The Lotus Evija is a car of firsts for Lotus. To that end, the company has spent a lot of time talking over the details. Today, we get to learn about the wild shape’s aerodynamics and what Lotus engineers were trying to accomplish. Richard Hill, chief aerodynamicist for Lotus takes a dive into all the details, and the video at the top of this post offers a great visual.
“Most cars have to punch a hole in the air, to get through using brute force, but the Evija is unique because of its porosity,” Hill says. “The car literally ‘breathes’ the air. The front acts like a mouth; it ingests the air, sucks every kilogram of value from it – in this case, the downforce – then exhales it through that dramatic rear end.”
We can see what Hill means as we look at the Evija in photos. Instead of a regular front bumper, this one has pass-throughs that direct the air back into the side of the car. Lotus hasn’t released the all-important coefficient of drag figure yet, but we have to imagine it’s very low. The front splitter (below, left) is responsible for a few different things.
The opening in the center takes in air to cool the battery pack that is mounted behind the seats. Then, the outer section of the splitter channels the air to the “e-axle” for cooling of the electrical components. And finally, it also produces downforce.
There are a couple more tunnels for air to pass through in the rear. These “holes” are likely the most distinctive design feature, especially when accentuated with the LED taillights. Hill says that these are also fully functional and help to reduce drag.
“They feed the wake rearward to help cut drag,” Hill says. “Think of it this way; without them the Evija would be like a parachute but with them it’s a butterfly net, and they make the car unique in the hypercar world.”
On top of all these porous body structures, there are pieces that move. The rear wing can elevate upward from its flush body position and deploy into clean air above, creating more downforce. And then there’s an F1-style drag reduction system. This uses a horizontal plane that deploys from the car to make it slipperier through air.
The final big piece of this puzzle is the underbody sculpting that directs air into the massive rear diffuser. This causes an upwash of air, in turn creating a massive amount of downforce. Hill sums it up quite nicely.
“It’s about keeping the airflow low and flat at the front and guiding it through the body to emerge high at the rear,” Hill says. “Put simply, it transforms the whole car into an inverted wing to produce that all-important dynamic downforce.”
Related video:
May 12, 2020 / Comments Off on Lotus Evija’s wild aero setup is detailed by chief aerodynamicist
It’s almost time for Lotus to begin production of real Evijas bound for customers, but first, it must go through its final round of testing. To accomplish this task, Lotus had to prep its brand-new production facility to build the final prototypes. New photos and video give a glimpse of what the Lotus assembly hall looks like.
The Evija, which means “the first in existence,” is an all-electric supercar that Lotus hopes will be the most powerful production road car ever made. The supercar uses electric motors for four-wheel drive with torque vectoring and has a battery pack rated at 70kWh. Lotus claims it has 1,973 horsepower and 1,254 lb-ft of torque, can go zero to 60 mph in less than three seconds, can do zero to 186 mph in less than nine seconds, and has a top speed of 200 mph. All of that, with a weight of 3,704 pounds.
Possibly more impressive are the claimed battery stats. The Evija, which is the first Lotus developed with new majority shareholder Geely, can supposedly fully charge in less than 10 minutes and has a range of 250 miles. With a 350-kW charger, it’ll fill up in 18 minutes.
Lotus says the Evija has been an extremely collaborative effort, as 20 specialist contractors and 50 experts have been on site for the past six months. They’ve been hard at work in the new facility, which is located next to the 2.2-mile Hethel circuit in Hethel, in Norfolk, U.K. Check out the new state-of-the-art light tunnel, the vehicle lifts, the gantry crane, and more above and below.
[embedded content]
February 19, 2020 / Comments Off on Lotus Evija EV supercar is charging toward series production
It’ll Appear at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering
Lotus told CNET Roadshow that it would bring it’s new Evija all-electric hypercar to the Monterey Car Week in California in August. The car will make its public debut at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on August 16. This will be your first opportunity to see the car publicly.
