Elise Cup 250
was exciting, here's the second very interesting addition to the Lotus range in as many weeks, the lighter and sharper Evora Sport 410.
Less weight, better aero - carbon for the win!
Anyone with a passing knowledge of Lotus and its recent products can probably guess the Evora 410 recipe. Like the
Exige Sport 350
, it removes some weight, further hones dynamics and adds a few styling embellishments.
Unlike the Exige though, there is a little more power for this Sport model. From the Evora 400, the 410 has - you've guessed it - another 10hp, taking the total to 416 and identical to the 3-Eleven. The claimed acceleration times are 4.2 seconds to 62mph for the manual, or a tenth quicker with the automatic. The power-to-weight ratio is now rated at 309hp per tonne.
As expected, the Sport 410 is about an awful lot more than 10 additional horsepower though. From the outside the new carbon body parts - the tailgate, the front splitter, the roof and the rear diffuser - not only contribute to the 70kg weight saving (the unladen weight is now 1,325kg) but also to significant aerodynamic gains. According to Lotus this car has 15 per cent more downforce than an Evora 400 with no penalty in terms of drag.
Lotus Exclusive offered if you don't like this...
Lotus has reworked the suspension to fully optimise the reduced mass. There's talk of "improved geometry" as well as "completely revised damping", with a 5mm lower ride height too but supposedly unaffected ride comfort. For even greater dynamic acuity, Lotus offers the forged wheels seen here and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s; so equipped, the Sport 410 will lap the Hethel test track in 1:28, or three seconds faster than the standard car.
Other modifications include carbon seats, Alcantara on the wheel and centre console plus the deletion of armrests. A point to note when ordering a Sport 410 also - part of the weight saving has come through removing both the air-con and stereo. They can be optioned back in, but it's worth being aware of. Could you live without both, or either?
The Evora Sport 410 will be available from June, with production limited to 150 cars a year. The price is £79,900, or £7,900 more than the Evora 400. Worth the premium? Hopefully we can deliver a definitive answer soon!
