Lotus Exige S Type 72 Unveiled

British carmaker Lotus announced today the release of a commemorative edition of the Exige, dubbed S Type 72. The car has been built to celebrate the black and gold Lotus Type 72 livery which was driven by Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx and won three Formula One Constructors’ Championships (1970, 1972 and 1973) and two Drivers’ World Championships (1970 and 1972).

“The Lotus Exige S Type 72 is an evocative sportscar, combining cutting edge handling and performance with the iconic Type 72 colour scheme, one of the most famous racing liveries of all time. The Exige provides an intense driving experience either on road or track and this limited edition is a worthy car to celebrate such a legendary racing car,” Luke Bennett, Lotus operations director, said in a release.

The car's engine allows it to accelerate from naught to 62 in 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 145 mph (233 km/h). The Lotus comes equipped, as standard, with the Sport Pack (air conditioning, limited slip differential) the Performance Pack (power increase to 240 PS, larger AP racing brakes, enlarged roof scoop and Lotus variable traction control and launch control).

“The Type 72 was a very significant car for Team Lotus and indeed for the world of F1. It was a revolutionary design that pioneered the use of side mounted radiators to achieve its distinctive ’wedge’ profile, which delivered a significant aerodynamic advantage," Clive Chapman, Lotus classic team director added.

Only 20 units of the S Type 72 will be produced for the UK and another 20 for mainland Europe (with possible limited run of cars in Japan and selected markets). The price tag reads 40,332 euros, including shipping.