Lotus Exige S Type 72 celebrates legendary F1 car

A commemorative edition of the Lotus Exige, dubbed S Type 72, will soon be released. The British carmaker said that 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.

The car, which is considered by many to be a legendary racing car, has won three Formula One Constructors’ Championships (1970, 1972 and 1973) and two Drivers’ World Championships (1970 and 1972). In a release, Luke Bennett, Lotus operations director, described the Lotus Exige S Type 72 to be an “evocative sportscar,” which is a product of the combination of cutting-edge handling and performance with the iconic Type 72 color scheme, which is one of the most famous racing liveries of all time.

Bennett further said that the Exige provides an intense experience whether it’s drive on road or track. The car is able to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 145 mph (233 km/h).

Standard equipment for the Sport Pack includes air conditioning and limited slip differential while for the Performance Pack, power has been increased to 240 PS and it is fitted with larger AP racing brakes, enlarged roof scoop and Lotus variable traction control and launch control.

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