In case you were under a rock when Lotus first unveiled its amazing hypercar, the vehicle is an all-electric machine with 1,973 hp and 1,250 pound-feet of torque. That makes it good for a 0-60 mph time somewhere under three seconds. Its top speed is over 200 mph.
The Evija is more than just a marvel of electric power. The vehicle is also a revelation from an exterior and interior design standpoint. The exterior features some of the most-advanced aerodynamics on any vehicle to date. It’s also simply a stunning machine to look at, and that’s true from absolutely every angle.
While we, unfortunately, won’t be at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on August 16, we would highly encourage anyone who will be near there to find a way to get there. The Lotus alone is reason enough to go there and enjoy yourself.
July 31, 2019 / Comments Off on Go to the Monterey Car Week to See the Lotus Evija
If you looked at the new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and said, “Nope not the midengine car for me,” and you also don’t want a McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, or any of the other exotics out there, then you should look to the aging but still lovely Lotus Evora. The company just put out a new car specifically for the North American market. It’s the Lotus Evora GT, and it’s quite lovely.
For under $100k ($96,950 to be exact) you can get your hands on the most powerful street-legal Lotus available right now. The Evora GT features either a two-seat or a 2+2 seat arrangement. It also comes with a 3.5-liter supercharged six-cylinder engine that puts out 416 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. That engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission (only a masochist would buy the automatic in this car).
This powertrain makes for a 0-60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds. The car’s top speed? It’s 188 mph. The automatic transmission is a tenth of a second slower, so that’s yet another reason to buy the manual gearbox. In terms of suspension, Eibach springs and Bilstein dampers are standard. The car also gets 19-inch wheels up front and 20-inch in the rear. Those wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
Lotus also updated the exterior with front lip spoiler, wheel arch louvers, ducts behind the wheels, and a rear diffuser. Inside there’s Alcantara and carbon fiber materials as well as a magnesium steering wheel with Alcantara and leather. Lotus put in a 7-inch infotainment screen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Andriod Auto, and navigation. Overall, it looks like one killer driving machine.
July 26, 2019 / Comments Off on The Lotus Evora GT Is for North America
Lotus has unveiled the Lotus Evija, an electric hypercar with a spec sheet that it has the potential to step up to some of the fastest cars of the world. A common, if unfair, gripe with electric cars is that they’re not fast enough. That’s something Tesla is trying to excise, and now Lotus is doing the same.
Just 130 units will be made, in true hypercar fashion. Each will start at a whopping £1.5 million, or about $1.86 million when converted. But aside from its price, the other jaw-dropping detail is its horsepower. It’s 1,972, thanks to four electric motors, one dedicated to each wheel.
We don’t mean to be hyperbolic here, but that is just bonkers. The car will have a top speed of over 200 miles per hour and can go from zero to 60 in just under three seconds. Lotus targets 250 miles of range, which seems quite high considering the performance. Charging won’t be a problem, as well. Lotus says you can juice this baby up from zero to 80% in just 12 minutes, and a full charge requires just 18 minutes. That is, sorry for sounding like a broken record, insane. Want to hear something crazier? Lotus says when 800kW charging becomes available, those 18 minutes will drop down to just nine. Nope, not a typo.
Now, on to the design. The car looks some sort of a crossover between famous supercar brands like Ferrari and McLaren. Big holes make up the bodywork for utilitarian flair. For aesthetic pleasure, you’ll find a massive diffuser on the rear end. Which is all to say it looks as it performs. More info when you hit the link below.
Lotus, the storied British car brand best known for its Elise and Evora sports cars, unveiled the ultra-exotic Evija earlier today. In addition to giving the much-teased “Type 130” a proper nameplate, the Evija is also notable beyond the grandeur that its specifications provide: the all-electric hypercar is also the first car released by the brand since its purchase by Geely Automobile Holdings a year ago.
And what a car it is.
