Lotus teases new model on Facebook

LOTUS has taken to Facebook to tease its new model ahead of a reveal later this week, showing only the alloy wheels, rear carbon-fibre air duct and an inlet feeding into the engine.

Rumours suggest the teased model is a version of the Evora 400, possibly even a drop-top roadster variant that was initially promised by Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales in 2015.

The rumours are corroborated by the striking similarity of the teaser image’s 19-inch 10-spoke black alloy hoops to those adorning the Evora Sport 410 released last year.

Also matching are the AP racing brake callipers, while at the rear the partially visible diffuser looks to also match that of the Evora.

The teaser image also shows a new air duct behind the rear wheel adorned in carbon-fibre, suggesting the use of the lightweight material could proliferate throughout the new model.

A third image shows aerodynamic enhancements in the form of a vent that looks to be channelling air through the bodywork for additional downforce, with Lotus claiming the new model is “aerodynamically evolved”, with a focus on “power and precision”.

The addition of extra carbon-fibre lends credence to the theory that the mystery Lotus is a roadster, as the British car-maker would have to find ways to shed pounds to accommodate the weight of a convertible roof.

Lightweight construction is already a core part of Lotus’ ethos, with the Evora 410 tipping the scales at just 1325kg.

In the teaser images Lotus has been emphasising the power of the new model, which could alternatively point to a more potent version of the Evora.

Currently, the 3.5-litre Toyota-derived supercharged V6 is available in two states of tune – 298kW/410Nm in the Evora 400, with power bumped up to 306kW in the 410 allowing for a zero to 100km.h sprint time of 4.1 seconds.

Last year, Lotus got a new distributor for the Australian market, with Sydney-based Simply Sports Cars taking over from previous importer Ateco Automotive.

In the first half of 2017 Lotus has managed to sell 26 vehicles, a huge 333 per cent increase over the measly 6 units it managed over the same period in 2016.

Five of those 26 sales were of the Evora.