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Lotus celebrates its Formula 1 past with the Emira Special Edition

The five liveries that make up the Emira Special Edition range are reminiscent of the F1 cars of yesteryear. Prices from €98,107

Lotus Emira Limited Edition
Photo by: Lotus

Lotus presents the special Emira Limited Edition, a tribute to its motorsport past and in particular to the world of Formula 1 racing.

Based on the 2.0-litre four-cylinder version, the special edition features five unique liveries, each inspired by Lotus cars of the past and produced in a limited edition of just 12 per model. Available in 12 selected European markets (Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Spain, Luxembourg, France, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark), the series pays homage to the legendary number '12' worn by  Ayrton Senna during his time with Lotus in Formula 1. The starting price for each variant is €98,107 (prices vary per country).

A tribute to legends

Each of the Emira limited editions features bespoke detailing and hand-crafted finishes, with the livery - applied in-house at the Hethel factory - echoing the colours of the British team's Formula 1 cars.

Each car features black Lotus logos and "Emira Limited 1/12" nameplates on the B-pillars and dashboard. The set is completed by a certificate of authenticity attesting to the uniqueness of the model, which increases its value to collectors.

Lotus Emira Limited Edition inspired by Type 99T

Lotus Emira Limited Edition inspired by the Type 99T

Lotus Emira Limited Edition inspired by Type 97T

Lotus Emira Limited Edition, a tribute to the Type 97T

Lotus Emira Limited Edition inspired by the Type 86

Lotus Emira Limited Edition, the tribute variant to the Type 86

Photos by: Lotus

The first variant is inspired by the Type 99T (the car in which Ayrton Senna triumphed in Monaco and Detroit in 1987), with yellow paintwork enhanced by blue detailing and the number '12' visible on the sides of the car, combined with black wheels and brake callipers.


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Then there's the Emira 'based' on the Type 97T, whose livery combines a Shadow Grey base with gold detailing to celebrate the 1985 car in which Senna claimed his first Grand Prix victory. The golden number 12 adorns the flanks, while the Union Jack flag decorates the front wings.

Next, we find a tribute to the Type 86 from 1980, with blue colours and red and silver stripes, as well as the number 11 on the flanks.

Launch of the Lotus personalisation programme

Among the Emira limited editions, there is also room for a tribute to the Type 78, the 1977 single-seater that was one of the first to exploit ground effect, making the car aerodynamically much more powerful. The number '5' - in honour of Mario Andretti - appears on the sides of the Lotus.

Finally, a tribute is paid to the Type 25, with a dark green livery with yellow stripes that recalls the 1963 single-seater that helped Jim Clark win the world championship. The black Alcantara interior with yellow stitching completes the tribute.

Lotus Emira Limited Edition inspired by the Type 78

Lotus Emira Limited Edition inspired by the Type 78

Photos by: Lotus
Lotus Emira Limited Edition inspired by the Type 25

Lotus Emira Limited Edition inspired by the Type 25

Each Emira is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo engine with 365 PS and 430 Nm developed by Mercedes-AMG and customised by Lotus. Combined with the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, this engine delivers a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph.

Finally, it's worth pointing out that this limited edition is a kind of appetiser for the Chapman Bespoke customisation programme, due to be launched in 2025, which will offer customers the chance to modify their Lotus in a wide range of details.

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