Supercar Performance

Engine power has been increased from that of the Evora S; a respected 345 hp (350 PS; 257.3 kW) to 400 hp (406 PS; 298.3 kW) at 7,000rpm. The supercharger fitment ensures strong bottom-end torque and the figure has also been increased to 302 lbs ft (410 Nm) achieved between 3,500 to 6,500 rpm. This translates into even more strident acceleration for a 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds (0-100 kph in 4.2 seconds).

Traction slip thresholds ('Drive', 'Sport' and 'Race' settings) can be altered via a driver-selectable switch, which allows the driver enhanced vehicle control before intervention is required. Both 'Sport' and 'Race' settings increase throttle responsiveness.

Its top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h) propels the Evora 400 to the upper segment of supercar performance expectations. The benchmark lap time at the Lotus Test Track at Hethel, has been slashed by a phenomenal SIX seconds due to higher engine power, revised spring and damper settings, a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) and a downforce figure of 32 kg (70 lbs) at 150 mph (242 km/h). This downforce equates to 12 kg, 26 lbs front; 20 kg, 44 lbs rear, achieved by the Evora 400's flat-floor, lightweight composite rear diffuser, three-element rear wing and airflow management strategy.

Despite the luxury fittings and equipment expected of a modern supercar, Lotus remains true to its lightweight, dynamic remit and the new Evora 400 tips the scales (unladen) at just 1,415 kgs (3,119 lbs; auto: 1,419 kg, 3,128 lbs), which amounts to a reduction of 22 kg, or 48 lbs (automatic option: 23 kg / 50lbs) from the outgoing Evora model.

Powertrain

The new Lotus Evora 400 is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine but with a new supercharger, water-to-air charge-cooler and engine management system. Its power output has increased by 16% from 345 hp (350 PS / 257 kW) to 400 hp (406 PS / 298 kW). Torque has increased from 400 Nm / 295 lbs ft to 410 Nm / 302 lbs ft with maximum torque available from 3500 rpm to 6500 rpm.

The power increase of 55 hp comes from supercharger enhancements (volumetric capacity has increased from 1.32 L/rpm to 1.74 L/rpm), the application of a new charge-cooler and engine management upgrades.

While meeting legal pass-by and race track requirements for NVH, sonic changes have been made to the post-cat exhaust system. It features revised muffler internals and a switch that can be driver activated, which allows the exhaust to flow more freely, reducing back pressure under higher engine loads and where conditions allow. A by-product is an unique supercar soundtrack through the three-inches wider, central exiting exhaust pipe.

New engine mounts, which are 5.6 kg lighter than in the previous Lotus Evora, and a revised rear sub-frame have enabled better engine control and improved vehicle dynamics.

A number of manual gearbox enhancements have greatly improved shift quality including a new clutch disc and a low inertia flywheel that ensure swift and tactile gearchanges. For the automatic transmission option, a new shift strategy has been developed, with gearchanges made using the lightweight aluminium paddles mounted to the steering wheel. For the manual version, a Torsen-type limited slip differential (LSD) has been fitted as standard to the rear axle, which gives a more involving drive and better traction, to produce better lap times.

An additional benefit arising from the improved efficiency is a reduction in CO2 exhaust emissions from 229 g/km to 225 g/km (automatic: 220 g/km down from 224 g/km), which equates to a lower tax band in many markets (subject to Type Approval).