Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 revealed

Lotus has revealed the limited edition Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25, named for the first F1 car to win Lotus a Constructor’s World Championship.

The likes of Jim Clark, Mike Hailwood, Chris Amon, and Richard Attwood took the wheel of the original Lotus Type 25, and only a few people more than that will likely ever drive this car. Only 25 of the collector’s edition vehicle are to be built.

Based on the Exige Cup 430 (though with extras, we’ll get to that), the Exige Type 25 boasts 321kW from its 3.5-litre supercharged V6, in a car weighing only 1056 dry. 97km/h (60mph) arrives in just 3.2 seconds.

Though it looks nothing like the F1 car it’s named for, it does nod to the racer with a wooden gear-shift knob, as well as badging and a numbered plaque.

Three-way adjustable dampers, adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, forged aluminium wheels, and AP Racing brake calipers all ensure it’ll handle a day at the track.

Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales calls this Lotus’ ultimate two-seater, though we’re not sure if that means it overtakes the 3-Eleven 430 which he called the “ultimate weapon in focused road driving and track work.”

“We are proud to have named this unique Lotus Exige Cup 430 in honour of the Lotus Type 25, a car which left an indelible mark on the development of motorsport,” says Gales of the Exige Cup 430 Type 25.

“It was revolutionary when introduced and the first car to win Lotus a Constructor’s World Championship, the first of seven.

“It is a perfect example of Lotus’ design philosophy – light, yet incredibly strong and peerless on the racetrack.

“That same ethos, our company DNA, is found in the Exige Cup 430 Type 25, which is lighter than its predecessors and even more powerful.

“Combined with a class-leading balance in handling and agility, it’s our point-to-point two-seater sports car.”