Big Numbers
Lotus has been hyping the Evija, going as far as saying that the Evija will be a mind-blowing supercar. That’s a direct quote from Lotus CEO Phil Popham, by the way. In 2019, you only successful blow minds with number and specs that keep (ultra-rich) enthusiasts jaws glued to the floor.
In that respect, Lotus isn’t playing around. The Evija really is something incredible.
Claimed 2020 Lotus Evija Specifications
Horsepower
1,973 hp / 1,471 kW
Range
250 miles
Time to full charge (w/ 350kW charger)
18 minutes
Time to full charge (w/ 900kW charger)
9 minutes
Target curb weight
3,700 lbs / 1,680 kg
MSRP
$2.1 million
1,973 horsepower / 1,471 kW
250-mile range
18-minutes to fully charge (with a 350kW charger)…
… 9-minutes to a full charge on an 800kW charger
Target curb weight of 3,700 lbs (1,680 kg)
A pure electric 4WD drivetrain
Sadly, the only small number tied to the Evija is its production cap, which is pegged at 130 examples.
Target Performance Specifications
You’d be correct to think that the power behind the Evija would push it to be capable of some amazing things, and according to Lotus, you’d be right.
0-60 mph
Under 3 seconds
0-186 mph
Under 9 seconds
Top speed
“In excess of 200 mph / 320 km/h”
As you can see, the Evija is no joke of an electric hypercar. In many ways, it’s lived up the hype from the company’s CEO. The car features two electric motors to achieve its power output, and the battery is placed in the middle of the car where a typical internal combustion mid-engine car would have its beating heart, meaning this helps with weight distribution.
The electric motors are sourced from Integral Powertrain Ltd, and feature a helical gear ground planetary gearboxes that are extremely slim. The gearbox and motor are all packaged together into one cylindrical unit for each drive unit, meaning it’s all quite compact and lightweight.
An Exterior Design Like No Other
Looking at the Evija is one thing. The car features a seriously beautiful design, but it’s about more than looks with this car. The model features curves, creases, and vents unlike any other car on the road. At the rear of the Evija, there are dramatic Venturi tunnels through each rear quarter. This not only directs airflow properly but provides a dramatic look for the Evija that is unexpected and more than welcome.
According to Russell Carr, Design Director, Lotus Cars, the company looked a Le Man’s race cars use airflow. It’s not just about getting air to push the car in one direction. “We studied how Le Mans race cars use airflow creatively to go over, under and around the vehicle, but also through it,”Carr said.
The Evija is the first car to feature a single-piece carbon fiber chassis that weighs just 284 pounds. That’s insanely lightweight. The vehicle sits a mere four inches above the ground. The car also features active aerodynamic elements including an integrated air diffuser that extends from the B-pillar to the rear of the car. There’s also an active rear spoiler that is flush to the rear of the car whenever it’s not in use.
Additionally, the car features no side mirrors further reducing drag. Instead of side mirrors, the car gets cameras placed in the front wings of the car. There’s also a camera built into the roof of the car providing a rearview for the driver. Images from these cameras are displayed on three different cameras inside the car.
A Motorsports-Inspired Interior
The interior of the Evija is minimal, futuristic, and driver-focused. The cabin features a special “floating wing” dash. This is just one of the elements that give the car a futuristic feel on the inside. The doors of the car are two dihedral doors. These doors feature no door handles and can be operated by the key fob.
Inside the cabin, you’ll see more carbon fiber than you know what to do with. The car features two seats that feature a thin metal band that has the words ‘For The Drivers’ engraved on it.
Lotus sought to feature the perfect balance between a track car and a road car on the inside of the Evija. This means the car has a minimal, driver-focused interior design but with plenty of what you expect in a road car. There’s a single large screen in front of the driver that has everything you’ll need.
The seats are trimmed in thick Alcantara-finished pads and offer adjustment. The steering column is adjustable for both rake and reach and features a unique race-car-like design. Three-point seat belts are standard but Lotus will provide four-point harnesses if wanted.
