2009 Tokyo Auto Show: Lotus Exige Scura

TOKYO — Saying it was going for a serious-looking car for the serious driver, Lotus has unveiled the Lotus Exige Scura, which will make its formal debut on Wednesday at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. The Scura is a study in black, with an unusual textured matte-black paint finish accented by high-gloss "Phantom Black" stripes.

Lotus says the production run of the Exige Scura is limited to just 35 units globally. The special edition is dubbed the Lotus Exige Stealth in the Japan market. The special model will go on sale on Wednesday in Europe, South Korea, Australia, South Africa, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia — but not the U.S. — Lotus said in a statement. "Sales in the U.S. are uncertain at this time," Lotus Cars USA spokesman Kevin Smith told Inside Line in a phone conversation on Monday.

The Exige Scura starts at the U.S. equivalent of $75,381, including shipping.

Curiously, Lotus included a lengthy disclaimer about the Exige Scura's paint job — the car's most noteworthy feature — in its description of the car. "Due to the textured matte finish, fading or discolouration of all or part of the matte paint finish may occur during the early life of the vehicle and this is considered normal and is specifically excluded from any warranty given by Lotus," the disclaimer said. Lotus also noted that the finish requires "special cleaning."

Other details include a carbon-fiber front splitter, oil cooler inlet vanes, side air scoops and rear spoiler. The seats and center console are made from carbon fiber, giving the cabin what Lotus calls "a raw and racy ambiance."

The Exige Scura is fitted with the 1.8-liter supercharged 257-horsepower engine from the Exige Cup 260. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission. The Exige Scura sprints from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 152 mph.

Standard equipment includes launch control that allows the driver to determine the number of revs he or she wants to use during a standing start. Standard variable slip traction control lets the driver tune the car to track surface conditions. Both features were "originally developed for the Lotus Exige GT3 racing program," said Lotus.

Inside Line says: You'll have to admire this black beauty from afar. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent