Thursday 12th May 2016

Lotus Evora 400 Hethel Edition

Latest Evora marks 50 years at Hethel, and there's more anniversary news coming...

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It was 1966 when Colin Chapman first set up a facility at Hethel in Norfolk. Half a century later, Lotus is marking the occasion with this, the Evora Hethel Edition. Funny how these things sound better as a 'Maranello' or 'Motegi' model...

Still, slightly unglamorous name aside, it appears an interesting addition to the Evora range. Mechanically identical to a standard 400, the Hethel Edition unsurprisingly trades on the Lotus heritage to mark it out. With input from Lotus Exclusive, it is offered in three iconic colour schemes: Essex Blue, Motorsport Black and Racing Green. Black or red leather is offered depending on the exterior colour (with Alcantara available too), but all Hethel Editions get forged silver wheels, contrasting brake calipers and the graphics set. There's a build plate inside as well, because what's a special edition without one of those?

"We are immensely proud" said CEO Jean-Marc Gales of the Hethel Edition. There are plans to celebrate Lotus's links to Norfolk throughout the rest of the year, but he also added that "more Lotus Hethel Anniversary news will be announced soon." Any guesses?

Until those are confirmed, the Hethel Edition is available with a list price of £75,500. A slight premium over the standard car, but presumably less than it would cost to create the same on your own through Lotus Exclusive. There will certainly be no missing any of them, especially if the black car comes with gold graphics... More Hethel anniversary news as soon as we have it!

[Porsche911R]

I thought the Evora were all the Sport 410's now

why have a 400 with the inside like a dogs penis ! the 400 is a dead horse now the Sport 410 is here ! odd move.
Is there a market to even sell just one of these ?

Edited by Porsche911R on Thursday 12th May 16:25

[zebra]

Nice to see a totally predictable first post from a Porsche fan-boy as always.

[HeMightBeBanned]

I've driven the standard Evora 400 and it's a delightful thing. I prefer the look of the car with the Black Pack.

[zebra]

...also, love a bit of Essex blue on a Lotus!

[gashead1105]

I love that, Essex blue is lovely in the metal/fibreglass.

MrD, the 410 is a strict 2 seater. The 400 is virtually always spec'd as a 4 seater. Different goals.

[HeMightBeBanned]

Porsche911R said:

I thought the Evora were all the Sport 410's now

why have a 400 with the inside like a dogs penis ! the 400 is a dead horse now the Sport 410 is here ! odd move.
Is there a market to even sell just one of these ?

Edited by Porsche911R on Thursday 12th May 16:25

Still a tt, MrD...

[zebra]

Porsche911R said:

why have a 400 with the inside like a dogs penis !

....because they compete with the 'greatest' car producer of all time....

[anniesdad]

^^^^

[marshalla]

[Ryvita]

Would have thought Norfolk Yellow (or solar yellow, or whatever colour they call it now) plus some tartan should be an option?

[ZP]

Porsche911R said:

I thought the Evora were all the Sport 410's now

why have a 400 with the inside like a dogs penis ! the 400 is a dead horse now the Sport 410 is here ! odd move.
Is there a market to even sell just one of these ?

Edited by Porsche911R on Thursday 12th May 16:25

What was it you called me when I posted on the Porsche forum?

Ah yes, 'troll', I believe.

[toppstuff]

zebra said:

Porsche911R said:

why have a 400 with the inside like a dogs penis !

....because they compete with the 'greatest' car producer of all time....

It must be said that given that Porsche are making duller and duller cars these days ( stuff like the 911R don't count as they are not available to buy anyway ) it does seem that Lotus have a niche to grow into.

A new vanilla 911 is like a bloody Audi these days.

[Audemars]

Haha the Porsche owner living way beyond his means.

MrD, have you bought a dining table yet?

The guy doesn't even have a dining table in his tiny flat.

And Porsches are the ugliest car brand today.

Having said that this version of the Evora 400 does look st. Get rid of the stripes.

Edited by Audemars on Thursday 12th May 20:16

Edited by Audemars on Thursday 12th May 20:17

[rockandrollmark]

^ twunt

Back on topic... Another limited edition Lotus. Just what the world was looking for.

[Shinysideup]

I heard from an anonymous source that they are working on an SUV at the moment too

[LambShank]

Shinysideup said:

I heard from an anonymous source that they are working on an SUV at the moment too

Anonymous source?
Thought it was common knowledge that *if* they do one it'll be built in China and aimed at the Asian markets.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/lotus/92006/lotus-suv...

[CS Garth]

Ryvita said:

Would have thought Norfolk Yellow (or solar yellow, or whatever colour they call it now) plus some tartan should be an option?

It's Norfolk so I would have though Colman's mustard yellow most appropriate. A ha.

[Shinysideup]

LambShank said:

Anonymous source?
Thought it was common knowledge that *if* they do one it'll be built in China and aimed at the Asian markets.

Someone at the factory..

I don't think they realise it is common knowledge yet

Edit: So it may well end up being a Rotus

Edited by Shinysideup on Thursday 12th May 21:21

[Ozzie Osmond]

rockandrollmark said:

Back on topic... Another limited edition Lotus. Just what the world was looking for.

Ah yes, but this one is extra special because it's a special edition of a special edition.

[SpudLink]

CS Garth said:

Ryvita said:

Would have thought Norfolk Yellow (or solar yellow, or whatever colour they call it now) plus some tartan should be an option?

It's Norfolk so I would have though Colman's mustard yellow most appropriate. A ha.

"Norfolk Mustard" was definitely on the list of available colours for the Elise when it was launched.