Are you aware what’s the world’s strongest manufacturing automobile? It’s a Lotus … what? Certainly, that little firm that has struggled for the reason that Esprit was rendered out of date produces the Evija, an all-electric hypercar with virtually 2,000 horsepower. If that’s not sufficient of a promoting level, then maybe it is best to think about the Evija Fittipaldi for true limited-edition distinction.
Reality be advised, the Evija has been deliberate to be restricted to 130 items, however folks of distinction demand extra, and Lotus has delivered the products with a particular model to commemorate 50 years since Emerson Fittipaldi helped Staff Lotus win the F1 Driver’s and Constructors’ Championships. Solely eight might be constructed.
Lotus held a particular occasion within the Norfolk village of Hethel for this particular launch with — who else? — Emerson Fittipaldi. “It’s incredible to be again at Hethel for such an important day. I’ve actually loved being part of this undertaking and it’s been an exquisite expertise revealing the automobile to a few of the new house owners. Having the chance to drive each the Evija Fittipaldi and my championship-winning Sort 72 System 1 automobile on the take a look at observe at Hethel has been an unbelievable expertise,” stated Fittipaldi. Certainly, all eight surviving examples of the Sort 72 (the identical variety of Evija automobiles being constructed) had been all collectively in to run on the Hethel take a look at observe.
The Evija Fittipaldi provides loads of nods to the Lotus Sort 72, beginning with a singular paint end that features the Sort 72 designation written in gold to the facet of the rear window. Decals celebrating the Sort 72’s 1972 race victories are listed on the lively rear wing, whereas a quantity 8 — the quantity raced by Fittipaldi throughout the ’72 season, together with his win on the British Grand Prix — seems on the B-pillar. A hand-tinted plan view of the Sort 72 is etched into the uncovered carbon fiber roof. Black and gold Sort 72 wheels with matching brake calipers complement the entire bundle.
“The phrase ‘legend’ is commonly overused, however this undertaking has introduced collectively the Lotus Evija hypercar, Emerson Fittipaldi, the Sort 72 race automobile and our model’s celebrated System 1 heritage. No argument, that’s 4 respectable legends, all collaborating to ship a really distinctive hypercar and a world premiere that was an actual ‘pinch your self’ second,” stated the Director of Lotus Superior Efficiency, Simon Lane.
Maybe most attention-grabbing to racing fans, apart of the potential efficiency, is the rotary dial on the instrument panel that’s hand-crafted from recycled Sort 72 aluminum. Which means you have got a bit of the long-lasting F1 racer each time you go to the native Circle Ok.
Contained in the cabin you’ll discover black leather-based with gold stitching, together with Fittipaldi’s signature hand-stitched into the dashboard. The stitching continues above within the headliner, plus the air vent surrounds, heart rotary dial, begin/cease button and pedals are completed in gold.
Provides Simon Lane, “Manufacturing of the Evija has commenced at Hethel, and these eight automobiles are a really particular celebration of this vital second in our historical past.”
