Lotus is set to unveil a hardcore, performance version of the Evora coupe this week. Called the Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept, the new car takes its inspiration from the Evora GTE racer (
whose GT4-spec cousin we were lucky enough to drive a little while back
So forget the marketing glam and the ambitious 'new-era' model plans - this should be the sort of car that proves beyond a shadow of doubt that Lotus hasn't forgotten that what its fans and customers value above all else is driving fun.
Lotus is also obviously aware that some have criticised its apparent tendency to slap a new paint scheme and a couple of stickers and call it a 'race-inspired special edition' (cf many an Elise), and so is keen to point out that "the Evora GTE Road Car Concept isn't merely a paint scheme or homage to a race car - this is a serious race car that makes for a very serious road car". Good thing, too, we say.
The 'race-developed' Toyota V6 engine (which is still 3.5 litres rather than the 4.0 litres of the GTE and GT4 race cars) puts out more than 420bhp, which goes to the rear wheels through a sequential AMT racing gearbox.
Other than that, technical details on the car are sketchy for now, but we do know that the GTE Road Car Concept will feature an aero/styling package that apes the racing car's, and that it will come equipped with lightweight forged alloy wheels with centre-lock hubs and Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres.
More will be revealed when the car gets its official public debut at the McCall's Motorworks Revival on Wednesday evening at the Monterey Jet Center in California (as part of Pebble Beach week).
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