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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