In the center of the dash is the drive mode selector, which can transition the car from Range, City, Tour, Sport, and Track. The differences between the modes should be pretty self-explanatory. Within the infotainment system of the car is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as connection to the cloud for over-the-air updates for the car.
In addition to all of this, Lotus is offering customers the chance to wholly personalize their cars. The company is offering marquetry-style badging for all of the Evijas. Lotus can inlay metal elements into the carbon fiber keeping the meal inlay flush with the surface of the carbon fiber. This allows for unique customization opportunities.
As we said above, the company plans to only build 130 examples of the car. Each one will run $2.1 million and demand a deposit of $310,177. That’s a lot of money, but this is a car like no other.
July 16, 2019 / Comments Off on The 2020 Lotus Evija: a 2,000hp EV That Starts at $2.1 Million
Lotus has an all-new, all-electric hypercar called the Type 130. Little is known about the upcoming car. That will change on July 16. That’s when the company will unveil its new vehicle in London. The British company recently announced the date for the reveal and dropped a new video on its YouTube page.
Lotus will offer only 130 examples of the car to the world. Those cars are expected to be delivered in 2020. The reason the company will make 130 is because that’s the number of Lotus “Types” have been produced in the car company’s 71-year history.
Lotus had better have something impressive up its sleeve for the Type 130. The CEO already said the car will be “mind-blowing.” That’s not all the CEO has said about the car. He’s hinted at modular battery packs, and a whole lot more. Lotus seems to be extremely excited for the future of the electric hypercar, and its enthusiasm is rubbing off on us. The CEO said this a few weeks ago:
There are distinct benefits of electrification, certainly in terms of aerodynamics, and the center of gravity can be low. We need to understand the needs of the customer. If you’re driving for 20 minutes on track, do you need the full battery pack?
That would indicate the car will be as lightweight and genuinely track ready and fun as possible. We’re not sure what all the Type 130 has in store, but we know we’ll get to find out on July 16. Mark your calendar.
[embedded content]
May 31, 2019 / Comments Off on The Debut of the Lotus Type 130 Is Set for July 16
Lotus has an upcoming all-electric hypercar called the Type 130. It’s a car that could transform the brand and make Lotus into the car company it wants to and deserves to become. It will debut in the middle of the year. Car Magazine recently reported that the boss of Lotus, Phil Popham, told reporters the car would be fantastic. His exact words were, “a mind-blowing hypercar, designed, engineered and built in the UK.”
That’s some seriously high praise, and we hope for the sake of Popham’s reputation that he’s right. Plus, a mind-blowing car from Lotus just sounds cool. Popham went on and said he wants to re-establish Lotus with this vehicle. He then said:
We’re very much focused on rebuilding the sports car business. When we’ve done that this brand has the strength to go beyond that. It could be GTs, crossovers, sporting sedans… the premium segment is large beyond sports cars. We have to produce cars that are loyal to our DNA.
This is all very good news. Lotus has made some of history’s best sports cars ever, and to see the company working to expand as it currently wants to gives us hope for the future. Popham said the company will focus not just on the product but on the experience of electric cars.
He hinted at future cars being autonomous and sounded like he wanted to position Lotus as a car company that sells cars for people who really want to drive. This is an interesting distinction. Popham seems to think there will be two areas of the market, one where the machines drive themselves and one for enthusiasts and people who love to drive. We can’t say we disagree with him. Lotus could have a bright future ahead of it.
May 16, 2019 / Comments Off on The Lotus Type 130 Hypercar Will be Mind Blowing According to CEO
Recent rumors and reports indicate that Lotus will build a hypercar with the help of Williams Advanced Engineering that will challenge the likes of Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG’s hypercars. According to Carscoops, the car that got people excited about future possibilities is called the Lotus Evil Vision GT concept that was a design concept created by Antonio Paglia.
The car looks like its straight out of a future F1 race. It has huge air intakes up front, a rear-mid-engine overall design, and some of the most aerodynamic-looking elements we’ve seen on any hypercar. There is not a central part of the front bumper. Instead, there’s a large expanse that helps direct air in the right ways.
