Lotus reveals new Evora 400 flagship

Lotus has announced that the revised Evora 400 - which will likely be the fastest production car that Lotus has built yet – will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The car’s 3.5-litre V6 – sourced by Toyota – will get a bigger supercharger and more efficient intercooler. The output of the engine has been raised by 16 percent to 400bhp. The six-speed manual version’s powertrain modifications include a new clutch and a lighter flywheel to smooth out gearshifts, while the optional six-speed automatic gearbox receives a new, sportier shift strategy and an elegant pair of column-mounted shift paddles. Selectable combinations of chassis stability and traction control functions give the choice of Drive, Sport and Race modes.

The car’s exterior will receive a number of changes, including an all-new nose and tail styling, larger cooling apertures, and redesigned front spoiler, rear wing and diffuser, in order to improve downforce. The revised exterior adds 30mm to the overall length, but also contributes to lower kerb weight.

The car will also feature a completely redesigned cabin. The footwell space has been widened, and the inner side of the doors have been made thinner and lighter to give occupants more space and convenience. There is also an all-new fascia design, incorporating the familiar instrument binnacle but with clearer graphics, and a new ventilation and air conditioning system.

The firm’s new boss, Jean-Marc Gales, has called the new Evora 400 “a true supercar for today, whose looks and performance can only be matched by cars costing much more”.

Lotus will offer a choice of three different trim levels with a luxurious full-leather edition at the top of the range.