Ah, I do love when a brand announces it has brought out its most powerful model ever, it creates such a buzz. It’s called the Evora GT430 and just 60 models will be made available to buy. Despite weighing in at 1,258kg (not exactly featherweight), it’s lighter than both the Evora 400 and the Evora 410.
It’s Faster Too
As well as being lighter, the Evora GT430 is faster and more powerful. Underneath the hood is a 3.5 litre V6 engine which has been supercharged, meaning it’s throwing out 430bhp with 440Nm of torque, which is fed to a 6-speed manual gearbox. 0-60? A mere 3.7 seconds, with the top speed clocking in at a supercar-chasing 190mph. At this speed the Evora GT430 will be able to produce 250kg worth of downforce, leading the Norfolk-based brand to proclaim that the sports car is able to offer “handling unheard of in its class”. Bold words, bold words indeed…
How Is This Achieved?
We all know Lotus knows a thing or two (or maybe even three) about how to get a car around a corner as fast as possible. The brand states that its new Evora GT430 is sharper than the models from the same stable, so what has been done to achieve this? Well, it’s 26kg lighter, making it the lightest Evora to date, despite the additions of a new rear spoiler and bigger wheels. Naturally there is plenty of carbon fibre to help his the GT430 light on its feet; so the front and rear bumpers, the new front splitter, the rear spoiler as well as other components are finished in said material.
Öhlins TTX two-way adjustable units are used for the damping as well as ultra-lightweight, low-sideload Eibach springs, which are new for the Evora, have also been fitted to better improve handling. Changes like this have helped the GT430 to set a new record lap for an Evora at the Hethel test track – 25.8 seconds to be precise. The new carbon fibre splitter improves airflow over the car as does the integrated air blades which help to reduce turbulence and drag created by the front wheels.
Speaking of which, the wheels are clad in super sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, with 19″ alloys to be found at the front and 20″ on the rear. The alloys themselves are made from ultra-lightweight forged aluminium and can be finished in either black or silver, but optional colours can be chosen if desired. That’s not the only choice buyers will have; like other Lotus models, the GT430 comes with a choice of driving modes: drive, sport, race and off. Off will of course take away all the driving aids, meaning that you’re on your own, so if you cock it up, its on you.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc said, “The Evora GT430 is a landmark car for Lotus. Lightweight engineering and class-leading handling, paired with Lotus’ aerodynamic expertise, define the Evora GT430 as a legendary Lotus. It’s a truly beautiful car, meticulously finished in hand-crafted carbon, and employing the latest aerodynamics and lightweight materials. This highly developed vehicle perfectly reflects Lotus’ attention to engineering and design. We expect the lucky owners to be blown away by its pure presence and staggering performance.”
The price of this nerd-like level of performance is not cheap though. The car will be sold a range of markets, but if you want one in the UK, you will need to pay £112,500 for the privilege of owning one of the 60 Evora GT430 models. But look at it this way, as least you wallet will be lighter, so it won’t add any extra weight to the car…
