Lotus reveals Evora 400, its ‘fastest Lotus ever’

Set for production middle of this year and likely to hit Aussie showrooms early 2016, the Evora 400 promises to be the fastest model in Lotus’s 63-year car-making history.

While the new 400 might look much like the current S version, the latest king-of-the-Evoras promises not only more power but a lighter kerb weight and more user-friendly design.

No prizes for guessing that the 400 nameplate refers directly the engine’s horsepower count, the updated 3.5-litre supercharged V6 producing an extra 41kW (298kW) and 10Nm (410Nm) over the existing Evora S unit.

The gains are said to arrive courtesy of revision to the supercharger unit, intercooler, engine management and exhaust, while the six-speed manual (an auto will be optional) mates to a new clutch and flywheel.

A modest weight reduction program shaves 22kg from the package, with the 1419kg Evora 400 capable, it’s claimed, of hitting 100km/h from a standstill in 4.2 seconds.

A Lotus-benchmarking 300km/h top speed is achievable despite a more aggressive aero treatment to the 400’s front and rear ends, the former now said to produce positive downforce to complement the triple-element rear wing.

Designers have freshened the interior and modified the bonded-aluminium ‘tub’ chassis’ sills to allow more graceful cabin entry and egress.

While it’s far too early for pricing on the Aussie-delivered version, it’s fair to expect that the Evora 400 will lob into local showrooms at a premium over the current manual S’s $152,990 ask.