Lotus releases lighter, faster Evora Sport

BRITISH sportscar-maker Lotus has released the hottest-ever version of its top-spec Evora, dubbed the Sport 410, that car race from zero to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds.

A bump in engine output along with reduced weight and the introduction of high-performance components combine to make the car the lightest and fastest Evora to date.

The 410 gets its name from the 410hp (306kW)/410Nm output from the supercharged Toyota-sourced V6 engine shared with the standard Evora S and Lotus stablemate Exige.

The performance of the 410 represents a 48kW/10Nm performance bump over the Evora S and Evora S IPS, and an 8kW bump over the Evora Sport 400, a similar Lotus concept revealed ahead of last year's Geneva show.

Other improvements include a sizeable reduction in weight, with the Evora 410 losing 70kg over the Evora 400, which itself was 22kg lighter than the Evora S.

Given that the Evora 410 weighs in at 1325kg, it represents a five per cent weight drop over the already-lightened Evora 400.

The performance upgrades are evident on the racetrack – the Evora 410 lapped the company's test track in Hethel, England three seconds faster than the Evora 400, which in turn was six seconds faster than the previous record holder.

Remove the twists and turns of the racetrack, and it can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 300km/h.

Weight reduction is due in part to the liberal application of carbon-fibre throughout the car, which includes the front splitter, roof panel, tailgate and rear diffuser as well as race-derived sports seats and a revised front access panel.

The weight drop has meant a recalibration of the suspension, and according to Lotus “handling is sharper, along with better body and roll control”.

Ride height has also been reduced 5mm over the Evora 400.

The manual gearbox in the Evora 410 features a low inertia flywheel and a Torsen-type limited slip differential. An automatic gearbox with paddle shifters is available as an option.

An additional feature is Lotus' Dynamic Performance Management (DPM), which offers the driver either Sport or Race settings. Selecting either increases throttle response, lowers traction slip thresholds and removes understeer recognition.

Inside, the Evora 410 comes with carbon-fibre sports seats, and an Alcantara trim for the seats, steering wheel, centre console and doors.

The centre console boasts an integrated touchscreen entertainment system that is compatible with Bluetooth and iPods.

Lotus has recently previewed a couple of models – the Elise Cup 250 and Exige Sport 350 – ahead of the Geneva show, and it is possible that the Evora Sport 410 will be joining them at the Swiss show.

The Exora 410 will be limited to a global production run of 150 models per year, and will go on sale in overseas markets in June 2016.

Ateco Automotive media and public relations consultant Edward Rowe said that there is no word yet on whether the Evora 410 will make it to Australian shores.

It will be sold in the UK for £79,900 (AUD$154,654) and in Europe for approximately €110,000 (AUD$168,303).

The profitability of bringing the Evora 410 to Australia is questionable only six Evoras were sold in Australia last year, while the brand sold 48 cars Down Under in 2015.