THE LONG LOST LOTUS
In the late 1960s, Lotus created a concept for a Can-Am series race car. The plans were
never developed and believed lost – until Chapman’s son Clive unearthed them in 2016.
Now, the Lotus Advanced Performance division is bringing Colin Chapman’s vision to life,
leveraging cutting-edge technology to create a truly unique piece of automotive history.
TYPE 66, AN UNRIVALLED DRIVING EXPERIENCE.
THE PRODUCTION RUN OF 10 PAYS HOMAGE TO THE NUMBER OF
ROUNDS IN THE 1970 CAN-AM CHAMPIONSHIP.
IDEA
REALISATION
Colin Chapman originally worked with Geoff Ferris, the Team Lotus draughtsman, to develop a series of schematics outlining the shape and features for a Lotus Can-Am car. The drawings were copied on to microfilm and stored in secret.
IDEA
REALISATION
Using state-of-the-art computer software, the team led by Russell Carr, Lotus Design Director, digitised the schematics and created 3D renders of the Type 66. The original designs were delicately reinterpreted, making use of modern engineering techniques and safety standards.
THE SPIRIT OF
THE PAST
Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Lotus, the Type 66 launch is testament to our
continued desire to reimagine the very best elements of our heritage, updating them for
drivers in the most thrilling way possible.
PURE PERFORMANCE
PEDIGREE
CHOOSE FROM TWO
ICONIC LOTUS LIVERIES
The two red & gold and black & gold colourways pay homage to classic racing liverys
used by Lotus in the 1970s and 80s. Discerning drivers can also create a fully customised
Type 66 using the bespoke colour and trim service
DRIVER-FOCUSED
DETAILS
Race-ready minimalism meets luxurious materials and tactile controls. Inside the sculpted cockpit the driver is cradled in plush leather, with period-inspired instrument dials, hand-stitched steering wheel. and a polished wood gear shift.
THE HEART OF TYPE 66
True to its origins, the Type 66 is fitted with a period-representative V8 push-rod
engine. Mid-mounted directly behind the cockpit for optimal weight distribution,
the V8 is tuned by Lotus to produce more than 830 bhp at 8,800 rpm*.
ELEGANT AERODYNAMICS
More than 1,000 hours of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) processing has refined the Type 66 aerodynamics package to absolute perfection. The wedge-shaped bodywork with side-mounted radiators is inspired by the Type 72 Formula One car, and can generate over 800 kg of downforce – more than the total weight of the vehicle.*
FORMIDABLE LAP TIMES
Advanced Driver-in-the-Loop technology has been used to test how the Type 66 would perform on famous race tracks around the globe, with the simulated lap times comparable to modern GT3 race cars.
SILVERSTONE
GT3 record: 1:58.2
Type 66 simulation: 1:59.7
+1.5 seconds
FEATURES AND SPECS
EXTERIOR
Moulded carbon fibre body
Removable front & rear sections
‘Live lock’ panel fixing
Adjustable rear wing
INTERIOR
Period analogue dials
Traditional rocker/flip switches
Telematic data logger
ENGINE
V8 5.8 litre feat. exposed intake trumpets
Electronic fuel injection system
830 hp @ 8,800 rpm max power
≥750Nm downforce
Lightweight exhaust system
CHASSIS
Aluminium monocoque frame and chassis panels
GEARBOX
6-speed Sequential
Racing Gearbox / Paddle Shift
Transaxle layout
Wooden gearshift
Dog gear engagement
Mechanical limited-slip differential
SUSPENSION
Adjustable dampers (F & R)
Double wishbones (F & R)
Adjustable anti-roll bars (F & R)
PERFORMANCE
0 – 62 mph (0-100km/ h) ≤ 3.0 secs
≥ 180 mph / 290 km/h
WEIGHT AND DOWNFORCE
≤ 950 kg unladen
≥ 800 kg at 240 km/h
STEERING SYSTEM
EPASS motorsport power steering
Quick-release mechanism
BRAKING SYSTEM
Vented carbon ceramic brake discs
Race ABS
Braided brake hoses
Adjustable Pedal Box
WHEELS AND TYRES
Lightweight Centre-locking wheels
F – 10Jx15, R – 14J x15
Modern slicks tyres
F – 245/580 R – 350/620
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Motorsport ECU and TCS
Fixed rollover bar
Racing front and rear carbon fibre crash structures
𠊏ire extinguisher
Rear rain light
6-point racing harness
Battery and engine kill switches
Single carbon fibre seat
(option of moulded to driver’s shape)