Group Lotus has revealed the Lotus Exige S Type 72, a mid-engined sportscar that pays tribute to the most successful Formula One car of all time, the Lotus Type 72 F1 car. Between 1970 and 1975 the legendary vehicle has topped the amazing 20 Grand Prix victories and was driven by such Lotus greats as Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx. The celebrated Lotus Type 72 possess three Formula One Constructors' Championships (1970, 1972 and 1973) and two Drivers' World Championships (the first being won by Jochen Rindt in 1970 and the second by Emerson Fittipaldi in 1972).

The paint finish of the new Exige S Type 72 shares the same black and gold livery as the original Lotus Type 72, and it is made by the same sign writer painted the racing cars for Team Lotus back in the days. The Lotus newcomer strikes with only 935kg weight and covers the zero to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 145 mph (233 km/h). The fuel economy and the carbon dioxide emissions are also in enviable amount: 6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg) on the Extra Urban Cycle and 199 g/km of CO2 emissions. The Exige S Type 72 is powered by an intercooled engine with VVTL-i technology that ensures impressive performance all the way to the rev limiter at 8500 rpm.

Besides the standart Lotus Exige S interior features, the special-edition Type 72 is further fitted with black micro fibre ProBax sports seats with gold stitching and a special plate reminding for one of the F1 car's 20 Grand Prix victories. Outside, the sports vehicle boasts exclusive black and gold light weight alloys and hand-painted gold Type 72 and Exige S logos, (the Sport Pack also includes a T45 steel main roll hoop, Lotus Traction Control, twin oil coolers and an adjustable front anti-roll bar).

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The Lotus Exige S Type 72 will be manufactured in only 20 units for the UK and 20 more for Europe. Limited number of vehicles is also scheduled for Japan and few other selected markets around the globe.

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the UK is £35,995, without road costs, and for Europe the price tag is 40,332 Euro, including delivery and road costs, excluding local country tax.