Lotus celebrates 60th birthday with diamond set Europa

Lotus is celebrating its 60th birthday this Sunday at its Hethel headquarters in England, and the British sportscar maker has put together a special edition of the Europa to celebrate. This one is specially configured for the diamond anniversary just to appeal to the likes of Paris Hilton. The special custom gear shift lever and other switches are in-set with diamonds in black metal so they will be all sparkly! On the outside, the high-gloss black paint has tiny bits of glass in it similar to the tuxedo black finish on the Lincoln MKS. The glass adds even more sparkle to the paint in sunlight than a conventional metallic finish. All kidding aside, if the paint is anything like the Lincoln finish it will look great. The Europa also gets some unspecified performance upgrades to give it a sub 5-second 0-60 dash and 146 mph top end. It's not clear, however, if this £150,000 Europa is a one-off or if Lotus is planning to build more.

[Source: Lotus]

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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.