The concept is striking and would definitely put Lotus on the hypercar map. However, there’s no true indicator that this will be anything like the actual Lotus car that’s likely in development. With that said, we’d love to see it become that.
Lotus is known for its sports cars, but it hasn’t dived into the hypercar and supercar markets. With the help of Williams Advanced Engineering, the company could probably pull it off. We’re all for more high-performing cars in the world, and something from Lotus would scratch us right where we itch. We’ll be keeping an eye out for future developments.
March 18, 2019 / Comments Off on What the Lotus Hypercar Could Be
Revealed in May 2018, the new Lotus Exige Sport 410 set out to become the “ultimate road-going Exige”. The Sport 410 – not available in North America due to safety regulations – replaces the Sport 380, which replaced the Sport 350 before it.
According to Group Lotus CEO, Jean-Marc Gales, the Lotus Exige Sport 410 will conclude the current-generation Lotus Exige – crushing any hopes of a Sport 440 being released in the future.
This should give us even more reason to be excited over the new Sport 410, which has ended up becoming more of a detuned, daily-driveable version of the hardcore motorsport-focused Cup 430, than merely a refreshed Sport 380. It can be said that Lotus is closing this chapter of the Exige with fireworks at the ending.
Lotus Exige Sport 410
Lotus Exige Sport 410
The Lotus Exige Sport 410 boasts a recalibrated version of the ubiquitous supercharged Toyota 3.5L V6 engine, which has stood the test of time and been receptive to revision and innovation. In sharing chassis components with the Cup 430, the Sport 410 delivers a class-leading power to weight ratio of 389 hp/tonne, while also making it the lightest V6 Exige in the lineup.
Jean-Marc Gales further states about the new Sport 410, “We have taken the Exige Cup 430, the ultimate track-centric Exige, and developed it into the perfect road orientated sports car, ensuring that we stay ahead of rivals when it comes to cars that deliver a truly engaging analog driving experience.”
Available in both coupe and roadster configurations, the Lotus Exige Cup 430 has all the requisite DNA to be proclaimed as the ‘ultimate road car’.
Lotus Exige Cup 430, which shares the same engine as Lotus Evora GT430
Features and Highlights
Engine & Chassis
The Edelbrock-supercharged engine produces 410-horsepower @ 7,000 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque from 3,000 to 7,000 rpm. It is essentially a slightly dialed-down version of the 430-horsepower engine used in the Cup 430 – which itself, is borrowed from the Lotus Evora GT430. Mated to the mid-engine layout is a perfectly matched, close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission with exposed-gear-change linkage, delivering power to the rear wheels.
According to Lotus, the Sport 410 achieves 0-60 mph in a remarkable 3.3 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 180 mph in the coupe version.
Nitron dampers, Eibach adjustable anti-roll bars, AP Racing four-pot calipers and J-hook rotors, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires – complete the harmonization of chassis and engine to provide the car with the balance, agility, performance, and feedback befitting of the ultimate road-going Exige.
Interior & Exterior Design
Lotus has the credentials to rightfully refer to itself as the “leader in lightweight design”, and the new Sport 410 is a spot-on amalgamation of that claim.
At just 1,074 kg, the Sport 410 is distinctive in its appearance thanks to a plethora of carbon fiber adornments from front to back – the front splitter, air curtains, side pods and a large high-mounted rear wing among the beneficiaries of this treatment.
Wider aperture grilles in the new ‘front clam panel’ and an aggressive aluminum rear diffuser help to reduce turbulence caused by airflow under the chassis, also while minimizing drag. The overall aerodynamic configuration enables the Sport 410 to generate 150 kg of downforce (60kg at front, 90kg at rear).
The interior, like the rest of the car, remains focused on weight reduction and performance, but still provides adequate consideration for the quality of fit, finish and functionality. Alcantara finishings come standard on the steering wheel, center console, and dashboard, while the carbon fiber backed sport seats can be upholstered in either an Alcantara/leather combo or full leather.
