What's the news?
Staying true to founder Colin Chapman's policy of 'simplify and add lightness', Lotus has waved the carbon fibre wand over the range-topping Evora, and spirited away a substantial 70kg, reducing overall weight to 1,325kg. This has also achieved a lower centre of gravity, with the associated handling benefits that brings. Power is also up to 410hp, hence the name.
Exterior
Although every facet of the Evora has been assessed and lightened where possible, it's the visible areas that will grab most attention. The front splitter, roof panel, rear diffuser and tailgate (now a single-piece item, previously composed of five elements) all proudly wear the beautiful weave of carbon fibre. Lotus claims a 15 per cent increase in downforce thanks to the new components, with no increase in drag. Also new are the forged aluminium wheels shod in (optional) Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber, reducing vital unsprung weight.
Interior
Alcantara and carbon fibre are almost pre-requisites in any performance car interior these days, and the 410 follows the trend, with the carbon seats enabling further weight reduction. One-piece door cards with no arm rests or stowage pockets are 410-specific too. For those who want a modicum of daily usability, a touch-screen entertainment system is on the options list, but if you're particularly loyal to the Lotus way this can be left in the parts bin, along with the speakers.
Mechanicals
Using the same 410hp V6 engine found in the mental Lotus 3-Eleven, performance is ramped up accordingly. The 0-100km/h sprint now takes a little over four seconds (slightly quicker with the optional automatic transmission), with a top speed of 300km/h (280km/h for the automatic). The lower kerb weight has allowed the use of different suspension settings including a lower ride height and recalibrated geometry compared to the Evora 400, which all contribute to a three-second improvement in lap time at Lotus' Hethel test facility over the old car.
Anything else?
Production is limited to 150 units per year, with first deliveries expected in June of this year. Visitors to the Geneva Motor Show this coming week can see the Evora 410 for themselves.