Lotus Evora 400 UK Launch
Lotus Evora 400 makes UK debut at the London MotorExpo and UK registrations for Lotus cars have increased by 109% in the first five months of 2015.
MotorExpo, held at Canary Wharf in London’s Docklands commercial zone, held the honour of the UK debut of the Lotus Evora 400, ahead of deliveries to customers commencing in August 2015.
The arrival of the Evora 400 will boost the upwards trend in the UK sales demand for Lotus, led currently by both Elise and Exige models, notably as registrations of new Lotus cars in the UK.
The new Lotus, which boasts supercar performance, was joined by the Exige S Club Racer, with a Lotus Exige S Roadster.
Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer, Group Lotus plc, commented: “Our excellent UK registration figures reflect the worldwide growth for the company, with 333 sportscars sold globally in just April and May, our best two-months performance for that period since 2010.” From figures provided by the SMMT, a total of 153 Lotus cars were registered in the UK for the first five months of 2015, an increase of 80 registered units over the equivalent period in 2014 and a measure of the company‘s performance arising from its development plan.
The Lotus Evora 400 combines high performance with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling and is lighter, more efficient and dynamically better than ever, providing a purer driving experience, greater agility and a more involving drive. In recent tests, a standard road specification prototype Evora 400, running on road tyres and with standard road suspension lapped the Lotus test track at Hethel six seconds faster than the previous Evora S in a time of 1 minute 32 seconds.
UK prices will start from £72,000. For this price the car benefits from a high level of standard specification including 370 mm composite two piece brake discs from AP Racing, a Limited Slip Differential, automatic air-conditioning and infotainment system including satellite navigation. In addition to this, the options list includes automatic transmission at £2,000, Alcantara, or Leather, trim upgrades at £2,500 and metallic paint at £900.
A ‘Black Pack’ option, available at £1,250, provides a distinctive look, with selected exterior panels including the roof, sills and centre section of the three-element rear wing in gloss black and a dark headlining in the interior. Lightweight forged alloy wheels can be fitted for £2,000 and cruise control and yellow, or black, brake callipers are priced at £300 each.
Maximum speed is 186 mph (300 km/h) and acceleration 0-60 mph is just 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds). Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new, including its supercharged and charge-cooled, mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. A new aluminium chassis incorporates a new interior and the lightweight composite body has changed significantly both front and rear.
The Exige S has a lightweight aluminium chassis-tub and aerodynamically enhanced composite bodywork. Its 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine delivers exciting performance, benchmark handling and a pure driving experience combined with a 4.0 seconds 0-62mph (0-100km/h) acceleration time and a top speed of 274 km/h (170 mph).
Available only as a coupe model, the car possesses 42 kg of aerodynamic downforce at 100 mph (160 km/h), thanks to the front splitter, rear wing and flat underside, all contributing to its impressive performance and handling balance.
At 1161 kg, it is lighter by 15 kg compared to the Exige S, because of its new lightweight battery, lightweight centre console in body colour, lighter doors and lightweight sports seats in leather or Alcantara with colour coded stitching. Traction slip thresholds (‘Drive‘, ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings) allowing the driver enhanced vehicle control before intervention is required can be altered via a driver-selectable switch which is now fitted as standard. Both ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings increase throttle responsiveness.
The Exige S Club Racer is available in Metallic White, Exige Orange, Metallic Yellow and Matt Black (option). The front splitter, rear wing, front access panel, roof panel, wing mirrors and rear transom are in matt black. Club Racer decals inside on the dashboard and seats and outside above the side indicator identify this latest special addition to the Exige range.
Fuel Consumption (mpg* ): Urban – 19.5 (14.5); Extra Urban – 37.2 (7.6); Combined – 28.0 (10.1).
CO2 emissions: 235 g/km
One to watch as Lotus step up their offerings and look to move into the luxury car market.
