The 2011 Lotus Exige represents a significant year for enthusiasts of lightweight, high-performance sports cars. This model year showcased a variety of Exige configurations, each offering a unique blend of agility, power, and exclusivity. For those in the know, the 2011 Lotus Exige is not just a car; it’s a statement of purist driving pleasure. Let’s delve into the specifics of the 2011 Lotus Exige lineup, exploring the different models and their production rarities within the US market.
2011 Lotus Elise Models in the US
While often discussed alongside the Exige, the Elise also saw production in 2011, offering a slightly different flavor of Lotus’s renowned driving dynamics. In the US market, the 2011 Elise models were available in specific trims, each with limited production numbers, further enhancing their desirability.
2011 Elise R
The 2011 Elise R was produced in a limited run of just 77 units for the United States. This already exclusive number is made even more interesting when considering the variety of colors available. Of the 15 colors offered for the US market, production numbers for some of the most sought-after hues are documented:
- Aspen White: 9 units
- Persian Blue: 7 units
- Canyon Red: 5 units
- Ardent Red: 4 units
- Racing Green (British/Solid): 3 units
These figures highlight the rarity of specific color combinations within the 2011 Elise R production, making some versions exceptionally unique finds for collectors and enthusiasts.
2011 Elise SC
Stepping up the performance, the 2011 Elise SC brought supercharged power to the lightweight Elise chassis. Production of the 2011 Elise SC for the US market was even more restricted, with only 35 units manufactured. Color choices further distinguish these rare models:
- Ardent Red: 5 units
- Carbon Grey: 1 unit
- Graphite Grey: 1 unit
The single-digit production numbers for Carbon Grey and Graphite Grey in the 2011 Elise SC trim underscore the extreme rarity of these specific configurations.
2011 Elise SC Type 25 Special Edition
For the ultimate in exclusivity, the 2011 Elise SC Type 25 Special Edition stands out. A mere 2 units of this special edition were produced for the US. While definitive color information is scarce, it is highly probable that these models were finished in British Racing Green, echoing the iconic 2009 Jim Clark Type 25 Editions, further linking them to Lotus’s rich racing heritage.
2011 Elise SC RGB Roger Becker Edition
Another ultra-rare variant is the 2011 Elise SC RGB Roger Becker Edition. Just 2 of these editions were made for the US market. Currently, color production details for this specific edition remain unknown, adding an air of mystery and further intrigue for Lotus aficionados.
2011 Elise SC Final Edition
Concluding the Elise SC lineage for 2011, the Final Edition marked the end of an era. A total of 12 units were designated for the US, spread across 4 distinct colors. An additional 3 units were produced for Canada (2 Aspen White and 1 Chrome Orange), bringing the total North American production to 15. Known color production for the US Final Edition includes:
- Storm Titanium: 4 units
- Ardent Red: 3 units
- Carbon Grey: 3 units
- Chrome Orange: 2 units
The 2011 Elise SC Final Edition, with its limited numbers and commemorative status, holds a special place in Lotus history.
2011 Lotus Exige Models in the US
Moving onto the more track-focused variant, the 2011 Lotus Exige continued to deliver uncompromising performance. Like the Elise, the 2011 Exige also featured several distinct models with limited production runs in the US.
2011 Exige S240
The 2011 Exige S240, while potent, was produced in extremely limited quantities for the US, with only 5 units manufactured. These were distributed across 4 colors:
- Carbon Grey: 2 units
- Aspen White: 1 unit
- Phantom Black: 1 unit
The near single-digit production run makes the 2011 Exige S240 a very rare sight on US roads and a highly collectible model.
2011 Exige S260 Sport
Even more exclusive is the 2011 Exige S260 Sport, with a mere 3 units produced for the US market. Each of these three examples was finished in a unique color, further emphasizing their bespoke nature:
- Aspen White: 1 unit
- Carbon Grey: 1 unit
- Phantom Black: 1 unit
The 2011 Exige S260 Sport, due to its incredibly low production and individual color schemes, represents the zenith of 2011 Exige exclusivity in the US.
2011 Exige S RGB Roger Becker Edition
Celebrating a Lotus legend, the 2011 Exige S RGB Roger Becker Edition saw a slightly larger run compared to some other limited editions, but still remained highly exclusive. 8 units were produced for the US, in 4 different colors. An additional 4 units were made for Canada, totaling 12 for North America. Known color production details include:
- Aspen White: 4 units
- Carbon Grey: (Production numbers for North America suggest 3, but US breakdown is unclear)
- Solar Yellow: (Production numbers for North America suggest 4, but US breakdown is unclear)
- Starlight Black: 1 unit
The distribution of Carbon Grey and Solar Yellow between the US and Canada for the 2011 Exige S RGB Roger Becker Edition remains somewhat unclear, adding to the intrigue for collectors.
2011 Exige Final Edition Matte
The 2011 Exige Final Edition Matte presented a distinctive aesthetic with its matte black finish. For the US market, 22 units were produced exclusively in this color. An additional 3 were made for Canada, totaling 25 for North America, making it a relatively more numerous “limited edition” but still quite rare overall.
2011 Exige S260 Final Edition
Capping off the 2011 Exige range, the 2011 Exige S260 Final Edition offered a wider range of color choices while still maintaining limited production. 26 units were made for the US, spanning an impressive 11 different colors. Canada received an additional 4 units (1 Isotope Green, 1 Carbon Grey, 1 Ice White, and 1 Starlight Black), bringing the total North American production to 30. Known color production for the US market includes:
- Ardent Red: 5 units
- Aspen White: 4 units
- Phantom Black: 4 units
- Chrome Orange: 3 units
- Arctic Silver: 2 units
- Carbon Grey: 2 units
- Isotope Green: 2 units
- Ice White: 1 unit
- Quartz Silver: 1 unit
- Starlight Black: 1 unit
- Storm Titanium: 1 unit
The extensive color palette of the 2011 Exige S260 Final Edition, combined with its limited production, makes each example a unique and desirable piece of Lotus history.
Conclusion
The 2011 Lotus Exige model year, along with its Elise counterparts, showcases the dedication to lightweight performance and exclusivity that Lotus is renowned for. With a diverse range of models and incredibly limited production numbers, particularly within the US market, the 2011 Lotus Exige represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. Whether you’re a collector, enthusiast, or simply appreciate the pinnacle of driving purity, the 2011 Lotus Exige stands as a testament to Lotus’s enduring legacy.
