Billed as the most powerful production car in the world, the Lotus Evija is back in the headlines when the Norfolk-based brand launches a special edition. Part of the production of the same 130 units, the new Fittipaldi edition celebrates half a century since the legendary Brazilian race car driver won in 1972. That season, Emerson Fittipaldi and Team Lotus took home the F1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
Naturally, the Evija’s complexion echoes the successful Type 72, which Fittipaldi drove with five wins in 11 races of the 1972 F1 season. The iconic black and gold scheme also turns 50 in 2022 and has been implemented here. It features a Type 72 plan look engraved on exposed carbon fiber. There are more nods to Evija’s source of inspiration, including the “8” on the B-pillar as a reminder of race car numbers in 1972. On the rear, the rear wing features a sticker celebrating that season’s F1 victory.
Inside the cabin, a two-time Indy 500 winning signature is hand-sewn to the dashboard. A direct connection to the past is achieved with the swivel dial construction as it is handcrafted using recycled aluminum taken directly from the Fittipaldi Type 72. Black leather with gold contrast stitching continues the body theme. Additional gold accents are seen on the pedals, around the air vents, start/stop buttons, and the aforementioned rotary dial.
2009 F1 champion Jenson Button was one of the first to get behind the wheel of a limited-speed hypercar on Lotus’ privately owned 2.2-mile track at Hethel. Not only that, he also had the opportunity to drive Emerson’s Lotus Type 72 which won the 1972 race.
The all-electric Fittipaldi variant has the same specs as the “regular” Evija, meaning a quad motor with 2,011 hp (1,500 kW) and 1,704 Nm (1,257 lb-ft). It can hit 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in under three seconds and 0 to 186 km/h (300 km/h) in less than nine seconds. Flat, it can reach an electronically limited 217 mph (350 km/h). Lotus targets maximum range in a combined WLTP cycle of 250 miles (402 kilometers) on a single charge.
Limited to only eight cars, the Evija Fittipaldi will be handed over in stages to customers starting early next year.
