Lotus Evora GT430 - official!

The most powerful road going Lotus sports car ever is now on sale - what are you waiting for?

We like the Lotus Evora at PH. The latest 400hp iteration may be a more expensive proposition than the original, but it's also a more exciting and much faster sports car. That impression was only heightened with the Sport 410, a car that stood dynamic comparison with the very best in the world.

No mistaking this for a regular Evora!

And now we have this, the Evora GT430. Reviving the GT moniker last seen on Esprits, this Lotus is described as a "beautiful and pure combination of elegance and power". More power (436hp), in fact, than has ever been seen previously in an Evora - indeed in any Lotus sports car - plus the lowest weight at just 1,258kg dry. It promises to be something very special.

The mass reduction has been achieved through - pay attention now - a standard fit titanium exhaust (-10kg), carbon panels (-4.7kg), lighter interior parts (-2.5kg), a new suspension arrangement (adjustable Ohlins TTX dampers and lightweight Eibach springs, -10kg), lighter brake discs (-2kg), a thinner aluminium undertray (-1.5kg), lighter aluminium brackets (-1.3kg), a "re-profiled fluid fill system" (-2.5kg), and lightweight polycarbonate backlight glass (-500g). Now the quick amongst you will have noticed that that saves 35kg, though the total weight saving for the GT430 is 26kg: wider wheels and tyres, plus that huge rear wing, add 9kg back in.

The aero package is worth discussing in fact, contributing as it does to a total of 250kg of downforce at the 190mph top speed. It develops the 410's maximum of 64kg at 90mph, as a point of reference. The changes comprise a new front splitter and ducts (directing air more efficiently through the front wheel cavities), front access panel, roof, and that wing - all in carbon. And look at those louvres above the wheels!

Get yourself comfortable...

Other tweaks for the GT430 include wider ultra-lightweight wheels on Michelin Cup 2 tyres (245/35 R19 fronts, 295/30 R20 rears), the variable traction control previously seen on the Exige Cup 380, and AP Racing four-piston calipers at each corner. The result is that the GT430 will lap Hethel in 1:25.8, the fastest ever for an Evora and as quick as a 3-Eleven.

A two-seater only, the GT430 comes as standard with much carbon and Alcantara. But of course. The infotainment can be optioned back in, while on the cost extra list are carbon backed Sparco seats, harnesses and a titanium rear frame.

Of course the lighter, louder, faster Lotus is not a new recipe now, but it would be hard to say that the GT430 doesn't sound like an extremely appealing package. Just 60 will be made, with a price of £112,500. Which is about what a GT3 costs, if you can get one... Orders are being taken now!