the model in the USA was due to that country's stringent emission regulations (which would hinder the car's performance), and poor sales of the car in Europe. By 1991, Lotus was planning to replace the Excel with a coupé version of the Elan roadster, but these plans were shelved as a result of falling sales which saw the whole Elan project cancelled and no direct replacement for the Excel when it was discontinued in 1992. 415 are still registered in the United Kingdom as of 2011, but 240 of them are SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). In 2012, the BBC program Top Gear produced a special called "50 Years of Bond Cars", hosted by presenter Richard Hammond. As part of the program, Hammond attempts to recreate the Lotus Esprit submarine sports car from the movie The Spy Who Loved Me. For budgetary reasons, the car used was an Excel, rather than an Esprit. Surprisingly, the results appeared to be successful. Model Year changes 1984 From 1984 the Eclat Excel was referred to as the Excel. Body-coloured bumpers were introduced. It also received a louvered bonnet, a boot spoiler, and new eight-spoke alloy wheels became an option. The Lotus badge was all black background to mark the death of founder Colin Chapman. 1985 The front wheel arch profile was flared, but it became no wider overall. The boot opening was made larger, while front fog lamps and a VDO instrument cluster were installed. 15-inch wheels became an option. 1986 In October 1985, for the 1986 model year, the S.E. option arrived, coupled with the more powerful H.C. (High Compression) engine. The engine received a power increase to and had red cam covers to further distinguish it from the standard engine. Other changes included a higher compression ratio of 10.9:1, higher lift inlet cams and larger portion to inlet and exhaust valves. Torque was marginally increased to and the engine was fed by two 45 mm twin-choke Dellorto carburettors. The fascia and switchgears were modified on all Excel models, along with an upgraded air conditioning system (an extra-cost option) and a standard adjustable steering column. The standard Excel remained available alongside the pricier S.E. 1987 For 1987 the S.A. automatic model was made available, equipped with a ZF four-speed unit. With a focus on comfort, it also offered cruise control and central door locking. 1988 In 1988 the Excel received a number