Also available are a variety of motorsport-centric options which include fire extinguisher controls, airbag deletion, non-airbag steering wheel, 4-point racing harnesses and an FIA-compliant roll cage.
Verdict
In my opinion, the Lotus Exige Sport 410 has proven to be exactly what it has set out to be – the ultimate road-going Exige.
The fact that it is easily manageable on both street and circuit – while providing a deeply driver-involved experience – is what makes the Sport 410 such an inspiring car. In an age where even the most hardcore, one-off production cars are still expected to roleplay to the demands of daily driving, the Lotus Sport 410 pulls off this difficult feat with class.
That doesn’t mean that the car has become soft, dull or mainstream by any means; after all, it is still a Lotus, and it is still an Exige, and the engineers ensured that this remained apparent in every regard. What this means is that you get a car that is ultimately diminutive, difficult to get in and out of, and nothing short of mental on the racetrack – and now, more accommodating than ever for your runs to the grocery store or trek to the office.
Like fireworks at the end of a celebration, the Lotus Exige Sport 410 sets the stage for a fitting finale to one of the greatest driver’s cars ever made.
Specifications and Performance Summary
Pricing and Model Info
Make
Lotus
Model
Exige
Generation
2018 – Present
Sub-Model
Sport 410
Car type
Coupe or Roadster
Category
Series Production Car
Built At
Hethel UK
Base Price (UK)
£85,600
Chassis and Powertrain
Curb Weight
1,074 kg (1,054 kg with all possible lightweight options)
Layout
Mid-engine
Driven wheels
Rear-wheel drive
Suspension
Lotus-tuned, Nitron three-way dampers, adjustable for rebound (24 click adjustment settings) and low-speed compression (24 click adjustment settings) and high-speed compression (16 click adjustment settings) and Nitron springs
Adjustable Eibach® tubular front and rear anti-roll bars
Brakes
Servo assisted, race-derived, lightweight two-piece J-hook ventilated brake discs (front 332 mm x 32 mm, rear 332 mm x 26 mm) and AP Racing four-piston calipers
Engine
V6
Aspiration
Edelbrock-supercharged
Valves
24-valve
Lubrication
Baffled Sump
Cooling
Water-cooled
Displacement
3.5 Litres
Transmission
6-speed manual transmission, with gearbox cooler, coupled to Lotus’ precision shift aluminum mechanism
Lightweight, single-mass, low inertia flywheel and 240 mm diameter clutch
Tires
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires (front 215/45 ZR17, rear 285/30 ZR18)
Engine Output
Power
410 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Power / liter
117 hp / liter
Power-to-weight ratio
389 hp / tonne
Torque
310 lb-ft @ 3,000 to 7,000 rpm
Performance
0-60 mph
3.3 seconds
0-100 km/h
3.4 seconds
Max speed (coupe)
180 mph (290 km/h)
Aerodynamic performance at maximum speed
150 kg (Front: 60 kg; Rear: 90 kg)
Photo Gallery
August 9, 2018 / Comments Off on 2018 Lotus Exige Sport 410
Lotus first launched the Evora in 2009. The model was intended to be a more refined and practical version of the less-than-civilized Elise/Exige. The UK-based manufacturer hoped it would appeal to a larger demographic than its linemate and consequently bring the brand more to the mainstream.
Retaining the important characteristics which make a Lotus car unique, the Evora is a balanced, mid-engined, lightweight car that is a pleasure to drive with a profile that is undeniably made-in-Hethel. Unlike the Elise/Exige, the Evora was immediately praised for its ride comfort, utilizing a suspension able to expertly negotiate the harshness of daily public road use while being more than formidable on the track.
In 2012, the Evora received its first major refresh – significant at the time, as the Elise/Exige were phased out, making the Evora the only model in Lotus’ lineup. The car became likened and often compared to its direct competitor – the Porsche 911 Carrera.
