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Do you know what is the world’s most powerful production car? It’s a Lotus … what? Indeed, that little company that has struggled since the Esprit was rendered obsolete produces the Evija, an all-electric hypercar with almost 2,000 horsepower. If that’s not enough of a selling point, then perhaps you should consider the Evija Fittipaldi for true limited-edition distinction.
Truth be told, the Evija has been planned to be limited to 130 units, but people of distinction demand more, and Lotus has delivered the goods with a special model to commemorate 50 years since Emerson Fittipaldi helped Team Lotus win the F1 Driver’s and Constructors’ Championships. Only eight will be built.
Lotus held a special event in the Norfolk village of Hethel for this special launch with — who else? — Emerson Fittipaldi. “It’s fantastic to be back at Hethel for such a special occasion. I’ve really enjoyed being a part of this project and it’s been a wonderful experience revealing the car to some of the new owners. Having the opportunity to drive both the Evija Fittipaldi and my championship-winning Type 72 Formula 1 car on the test track at Hethel has been an incredible experience,” said Fittipaldi. Indeed, all eight surviving examples of the Type 72 (the same number of Evija cars being built) were all together in to run on the Hethel test track.
The Evija Fittipaldi gives plenty of nods to the Lotus Type 72, starting with a unique paint finish that includes the Type 72 designation written in gold to the side of the rear window. Decals celebrating the Type 72’s 1972 race victories are listed on the active rear wing, while a number 8 — the number raced by Fittipaldi during the ’72 season, including his win at the British Grand Prix — appears on the B-pillar. A hand-tinted plan view of the Type 72 is etched into the exposed carbon fiber roof. Black and gold Type 72 wheels with matching brake calipers complement the whole package.
“The word ‘legend’ is often overused, but this project has brought together the Lotus Evija hypercar, Emerson Fittipaldi, the Type 72 race car and our brand’s celebrated Formula 1 heritage. No argument, that is four legitimate legends, all collaborating to deliver a truly unique hypercar and a world premiere that was a real ‘pinch yourself’ moment,” said the Director of Lotus Advanced Performance, Simon Lane.
Perhaps most interesting to racing enthusiasts, aside of the potential performance, is the rotary dial on the instrument panel that is hand-crafted from recycled Type 72 aluminum. This means that you have a piece of the iconic F1 racer every time you go to the local Circle K.
Inside the cabin you’ll find black leather with gold stitching, including Fittipaldi’s signature hand-stitched into the dashboard. The stitching continues above in the headliner, plus the air vent surrounds, center rotary dial, start/stop button and pedals are finished in gold.
Adds Simon Lane, “Production of the Evija has commenced at Hethel, and these eight cars are a very special celebration of this important moment in our history.”
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