Lotus ain't dead and it has no intention of letting the Grim Reaper get anywhere near its Hethel, UK headquarters. Following the reveal of the 3-Eleven and Elise Cup 250 comes the Evora Sport 410. A fourth, still mystery Lotus is also due at any moment. Last year's Swiss show was all about the Evora 400 but, in the words of Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales, "we couldn't help ourselves…we wanted to make the Evora even better: lighter, faster and sharper." Sounds great to us, so let's hear those naughty details:
0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, top speed of 186 mph and a total of 70 kg (154 lbs.) slashed from the weight of the Evora 400, the Evora Sport 410 is the new, top-of-the-range Evora weighing in at just 1,325 kg (2,921 lbs.) and delivering a total of 410 hp at 7,000 rpm and 302 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Power is sent directly to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, which now features a low inertia flywheel to help ensure swift changes. And yes, an automatic gearbox option is available, but remember, this is a purist Lotus. Stick with the manual. A limited-slip differential provides better traction and faster exit speeds while cornering.
The familiar 3.5-liter supercharged V6 remains the engine of choice, but this time around it's been modified with input from the Nurburgring record beating 3-Eleven project. The car also features Lotus' Dynamic Performance Management (DPM), a dashboard-mounted system with Sport and Race settings. Thanks to a host of high-performance carbon fiber components (front splitter, roof panel, tailgate, and rear diffuser) and those engine mods, the Evora Sport 410 lapped Lotus' own test track in 1 minute, 28 seconds – 3 seconds faster than the Evora 400. In addition to being faster, this latest Evora has even sharper, more agile, and intuitive handling.
"The Evora chassis was already the best in the business – the Evora Sport 410 takes it to a whole new level," Gales added. Inside are race-derived, carbon fiber sports seats trimmed in Alcantara, along with the steering wheel and center console. There's also an integrated touch-screen entertainment system with iPod and Bluetooth functionality. 10-spoke aluminum wheels, and optional Michelin Cup2 tires round out the package. Global production will be limited to 155 examples per year in all major markets beginning this June. And yes, a specific North American Evora 410 will be announced later this year. Awesome. We'll bring you more details and photos next week from Geneva.
