In the US, the only model Lotus currently sells is the Evora, meaning America has missed out on the automaker's superb lightweight sports cars over the years. This will soon change as Geely's takeover of the company will enable Lotus to develop a new generation of sports cars that will slot below the Evija electric hypercar. In the meantime, Lotus is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Exige with a new special edition dubbed the 'Exige Sport 410 20th Anniversary'.

Based on the Exige Sport 410, the commemorative sports car features several exterior enhancements inspired by the Exige Series 1 that debuted in 2000, including a body-colored roof, side air intake pods and rear wing, and a black stone chip protector ahead of the rear wheel. The nostalgia continues inside, where the interior can be finished in different colored Alcantara trims. Each seat is also decorated with paneled stitching as a throwback to the original Exige.

In addition, a '20th Anniversary' black silhouette logo featuring the profile image of the original Series 1 adorns the front wings and rear bumper. Inside, the same logo is embroidered on the seatbacks and embossed on the car's dashboard 'build plaque'. A distinctive '20' is also visible on the rear wing end-plates.

A range of retro-inspired exterior colors taken from the Exige Series 1 are available for the Lotus Exige Sport 410 20th Anniversary, including Chrome Orange, Laser Blue and Calypso Red. Other color options include Saffron Yellow, which is reminiscent of the original Norfolk Mustard Yellow finish, Motorsport Black or Arctic Silver.

New standard equipment that's normally optional extras includes three-way adjustable dampers, DAB digital radio with Bluetooth, cruise control, ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, and an Alcantara steering wheel. Pricing for the Lotus Exige Sport 410 20th Anniversary starts at £79,900 ($99,573), which represents £5,412 ($6,745) worth of extras over the standard Sport 410. Lotus says deliveries in selected international markets will start later this year, but there's zero chance of it coming to the US as the Exige doesn't meet safety regulations in America.

"The Exige Sport 410 20th Anniversary builds on the Exige's unrivaled levels of handling and performance. This special edition of one of our most acclaimed sports cars ever will continue the Lotus ethos of being born for the track and bred for the road," said Ema Forster, Head of Product Marketing.