Lotus Exige LF1-06

Here's Lotus trying to take advantage of its links to Formula 1, even if it's just the name that binds carmaker and F1 team today. The Lotus Exige LF1 is a limited edition of just 81 units, 81 being the number of GP victories held by the Lotus marque. Car #1 commemorates Lotus' first GP victory at Monaco in 1960 while #81 marks Kimi Raikkonen's Australian GP win last year.

Boy, does it look good. The Exige LF1 Coupe appears menacing in the F1-inspired bespoke black/gold paint scheme with red accents (thank you, Total). 17-inch alloys in front and 18s at the back, in gold of course, and wrapped with Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo rubber.

The Pirellis are part of a Race Pack which includes Dynamic Performance Management and two-piece high performance brake discs. Owners can add a Convenience Pack with heated seats and rear parking sensors.

Inside, the trim is in leather and "technical fabric" with plenty of gold contrast piping and stitching. The seats get embroidered 'LF1' logos on the headrests and 'Lotus F1 Team' logos on seat backs. An individually numbered carbon fibre build plate and CF engine plate complete the package.

"Lotus' DNA is borne of the Formula 1 arena and with 65 years of motorsport racing experience, 40 of those in F1 it's fitting we celebrate our sporting origins and our race successes with the new Lotus Exige LF1. 81 limited edition cars, each one an acknowledgement to each of Lotus' 81 Grand Prix wins, this car is intended for the truest of Lotus' racing fans," said Jean-Marc Gales, Lotus' new CEO.

Purists can have the standard Exige S Coupe and Exige S Roadster, both officially available in Malaysia.