Lotus breathes the emotion of F1 into this Emira limited series

Any lover of Formula 1who calls himself a true enthusiast, could recite without hesitation the names of the 10 teams and the drivers who make them up. However, a true aficionado will even remember the teams that are no longer in competition today, such as for example the Lotus F1 Team.

This team may not be very familiar, especially to younger people or those who have recently followed Formula 1. Its history stretches from 1958 to 1994, then from 2012 to 2015, with big names such as Fernando Alonso et Kimi Raikkonen having been part of its ranks.

Lotus draws inspiration from its past in Formula 1 to design these Emira

Paying homage to its racing history, Lotus has developed a special collection of 5 exclusive cars Emira Limitedeach limited to 12 units, in anticipation of the launch of the Lotus customization program ‘Chapman Bespoke’ planned for 2025.

These five unique vehicles are based on theEmira ‘First Edition’powered by a four-cylinder mid-engine developed with its technology partner AMG; each will have a distinctive design inspired by Lotus F1 Team color schemes of years past.

Lotus Type 99T

Coated in a bright yellow with blue details, this model refers to the Lotus Type 99 Formula 1 single-seater that Ayrton Senna successfully drove in the 1987 season.

This single-seater was the first to incorporate Lotus innovation in active suspension, a detail which contributed to Senna's victory at the Monaco Grand Prix. Other successes followed, with 8 podiums and a third place in the Manufacturers' and Drivers' championship.

The driver's number, 12, is featured on each side of the car in blue, matching the black brake calipers.

Lotus Type 97T

The second model is a refined interpretation of Senna's 1985 single-seater, in which he achieved his first Grand Prix victory. The Type 97T managed to score nine podiums that year, thus justifying an Emira version, this time in an elegant dark gray with a gold livery, the recognized 12 on each side and also gold wheels.

Type 86

In 1980, Lotus revolutionized F1 with its dual-chassis Type 86, the first of which supported the aerodynamics coming from the radiators and the second was intended for the driver and the suspension. Its Emira version is adorned with blue paint with red and silver stripes, bearing the colors of the Team sponsor. On the back, we can see the inscription 'LOTUS' as well as the number 11 on each side in silver color.

Type 78

This pioneering Lotus model, which appeared in 1977, was the first to introduce the concept of a wing below the ground, generating low pressure to keep the car on the ground, improving aerodynamics while reducing drag, which led to a record of 7 victories and 11 podiums.

The Emira sports a dark gray and gold livery, as well as the number 5 (Mario Andretti's number), with a half 'Union Jack' painted on the side, as well as gold and red details on the calipers and front splitter.

Type 25

Lotus concludes with a tribute to one of the most iconic Formula 1 cars of all time, carried by Jim Clarkwhich achieved 18 podiums between 1962 and 1965. Its importance lay in the introduction of the aeronautical-style monocoque chassis, replacing the conventional tubular chassis.

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This type of monocoque offered increased strength and rigidity, a cross-section profile that made it the thinnest single-seater ever seen in F1.

This latest Emira sports dark green bodywork with Hethel yellow stripes and black brake calipers, reminiscent of its title-winning season. The interior is clad in black Alcantara with yellow stitching which completes the competition-oriented design.

The 60 cars, twelve of each Emira version, will be available in 12 European countries (Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Spain, Luxembourg, France, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Denmark) at a price of around 98,107 euros.