New Lotus Evora GT launched in North America
Output upgrade makes US-bound model more powerful than current UK equivalent
Lotus has replaced the Evora GT410 in North America with new version called the GT, which gets more power, tweaked aero and a decent dose of Slim Fast as part of its 2019 makeover. At the centre of the update is the Evora's mid-mounted supercharged V6, now uprated to 422hp, while an increase in downforce and accompanying diet help create the most focussed Evora to be offered in the region yet - although it leaves the UK's now discontinued GT430 unchallenged for ultimate honours.
For the US and Canada, however - denied the range-topper previously - the GT's new box of goodies unlock a higher than ever max power from the 3.5-litre unit at 7,000rpm. Torque now peaks at 317lb ft from 3,500rpm, delivering a 0-60mph of 3.8 seconds, a tenth of a second improvement. There is also an automatic option, which unlocks slightly more twist at 332lb ft but adds a tenth to the sprint time due to its 11kg weight penalty and slightly different ratios. Top speed remains unchanged for both the two and three pedal Evora variants at 188mph.
Much of the GT's stated improvements come from a raft of lightweight components offered as cost options, including 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged alloy wheels, a titanium exhaust system that saves 10kg and carbon fibre pack that takes out a further 22kg. The pack adds a bonnet, roof and tailgate, as well as spoiler and diffuser made from composite. With all the lightweight options added, Lotus claims the GT is 32kg lighter than the regular 400 offered in the US and Canada at 1,408kg.
It's not possible to directly compare those stats to the UK's 1,361kg 410 because the North American weights are calculated differently and the car's specs are slightly different. But a 32kg reduction ought to have a noticeable impact on handling and performance either way, especially when the GT's extra aerodynamic performance is factored in - the Evora now producing up to 64kg of downforce at top speed.
A decent checklist of improvements then, but significantly, no mention of any changes to the underlying Evora setup which ought to mean that the familiar recipe of bonded aluminium chassis, Bilstein dampers working with Eibach springs and forged aluminium wishbones, as well as a set of AP Racing brakes is retained. We await news of a similarly overhauled - and slightly faster - UK car with fingers and toes crossed.
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I ask because I think the curvy bumper/spoiler used on the GT430/410 in the UK was a backwards step. The car looks much sharper with the 400 version.
The stepped rear window and rear bumper/spoiler arrangement looks better on this car than the 400 so its possibly the best combination IMO.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
"Kerb weight is the total weight of a car with standard equipment, a full tank of fuel and all necessary consumables (e.g., motor oil, coolant, etc.), but not loaded with passengers nor cargo. Note: Lotus EVORA Lotus kerb weight is not fully comparable. Many EU manufacturers include a driver (=75 kg), while others use fixed levels of fuel and other variables to equalize the value for the comparison of different vehicles."
https://www.carleasingmadesimple.com/data/lotus/ev...
A small company making 2-3000 cars per year vs a company gearing up to make that every week, it will be impossible for Lotus to compete on price.
However, whereas the Corvette strives to be all things to all Americans wanting a sports car, the Lotus remains a more focused proposition, apealing to a niche market.
But now the next Corvette is mid engined, that market will overlap a little more, and on price and outright performance alone will be a tough sell for the Lotus.
I'd always seen the Evora as a rival for the Porsche Cayman, but now realise it's a replacement for the Esprit V8. The want has just gone up another step.
I ask because I think the curvy bumper/spoiler used on the GT430/410 in the UK was a backwards step. The car looks much sharper with the 400 version.
The stepped rear window and rear bumper/spoiler arrangement looks better on this car than the 400 so its possibly the best combination IMO.
You can argue that the performance of the thing puts it up against pricier machines, but there’s more to a cars value than raw performance. It’s why an Ultima is a fraction of the cost of the Bugatti it can keep up with.
As much as I dislike the Vajayjay or whatever it’s called, maybe it’s the only option available to them. Try to vault themselves into the big leagues to find a selling point where they can survive on their low volumes.
Anyway, can’t see too many of our American cousins looking past a v8 mid-engined Corvette for a Toyota-toting Lotus that’s not all that much lighter and will cost a whole lot more. On a track...blah, blah, blah...but most of us don’t live on or commute via a racetrack.
You lot who flag the issues of price and value are spot-on, I reckon.
Apparently the RRP (called MSRP in the US) of the Evora GT is $96,950 -- a figure that is more than 50 percent greater than that of the base C8 Corvette. And Corvette is of course not the only sports car about.
There is also the issue of dealerships: some OEMs are more prevalent than others.
There is no doubt that a strong potential fan base exists in the US for Evora. The pricing, however, truly tests the elasticity of that demand.
Moreover, aggregate car sales volume is now slowing in both the US and China. As such, value-for-money will become more important, especially for niche segments such as sports cars.
Does the Evora GT represent good value for money? It's difficult to provide an instant and emphatic Yes in response to that question.
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