Lotus 66

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Lotus 66
Lotus 66 at the 81st Goodwood Members' Meeting.jpg
Lotus 66 at the 81st Goodwood Members' Meeting
Overview
Manufacturer Lotus Cars
Production2024
AssemblyEngland: Hethel, Norfolk
Designer Geoff Ferris
Body and chassis
Class Track day car
Body style Roadster
Layout Mid engine RWD
Powertrain
Engine 7,997 cubic centimetres (488.0 cu in) Chevrolet V8
Power output830 brake horsepower (620 kW) @ 8800 rpm
550 pound force-feet (750 N⋅m)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,438 millimetres (96.0 in)
Height1,100 millimetres (43 in)
Kerb weight 1,764 pounds (800 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor Lotus 40

The Lotus 66 is a track day car produced by Lotus Cars. The car is based on three drawings for a Can-Am racing car drawn up by Geoff Ferris of Team Lotus in 1969 [1] but which the company did not build. [2] The model number 66 was never allocated in period [3] but chronologically fits in with the Lotus model numbers.

Lotus produced the model after an article in Motor Sport magazine piqued interest, with the intent of it being a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the company. [4] The planned production run is for 10 cars, each costing over £1m. [5]

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References

  1. Chapman, Clive (September 2016). "The Lotus That Never Blossomed". Motor Sport . Vol. 92, no. 9. pp. 84–85.
  2. "Type 66". Lotus Cars. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  3. Pritchard, Anthony (1990). Lotus: All The Cars. UK: Aston Publications. p. 129.
  4. Elson, James (5 October 2023). "How Lotus awoke a lost Can-Am beast: 'Like finding a new Beatles single'". Motor Sport. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  5. Holding, Joe. "The new Type 66 is a £1 million Lotus that never was". Top Gear. Retrieved 17 April 2024.