Pack:
  • Padded leather door panels
  • Perforated leather door inserts
  • Leather trimmed center console
  • Black perforated leather handbrake lever gaiter
  • Black carpet floor mats with embroidered Elise logo
  • Noise insulation material
  • iPod® stereo connectivity
  • Matte black painted hardtop
  • Limited slip differential (LSD)
  • Lotus Traction Control System (TCS)

2011 Exige Matte Black Final Edition – only 25 produced

To mark the end of an era of Lotus Exige production, Lotus has created the Exige Matte Black Final Edition exclusively for North America. With a supercharged and intercooled 257bhp engine, exclusive matte black paint finish, black Alacantara sport seats and a high level of standard equipment, this one of two “Final” Exige models makes a stealthy and aggressive statement. Only 25 Exige Matte Black Final Editions will be built for the North American market, virtually insuring this Exige becomes instantly collectible. The Exige Matte Black Final Edition will be shown for the first time in North America within the Lotus exhibit on Peter Hay Hill in Pebble Beach Thursday, August 18 through Sunday, August 21 and will have a base price of just $69,900 ($80,800 CAD) including all of the following highlighted features:

SPECIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS (beyond details mentioned above)

  • 257bhp supercharged and intercooled 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine
  • Exclusive Matte Black paint finish
  • Three-element rear diffuser with black anodized finish
  • Body-colored rear wing, front splitter, side scoops and roof scoop
  • Double shear track control arm brace
  • Black leather perforated steering wheel
  • Polished aluminium gear knob and handbrake sleeve
  • Driver and passenger front airbags
  • Air conditioning
  • Audio system with radio, single CD and MP3 player with four speakers
  • Remote activated central locking and alarm system with engine imobiliser
  • Engine start push button
  • Yokohama A048 high-performance tires
  • Black 5-spoke ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels
  • Limited slip differential (LSD)
  • UPGRADE OPTIONS INCLUDED IN BASE PRICE
  • Sport Pack:
  • Lotus Traction Control System (TCS)
  • BS4 T45 steel roll-over hoop and struts
  • Adjustable front anti-roll bar
  • ProBaxTM sport seats with black Alcantara trim
  • Touring Pack:
  • Alcantara door panels
  • Alcantara door inserts
  • Alcantara trimmed center console
  • Black Alcantara handbrake lever gaiter
  • Black carpet floor mats with embroidered Exige logo
  • Noise insulation material
  • iPod® stereo connectivity
  • Extruded aluminium storage tray and machined billet aluminium cup holder
  • Track Pack:
  • Track suspension with adjustable dampers and adjustable ride height

2011 Exige S260 Final Edition – only 30 produced

Lotus has also created the Exige S260 Final Edition exclusively for North America. With a supercharged and intercooled 257bhp engine and a high level of standard equipment, this one of two “Final” Exige models is available in the full array of Lotus exterior colors. Only 30 Exige S260 Final Editions will be built for the North American market, virtually insuring this Exige becomes instantly collectible. The Exige S260 Final Edition will have a base price of just $67,500 ($78,100 CAD) including all of the following highlighted features (certain exterior colors available at an additional cost):

  • SPECIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS (beyond details mentioned above)
  • 257bhp supercharged and intercooled 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine
  • Full Lotus exterior color range available (Standard & Metallic paints at no extra cost, Lifestyle & Limited paints at an extra cost)
  • Three-element rear diffuser with black anodized finish
  • Body-colored rear wing, front splitter, side scoops and roof scoop
  • Double shear track control arm brace
  • Black leather perforated steering wheel
  • Polished aluminium gear knob and handbrake sleeve
  • Driver and passenger front airbags
  • Air conditioning
  • Audio system with radio, single CD and MP3 player with four speakers
  • Remote activated central locking and alarm system with engine imobiliser
  • Engine start push button
  • Yokohama A048 high-performance tires
  • Black Y-type 5-spoke forged alloy wheels
  • Limited slip differential (LSD)
  • UPGRADE OPTIONS INCLUDED IN BASE PRICE
  • Sport Pack:
  • Lotus Traction Control System (TCS)
  • BS4 T45 steel roll-over hoop and struts
  • Adjustable front anti-roll bar
  • ProBaxTM sport seats
  • Touring Pack:
  • Padded leather door panels
  • Padded leather door inserts
  • Leather trimmed center console
  • Black perforated leather handbrake lever gaiter
  • Black carpet floor mats with embroidered Exige logo
  • Noise insulation material
  • iPod® stereo connectivity
  • Extruded aluminium storage tray and machined billet aluminium cup holder
  • Track Pack:
  • Track suspension with adjustable dampers and adjustable ride height