2009 Lotus Evora
In recent times, more so than ever, competition in the high-performance sports car segment seems to be flying off the rails. With an abundance of innovations and new technologies being made available for use on production road cars, Lotus made its biggest step in modernizing the car in 2015 with the release of the Evora 400 then the Evora Sport 410 shortly after.
2015 Lotus Evora 400
Evora GT430
The latest iteration of the Evora is in the form of its new GT430 trim. While the 400 variant is seen as more of an equal to the Porsche 911 Carrera S, the GT430 is believed to be in direct competition with the Porsche 911 GT3. Based on everything the car has to offer – including its price – it makes for a difficult case to refute such a claim.
If there is one thing that defines the Lotus brand, it would have to be it’s aversion to anything with mass. While the ‘GT430’ moniker correctly points out that this is the most powerful Lotus ever made at 430 horsepower, it is the less “in-your-face” details about the car which truly make it greater than the sum of its parts.
GT430 (right) and GT430 Sport
There are two trim levels for this model: the GT430 and GT430 Sport, the latter being the same car – albeit the more understated of the two – with the absence of the large rear wing and scrape-baiting front splitter. The Sport weighs 10 kg less, which is characteristically deemed to be worthy of a mention on Lotus’ website.
Features and Highlights
Engine
As with the previous Evora, the GT430 continues to employ the supercharged 3.5L V-6 power plant supplied by Toyota. The main difference, of course, is the that it now produces a whopping 430 horsepower and 325 foot-pounds of torque which earns it the title as Lotus’ fastest production car.
The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and comes standard with a Torsen limited-slip differential. A six-speed automatic transmission is available as a cost option. Altogether, Lotus claims that the GT430 is able to achieve 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph.
Chassis
The Evora GT430 comes standard with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, a feature reserved for vehicles of a supercar pedigree. Eibach springs, front and rear anti-roll bars and Ohlins TTX two-way adjustable dampers help to ensure the car stays planted and predictable under even the most demanding driver inputs.
Servo assisted two-piece J-hook ventilated brake discs and AP Racing four-piston calipers provide the immense stopping power needed to complement the GT430’s power and race car inspired chassis.
Exterior
While the car is more powerful than ever, it can be said that the GT430 benefits the most from a plethora of weight reduction and aerodynamic upgrades.
Loaded with carbon fiber parts in places you would (and wouldn’t) expect, the upgraded Lotus is almost 300 pounds lighter than the Evora 400 and 57 pounds less than the Sport 410. That is a huge deal for a car that is the improved version of a model that never had any weight issues, to begin with.
Large air vents in the front of the GT430 and a rear diffuser in the back, channel airflow efficiently through the car to minimize turbulence and maximize stability at high speeds.
The massive rear wing and front splitter (which are removed from the Sport trim) fittingly create the downforce needed to harmonize with the GT430’s overall performance and appearance. Lotus states the vehicle’s aero components are able to generate up to 250 kg of downforce, which is significantly more than previous Evora iterations.
Interior
The GT430’s interior is surprisingly well put together and it makes the barebones interiors of older Lotus models, look and feel like a piece of ancient history.
Premium leather and Alcantara is found throughout the interior – in the places that matter most – while carbon fiber accents provide an overall high-end finish befitting of the car’s outwardly stature.
Sparco sports seats with carbon backs, a Lotus-developed Alcantara steering wheel, and an infotainment system are cost options for those who desire a differentiating factor, improved driver feel and a bit of extra convenience.
Verdict
Reviews of the 2017 Lotus Evora GT430 by a number of renowned and respected auto journalists, all appear to be very much on the same wavelength.
The GT430 is a very serious car for very serious money; Porsche 911 GT3 money, to be more exact. Inevitably, this will lead to the car being measured up and compared to its German counterpart more as a benchmark than as an equal. The recognition, familiarity, and heritage of the Porsche will always be top of mind when deciding how to splash upwards of $140,000 USD on a car.
Nevertheless, it is also generally agreed upon that this isn’t a car that should or would be cross-shopped with another. The prospect of owning a GT430 goes beyond just the numbers and pure rationality. It is not everyone’s cup of tea, but will more than satisfy anyone discerning enough for its taste.
