Image: Lotus
Image: Lotus
Image: Lotus
Image: Lotus
Image: Lotus
These nostalgia trips that many automotive manufacturers have gone on recently have, more often than not, resulted in the birth of a heritage-holding car and it seems that Lotus are the latest marque to join the throng. Celebrating 50 years since its F1 Drivers and Constructors Championship victory, Lotus has unveiled a limited-edition Lotus Evija Fittipaldi.
Image: Lotus
In 1972, F1 driver Emerson Fittipaldi piloting the Lotus Type 72, went on to secure a victory in 5 of the 11 races for that season. This stellar performance led to Lotus clinching the overall victory in the 1972 Drivers’ Championship and Constructor’s Championship. This emphatic performance by the young Brazilian driver is remembered as one of the many key moments in Lotus’ history. Now the firm seeks to pay tribute to that fabled F1 fling with a limited-edition Lotus Type 72-inspired Lotus Evija Fittipaldi.
“Bringing together the Lotus Evija, the Lotus Type 72, the black and gold livery and Emerson Fittipaldi, all in celebration of his World Championship victory 50 years on – need I say more?” — Clive Chapman, Lotus Managing Director
Image: Lotus
Designated as the Lotus Evija Fittipaldi, this limited edition Lotus hypercar will only see eight renditions and is said to be already sold to VIP Lotus clients. Deliveries are said to begin in 2023, but this black and gold all-electric hypercar celebrates Lotus’ unbridled racing heritage.
Image: Lotus
While not receiving a bountiful boost in power, Evija’s presence is accentuated by a slew of aesthetic changes. Immediately noticeable is the black and gold hand-painted colour scheme harking to the original Lotus Type 72’s design. The eight limited edition models are supported by Type 72 black and gold wheels.
Image: Lotus
The cabin sees the bulk of the aesthetic overhaul with a top-down view of Type 72 punctuating the interior etched into the Evija’s carbon fibre roof. Throughout the cabin, black and gold sticking can be seen as well as gold air vent surrounds, centre rotary dial, pedals and start/stop button. These elements feature recycled aluminium from the original Type 72 F1 car, which ensures that each model has a piece of the firm’s F1 heritage.
Image: Lotus
It’s a memorial piece and one —or rather eight— that sees the signature of Fittipaldi himself stitched onto the dashboard. The latest contemporary piece to be developed by the Lotus Advanced Program undoubtedly continue to remember the outstanding legacy of not only Emerson Fittipaldi but also the Lotus F1 Team.
Keyword: Celebrating Lotus F1 heritage with the Lotus Evija Fittipaldi