New Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 Pays Tribute To A ‘60s Legend

Lotus has revealed another special limited edition model with the Exige Cup 430 Type 25.

As you might have guessed already, the new model is based on the Exige Cup 430 and pays tribute to the Lotus Type 25, the company’s historic single-seater race car that dominated the 1963 F1 season.

The new limited edition Exige was created in collaboration with Classic Team Lotus, which is responsible for preserving and promoting the history of the race team that operated from 1954 to 1994.

Power comes from a supercharged Toyota V6

Yes, that’s the same engine found in your grandpa’s Camry, albeit tuned. As a result, the supercharged 3.5-liter V6 produces 430hp and 325lb-ft (440Nm) of torque. This enables the new Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 to hit 60mph from a standstill in 3.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 3.3) and reach a top speed of 180mph (290m/h).

The new Type 25 model gets a unique livery, finished in metallic Lotus Racing Green or Old English White and featuring contrasting pin stripes on the front splitter and access panel. The car also features bespoke bargeboards, roof panel and rear wing.

The front fenders feature louvers that reduce pressure from the wheel arches while large cut-out sections behind the rear wheels do the same job, further boosting downforce. Lotus claims that the Exige Cup 430 Type 25 can generate up to 220kg of downforce.

Special touches inside

The interior is unique to the model and features carbon race seats dressed in black Alcantara with contrast double stitching that is matched in the door panels and center air vents. Anodized aluminum and carbon fiber is used on other parts, including dashboard inserts while the gear selector is now wooden, as a nod to the original Type 25.

“On everyday open roads the Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 rewards its driver with a pure analogue experience, like only a Lotus can, yet venture onto the track and you’ll find a depth in performance that only the very best driver can truly exploit,” said Jean-Marc Gales, Group Lotus CEO.

Lotus will build just 25 examples of the new Exige Cup 430 Type 25.