The GT430 will also undoubtedly be a rare collector’s item, with Lotus claiming that it currently only plans to make 60 units. However, Lotus says we can also expect a US-spec version sometime in the spring of 2018 which would make it more widely available, at least on the North American continent.
Specifications and Performance Summary
Pricing and Model Info
Make
Lotus
Model
Evora
Generation
2017 – Present
Sub-Model
GT430
Car type
Coupe
Category
Series Production Car
Built At
Hethel, United Kingdom
Introduced
2017
Base Price (US)
TBD
Base Price (UK)
£112,500
Units built
~60
Chassis and Powertrain
Curb Weight
1258 kg
Layout
Mid-engine
Body / Frame
Anodized, lightweight aluminum, extruded, epoxy bonded and riveted high-stiffness chassis
Driven wheels
Rear-wheel drive
Suspension
Double wishbone with Eibach tubular front and rear anti-roll bars
Brakes
Servo assisted two-piece J-hook ventilated brake discs with ultra-lightweight rear aluminum disc bells and AP Racing four piston calipers (front 370mm x 32mm, rear 350mm x 32mm)
Engine
V-6
Aspiration
Edelbrock Supercharger
Block Material
Aluminum
Valvetrain
24 valve, watercooled
Fuel Feed
Direct Fuel Injection
Displacement
3.5 Litres
Transmission
6-Speed manual, optional 6-speed automatic
Engine Output
Power
430 hp @ 7000 rpm
Power / litre
123 hp / litre
Power (bhp) / weight
342 hp / ton
Torque
325 lb – ft
Max speed
190 mph (305 km/h)
Aerodynamic downforce
250 kg (at max speed)
C02 emissions
234 g / km
Performance
0-60 mph (Manual)
3.7 seconds
0-60 mph (Automatic)
3.6 seconds
0-100 km/h (Manual)
3.8 seconds
0-100 km/h (Automatic)
3.7 seconds
Photo Gallery
May 1, 2018 / Comments Off on The Evora GT430 – Lotus’ Fastest Production Car To Date
A report in Autocar suggests that Renault, Infiniti and Lotus are in talks that Renault is considering a production version of the Alpine A110-50 concept. The production version “probably needs more than the Renault-Nissan Alliance on its own,” that’s where Lotus steps in with its Evora platform, supplying the “running bits” for the Alpine.
The Evora platform is also the basis for the Infiniti Emerg-E concept which is in the process of being developed even though no decision has been made on the production. The company has stated that Emerg-E “could be built in Britain.” Lotus, on the other hand, claims it’s ahead of schedule for the 408 horsepower, 738 pound-feet of torque and 30-mile electric range Evora 414E.
The alliance of Renault and Infiniti with Lotus could help make all three cars a good possibility.
August 15, 2012 / Comments Off on Lotus Could Build Production Versions Of Renault Alpine, Infiniti Emerg-E
The new Evora GX Grand-Am Racer has been unveiled by Lotus. The Evora based race car is loosely based on the Evora GTC racer that competes in the regular GT class. The Evora GX will get its own touches covered in the specs below.
Specs
Aggressive bodykit
Lack of traction control
New carbon fiber doors, roof and engine cover
Plexiglass windows cut the weight down to around 2,535 pounds
New front splitter and front bumper
Standard Rolex series rear wing
ABS and traction control removed
New fuel filler system, Continental tires, and yellow headlamps
4.0-liter V-6, 440 horsepower
XTRAC six-speed sequential gearbox
McMahon Raceworks with Condor Motorsport jumped at placing an order for the Evora GX Grand-Am Racer to used in the Grand-Am Rolex series taking place later this year.
The 2012 Lotus Evora GX race car carries a price tag of $335,000 and will be built to order.
July 25, 2012 / Comments Off on OFFICIAL: Lotus Unveils 2012 Evora GX Grand-Am Racer
