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Lotus builds £150,000 diamond encrusted Europa

Lotus builds £150,000 diamond encrusted Europa

Viknesh Vijayenthiran September 12th, 2008 Viknesh Vijayenthiran By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author September 12th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Lotus has unveiled a fully customized diamond-set Europa valued at £150,000 (approximately $266,500) just days out from its 60th birthday, which falls on the 14th of this month. The diamond anniversary Europa has received a number of cosmetic and performance enhancements, namely the addition of a bespoke gear knob and switchgear with diamonds set into their matte black metal surfaces. The car also receives new leather trim and a specially designed instrument cluster that also features diamonds inlaid in its bare surfaces. Outside, there are tinted windows, silver multispoke wheels and a diamond set Lotus badge. The final touch is an exclusive high gloss black exterior paint scheme adorned with tiny glass flakes. Lotus is now planning to display the car at its Hethel headquarters in the UK this weekend but for security reasons it will be fitted with replica diamonds. Despite its luxurious makeover, the car is still a stunning performer, capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in less than five seconds and reaching a top speed of 146mph. You can find out more about the Europa in a previous review by clicking here. The latest special edition is just one of several major announcements made over the past several months that Lotus has made as part of its ongoing 60th birthday celebrations. Last month the carmaker announced that it had teamed up with British tuner Project Kahn to build a special tuning package for the Elise, and before that it unveiled the all-new Evora 2+2 GT.Lotus 60th anniversary diamond studded Europa
Lotus builds £150,000 diamond encrusted Europa

Lotus builds £150,000 diamond encrusted Europa

Enlarge Photo

Lotus has unveiled a fully customized diamond-set Europa valued at £150,000 (approximately $266,500) just days out from its 60th birthday, which falls on the 14th of this month. The diamond anniversary Europa has received a number of cosmetic and performance enhancements, namely the addition of a bespoke gear knob and switchgear with diamonds set into their matte black metal surfaces.

The car also receives new leather trim and a specially designed instrument cluster that also features diamonds inlaid in its bare surfaces. Outside, there are tinted windows, silver multispoke wheels and a diamond set Lotus badge. The final touch is an exclusive high gloss black exterior paint scheme adorned with tiny glass flakes.

Lotus is now planning to display the car at its Hethel headquarters in the UK this weekend but for security reasons it will be fitted with replica diamonds. Despite its luxurious makeover, the car is still a stunning performer, capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in less than five seconds and reaching a top speed of 146mph. You can find out more about the Europa in a previous review by clicking here.

The latest special edition is just one of several major announcements made over the past several months that Lotus has made as part of its ongoing 60th birthday celebrations. Last month the carmaker announced that it had teamed up with British tuner Project Kahn to build a special tuning package for the Elise, and before that it unveiled the all-new Evora 2+2 GT.
Lotus 60th anniversary diamond studded Europa
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Tags: Roadsters

Posted in: Lotus, News


Comments (9 total)

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  1. By Adrian #1, Posted: 9/12/2008

    Its all good, but its no Lamborghini!

    I like Lotus, but their not exclusive enought to get away with this kind of exclusiveness!

    I can't imagine Roman of Chelski will be interested either.

    Only Lamborghini or Bugatti can get away with this. I don't think Ferrari would even go there.

    =)

  2. By Gus #2, Posted: 9/12/2008

    As long as the instruction manual is in Arabic, it will sell...

  3. By Adrian #3, Posted: 9/12/2008

    Yeah, your right!

    Maybe they know something I don't =P

  4. By www.mywheelsonwalls.com #4, Posted: 9/12/2008

    Was it a private commission for Damien Hirst?

  5. By mcw #5, Posted: 9/12/2008

    This is SOOOO WRONG! I'm embarrassed for LOTUS. LOTUS is about lightweight sports cars. Not BLING! WHAT'S THE WORLD COMING TO?!

  6. By Gus #6, Posted: 9/12/2008

    What the world is coming to is that money is all that matters.
    Look at the Cayenne...

  7. By Layne #7, Posted: 9/12/2008

    Usually I'm not into bling either, but that's actually kinda cool in a strange way. Look at it this way; the diamond trim and special paint probably didn't add any weight so there's no real reason to cry fowl. Now if it came with 20 inch chrome wheels, then yes, I'd be the first to get out the pitchforks and torches and declare a witch hunt.

    Anyone else notice that Kiss is on the radio display? LOL.

  8. By NoNameDenton #8, Posted: 9/12/2008

    Right, memo to the owner, never, ever, ever park this in public., or it will be stripped so fast a security cam will not catch it.

  9. By Gus #9, Posted: 9/14/2008

    I agree with Layne, it is cool, and I'm sure a lot of effort went into it, but what riles enthusiasts is that it's a LOTUS, not a Rolls Royce... :)
    I'm sure it was done to draw attention to the brand from people who don't normally look at Lotus.

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