At the 2023 Monterey Car Week in California, Lotus stunned those present by unveiling the Type 66, a limited-edition track vehicle inspired by a race car the company had designed but never constructed during the late 1960s.
The initial intention for the Type 66 was to participate in the 1970 Can-Am Series. The founder of Lotus, Colin Chapman, was eager to test how his firm’s lightweight principles would perform in Can-Am. However, his focus on Formula 1 made this goal unattainable, despite the advanced progress made in the Type 66’s design by Geoff Ferris, Lotus’ lead draughtsman at the time.
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In celebration of Lotus’ 75th anniversary this year, the company has disclosed its intentions to put the Type 66 into production. Only 10 units will be made, symbolizing the number of races the vehicle would have joined in the 1970 Can-Am season. Each will carry a price tag of over 1 million British pounds (around $1.27 million).
Lotus has turned to original sketches to engineer the car, some of which were with Clive Chapman, son of Colin Chapman and present head of Lotus’ classic car section. With these sketches, Lotus could generate 3D computer images to conclude the design.
Lotus Type 66
Modifications have been implemented, primarily to comply with contemporary safety regulations. This includes the addition of an inboard fuel cell, a sequential gearbox with anti-stall, a carbon-fiber body, and a strengthened driving compartment.
The vehicle’s performance has also been upgraded, especially in aerodynamics. Through modern computational fluid dynamics, Lotus has fabricated a design that creates over 1,763 pounds of downforce at 150 mph.
Simon Lane, the project lead, noted that the visual resemblance of the Type 66 is remarkably akin to the original concept, though it integrates the finest in contemporary advanced racing performance.
According to Lotus, simulator trials indicate that the Type 66 will likely be on par with the performance of a present-day GT3 racing car.
Lotus Type 66
The vehicle’s frame is composed of extruded aluminum, bonded junctions, and aluminum honeycomb panels, mirroring the technology used by Lotus during that period. A permanent roll cage has been installed for additional safety.
The design’s standout feature is a specially developed pushrod V-8 engine for this project. Positioned in the mid, the engine boasts forged aluminum internals and trumpet-style air intakes, with a claimed output of 830 hp at 8,800 rpm. These intakes, reminiscent of the Can-Am era, foster laminar flow and augment volumetric efficiency, thereby enhancing combustion and amplifying power.
Lotus has not yet provided a timeline for when the deliveries of this exclusive and historic car will commence.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: Lotus Type 66
What is the Lotus Type 66?
The Lotus Type 66 is a limited-edition track car revealed by Lotus at the 2023 Monterey Car Week. It is based on a race car that Lotus designed in the late 1960s but never built. The revival of the project celebrates Lotus’ 75th anniversary.
How many examples of the Lotus Type 66 will be produced?
Just 10 examples of the Type 66 will be built, symbolizing the number of races the car would have participated in during the 1970 Can-Am season.
What are the special features of the Lotus Type 66?
Some changes have been made to the original design to meet modern safety standards. These include an inboard fuel cell, sequential transmission with anti-stall, a carbon-fiber body, and a reinforced driver compartment. Performance aspects have been enhanced, particularly in aerodynamics, with modern computational fluid dynamics creating over 1,763 pounds of downforce at 150 mph.
How much will the Lotus Type 66 cost?
Each Lotus Type 66 will be priced from more than 1 million British pounds (approximately $1.27 million).
What engine does the Lotus Type 66 have?
The Lotus Type 66 is equipped with a specially developed pushrod V-8 engine that delivers 830 hp at 8,800 rpm, complete with forged aluminum internals and trumpet-style air intakes.
When will the Lotus Type 66 be delivered?
Lotus has not yet announced a specific timeline for when the deliveries of this exclusive car will begin.
5 comments
The way they’re using the old drawings and modern tech to create this is fascinating! It’s like bridging past and present, what a great project.
Wow, this Lotus Type 66 looks amazing! can’t believe they’re reviving a design from the 60s. Wish i could afford one…
Great to see lotus honoring their history in such a way. i can only imagine what it would’ve been like if the original Type 66 was built.
is it just me or is 1 million pounds a bit steep for a track car? still, the specs are impressive! love the nod to the Can-Am series
830 hp at 8,800 rpm?? this is a beast! Wonder how it’ll actually perform on the track, if its anything like a GT3, then its a winner for sure!