The new Lotus Evora 400 is the latest pure and focused supercar from Lotus, combining high performance with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling.
It is faster and dynamically more capable than the previous Lotus Evora leading to greater agility and a more involving drive.
Maximum speed is 186 mph (300 km/h) and acceleration 0-60 mph is just 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds). This enables the new Lotus Evora 400 to lap the challenging test track at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, a scintillating SIX seconds faster than the previous model.
Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new, including its supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. A new aluminium chassis incorporates a new interior and the lightweight composite body has changed significantly both front and rear.
Following the core values of the company, not only is the new Lotus Evora 400 faster than the previous model, it is also 22 kg lighter, achieved through careful and clever design and attention to detail. This weight reduction is even more impressive considering that the supercar has more power and a higher standard specification than before.
Engine power has been increased from that of the Evora S; a respected 345 hp (350 PS; 257.3 kW) to 400 hp (406 PS; 298.3 kW) at 7,000rpm. The supercharger fitment ensures strong bottom-end torque and the figure has also been increased to 302 lbs ft (410 Nm) achieved between 3,500 to 6,500 rpm. This translates into even more strident acceleration for a 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds (0-100 kph in 4.2 seconds).
The overall effect is of a car with a more aggressive stance, that appears lower, wider and more planted on the road, despite no increase in width compared with the previous Evora. The overall length has increased by 35 mm (1.4 inches) to 4394 mm (173 inches). The approach angle has been reduced from 11.5 degrees to 10 degrees to aid aerodynamic downforce.
Lotus Head of Design, Russell Carr, was adamant about providing the new Evora 400 with an unique signature
The front of the car features an evolution of the traditional ‘Lotus mouth’ that balances perfectly the needs for both form and function. The large side intakes not only give the car more road presence but also fulfil the technical requirements to cool the 400 hp engine and increase aerodynamic downforce.
At the rear, a wide and powerful look is combined resourcefully with aerodynamic efficiency.Sharp corner features maximise the width perception and give clean airflow separation. The distinctive three-element wing and new lightweight composite rear diffuser contribute to the impressive 32 kg of downforce at 150 mph.
While there is no increase in frontal area of the Evora 400 (at 1.91m²), thesmall increase in Cd, from 0.33 to 0.35, is due largely to the cooling requirements driven by the huge increase in engine power. However the aerodynamic downforce is greatly increased – it is approximately double that of the previous Lotus Evora at any speed. For example, at 150 mph the downforce is 32 kg (12 kg on the front and 20 kg on the rear) for the Evora 400. The previous Evora S generated 6 kg front and 10 kg on the rear.
A comprehensive round of changes has resulted in an all new interior for the Lotus Evora 400. Designed elegantly and functionally to be both lightweight and of high quality, the interior is a perfect match for the striking exterior of the car.
The high-tech aluminium bonded and extruded chassis has been redesigned to improve both entry to and exit from the new Lotus Evora 400 cockpit. The sills are 43 mm per side narrower and 56mm lower than the previous Evora. The substantial changes to the chassis have been achieved without degradation of either torsional stiffness, which remains at a rigid 27,000 Nm / degree, or bending stiffness of the chassis.
Ingress, egress and cockpit space are further improved with the introduction of higher quality, lighter weight and narrower door inner panels.
All new front seats are lighter (by 3 kg each) and provide greater support for both driver and front passenger. As an option, rear passengers are also catered for, with the rear seats being 280 mm wider than the previous Lotus Evora; weight has been reduced in the rear seats by 3.4 kg.
As a hand-crafted sports car, the bespoke feel is carried across three new trim levels, including trim upgrades in full Alcantara, or Scottish leather, with each featuring specific trim detailing. Apart from the materials used, the new door casings, centre console and more space in the rear support a determined approach to improve both accessibility into and egress from the car‘s cabin.
Both comfort and ergonomics have been improved dramatically, with a new HVAC system that provides greater airflow and operator control, within an all-new dashboard layout.
As befits a driver orientated car, the cabin features a lightweight forged magnesium steering wheel with a red race-inspired position stripe and a revised instrument cluster that possesses simple clear dials (white on black graphics). Switchgear haptics and ergonomics have also been improved significantly, the latter through location to the upper-central dashboard and,for the first time, a new engine start-stop button has been fitted to the Lotus Evora 400.
A high-end in-car entertainment system is standard, with the latest, lightweight and slim-line door speakers being fitted within the new door casings, while A-pillar incorporated tweeters improve the sound reproduction quality.
The new Lotus Evora 400 will enter production for European markets in the summer and deliveries will commence in August this year. North American markets will receive the Evora 400 as a 2016 model year presentation in the Autumn.
Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
