It's been 60 years of Lotus, and in that time the British cottage automaker has produced a bevy of light, tossable cars that capture the essence of spirited driving. For that reason, we'll give them a bit of a break with their Diamond Lotus Europa. That's right, this is a fully-loaded Europa with leather stripped off the most aristocratic cows in England...and diamonds. Oh the diamonds. The gear knob, steering wheel and other surfaces feature jewels set in cool matte black metal (they call it "matt" black in the press release). The best touch is the rev counter and speed dial that each include diamonds highlighted by hidden LED lights. The car is valued at more than $250,000, but we imagine this one isn't going up for sale anytime soon. Press release below the jump.
Lotus Europa receives diamond treatment This year Lotus celebrates its 60th birthday and to properly mark the occasion, the British sportscar manufacturer has produced a real gem of a car – a fully customised, diamond-set Lotus Europa valued at £150,000 which will be launched at Lotus' birthday celebrations in Hethel, Norfolk on Sunday 14th September 2008. The diamond anniversary Lotus Europa has received the highest level of customisation from cosmetic enhancements to performance upgrades. Inside, the car boasts sumptuous textures created using the finest quality leather for a superior quilted trim, whilst the bespoke gear knob and controls feature sparkling diamonds set in cool matt black metal. The diamond scheme is completed with a specially designed rev counter and speed dials that feature diamonds highlighted by hidden LED accent lighting. An exclusive paint finish has been applied to the sleek form of the Europa giving the already sophisticated model a truly spectacular finish, a high gloss black base has been adorned with tiny glass flakes giving the appearance the car has been showered with diamonds. Tinted glass and black and silver wheels complete the monochrome scheme in polished, stylish fashion whilst a beautiful, diamond set Lotus nose-badge proudly crowns the car. Mike Kimberley, Group Lotus CEO had this to say about the bespoke Europa, "I'm always proud to launch a special edition Lotus and this commemorative, bespoke Lotus for our Diamond Anniversary is very special indeed. We are a global, high technology engineering consultancy and sportscar company and reaching this special milestone demonstrates our tenacity and creativity as much as our expertise and professionalism." The diamond anniversary Europa is the culmination of skill and expertise from many of Lotus' production teams and suppliers. The project was championed by Winsor Bishop, East Anglia's premier diamond specialists who are supplying Lotus with around £111,000 worth of diamonds for the stunning car. "We were delighted to work with Lotus on this exciting project and are thrilled with the sparkling results," remarked Sophie Croy Mike Kimberley, Group Lotus CEO had this to say about the bespoke Europa, "I'm always proud to launch a special edition Lotus and this commemorative, bespoke Lotus for our Diamond Anniversary is very special indeed. We are a global, high technology engineering consultancy and sportscar company and reaching this special milestone demonstrates our tenacity and creativity as much as our expertise and professionalism." The diamond anniversary Europa is the culmination of skill and expertise from many of Lotus' production teams and suppliers. The project was championed by Winsor Bishop, East Anglia's premier diamond specialists who are supplying Lotus with around £111,000 worth of diamonds for the stunning car. "We were delighted to work with Lotus on this exciting project and are thrilled with the sparkling results," remarked Sophie Croydon, Director of Winsor Bishop. "Diamond setting a car was a first for Winsor Bishop, by specifying 164 beautiful Round Brilliant Diamonds with a market value of £111,100, we have helped create a truly unique Lotus Europa." This beautifully hand crafted British sports car is not only stunning and luxurious, it drives like a dream too. Achieving 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds and a maximum speed of 146mph, this Lotus Europa is certainly a car of style and substance. For security reasons the commemorative Lotus Europa has been fitted with replica diamonds whilst on display.
[Source: Lotus via Autoblog]