New Models
New Models

Lotus Exige Type 49 and 79 revealed

New special editions mark anniversaries of title-winning F1 racers.


Lotus has revealed the Exige Type 49 and Type 79 at this week's Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of its 70th birthday celebrations, both commemorating anniversaries of championship-winning Formula One race cars.

Both models have been created by Lotus Exclusive in the same colours as the racing cars they're named after.

The Type 49 (pictured in red) celebrates 50 years since Graham Hill won the Drivers' and Constructors' World Championship in the Lotus Type 49, while the Type 79 (pictured in black) celebrates 40 years since Mario Andretti won the World Championship and Constructors' Championship in the Lotus Type 79.

Based on the Exige Cup 430, the Type 49 and Type 79 are equipped with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6, good for 430 horsepower (321kW) and 440Nm of torque. Like the Exige model on which they're based, the pair of commemorative editions sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.3 seconds, on their way to a top speed of 290km/h (180mph).

In their lightest configuration, the special Exiges weight just 1056 kilograms, allowing for a power-to-weight ratio of 407hp per tonne (303kW/tonne).

Headlining features include carbon-fibre components for the front splitter, front clam, air blades, badge boards, roof panel, tailgate, wing and diffuser surround. There's also three-way Nitron adjustable dampers, Eibach adjustable front and rear anti-roll bar, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres wrapped around ultra-light forged alloys (215/45 R17 front, 285/30 R18 rear), along with four-piston AP Racing brakes all round.

Both vehicles also feature Championship Gold pin-striping, and gold-painted alloys, while the brake calipers are finished in red. The Type 49's exterior paint is officially named 'solid red', while the Type 79 is finished in 'motorsport black'.

Inside, there's in-house carbon-fibre racing seats trimmed in Alcantara, finished in contrasting red/gold or black/gold double stitching depending on which variant you choose.

There's also anodised aluminium and carbon-fibre elements for the door sills and instrument vehicle, while the aforementioned top-stitching adorns the door panels, face-level air vents and transmission console. Speaking of the transmission console, the gearbox features an open-gate design, while the gear knob itself is finished in wood.

Both the Exige Type 49 and Type 79 will be making their public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which runs from July 12-15, alongside the company's current range and some classic racers like the Type 49 and Type 79, along with the Lotus 25, 97T and Type 56.

Additionally, the Exige Type 59 will be driving the Goodwood Hillclimb over the four days of the festival.

Head to the galleries section for more images

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