The All New Lotus Evora 400

[Mark H]

The all new Lotus Evora 400

 • All new supercar from Lotus

 • Fastest and most powerful production Lotus ever

 • Lighter and more efficient than before

The new Lotus Evora 400 is the latest pure and focused supercar from Lotus, combining high
performance  with  the  legendary  Lotus  benchmark  handling.  It  is  faster  and  dynamically  more
capable than the previous Lotus Evora leading to greater agility and a more involving drive.

Maximum speed is 186 mph (300 km/h) and acceleration 0-60 mph is just 4.1 seconds (0-100
km/h in 4.2 seconds). This enables the new Lotus Evora 400 to lap the challenging test track at
the  Lotus  Headquarters in  Hethel,  Norfolk,  a scintillating SIX  seconds faster than the  previous
model.

Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 is new, including its supercharged and charge-cooled mid-
mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. A new aluminium
chassis incorporates a new interior and the lightweight composite body has changed significantly
both front and rear.

Following the core values of the company, not only is the new Lotus Evora 400 faster than the
previous model, it is also 22 kg lighter, achieved through careful and clever design and attention
to detail. This weight reduction is even more impressive considering that the supercar has more
power and a higher standard specification than before.

In describing the remit for the new Lotus Evora 400, Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer for
Group Lotus plc, states, “A requirement for all Lotus cars is to be a benchmark for handling, to be
the  quickest  car  from  A  to  B  and  to  provide  the  driver  with  a  pure  and  involving  driving
experience.  The  Evora  400  is  the  fastest  road-going  Lotus  that  we  have  ever  produced,
possessing performance that can only be matched by cars costing significantly more. It delivers
supercar looks allied to supercar performance.”  

Jean-Marc Gales continues, “We have always said that to make a car better, you must make it
faster and lighter. We have achieved this, of course, but we didn’t stop there, as the considerable
number of changes in the interior, chassis, engine and body design have warranted emphatically,
the title of a new Lotus Evora.

“Our dealer network stands at 168 worldwide, which is still growing to reach 200 dealers by the
end of 2015, while our sales volumes have increased by over 50% in the last 10 months. The
new Lotus Evora 400 will make its mark as a significant milestone in the history of Lotus. Looking
to the future, the Lotus Evora 400 will remain core to our product line up for many years to come,
with more exciting derivatives planned within the next few years.”

The  new  Lotus  Evora  400  will  enter  production  for  European  markets  in  the  summer  and
deliveries will commence in August this year. North American markets will receive the Evora 400
as a 2016 model year presentation in the Autumn.

Combined production for all Lotus models, the Elise, Exige and Evora, will increase to 70 cars per
week  by  September  2015  and  an  additional  150  highly  skilled  operators  and  craftsmen  and
women will be recruited in the next four months to accommodate this rise in production.

Prices will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

The Lotus Evora 400 in more detail:

Supercar Performance

 • Fastest production Lotus ever, laps Hethel SIX seconds faster than previous model

 • Aerodynamic downforce of 32 kg at 150 mph (242 km/h)

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

 •   Limited Slip Differential (LSD) as standard for the manual transmission

 •   Supercharged and charge-cooled 3.5-litre V6 engine produces more power and torque

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 CO 2exhaust 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).

Brakes and Tyres

   • Lightweight cast and forged wheel options

   • New, larger and more powerful brakes

Braking  comes  from  new,  more  powerful,  two-piece,  cross-drilled  and  ventilated  brake  discs,
which are 370 x 32 mm front and 350 x 30 mm rear diameters (previous Evora: 350 x 32 mm
front and 332 x 26 mm rear).

Finally,  lightweight  forged  aluminium  wheels,  19”  on  the  front  and  20”  on  the  rear,  are  3.3  kg
lighter than the forged wheels on the previous Evora and are now shod with Michelin Pilot Super
Sport tyres (235/35x19 91Y front; 285/30x20 99Y rear), which not only increase vehicle stability
and grip levels but also enhance the overall quality of the class-leading dynamics package.

Exterior Design

The new Evora 400 exudes a visual appeal that is perfectly in line with its supercar status

   • New front end:

     o        Bold,  purposeful  front  end  and  bumper  design  that  incorporates  larger  cooling
              apertures and attractive daytime running lamps

   • New rear end

     o        New rear bumper, lightweight composite rear diffuser and three-element rear wing

   • Two new lighter weight wheel designs (both forged and cast options)

   • New door mirror design

The overall effect is of a car with a more aggressive stance, that appears lower, wider and more
planted on the road, despite no increase in width compared with the previous Evora. The overall
length has increased by 35 mm (1.4 inches) to 4394 mm (173 inches). The approach angle has
been reduced from 11.5 degrees to 10 degrees to aid aerodynamic downforce.

Lotus Head of Design, Russell Carr, was adamant about providing the new Evora 400 with an
unique signature.

“We were certain that a more focused and purposeful frontal aspect was essential for a modern
supercar,”  he  outlines.  “However,  we  were  also  sure  that  to  alter  greatly  the  profile  of  the
recognisable, award-winning, mid-engined Evora design would have been wrong intrinsically.

“Our ambition was to create a high quality innovative design. This was significantly assisted by an
integrated digital design process that allows us to translate computer data rapidly into physical
models, using our state-of-the-art milling and 3-D printing facilities.”

The front of the car features an evolution of the traditional ‘Lotus mouth’ that balances perfectly
the  needs for  both form  and  function.  The  large  side  intakes  not  only  give  the  car more  road
presence  but  also  fulfil  the  technical  requirements  to  cool  the  400  hp  engine  and  increase
aerodynamic downforce.

At  the  rear,  a  wide  and  powerful  look  is  combined  resourcefully  with  aerodynamic  efficiency.

Sharp  corner  features  maximise  the  width  perception  and  give  clean  airflow  separation.  The
distinctive  three-element  wing  and  new  lightweight  composite  rear  diffuser  contribute  to  the
impressive 32 kg of downforce at 150 mph.

While there is no increase in frontal area of the Evora 400 (at 1.91m²), the small increase in Cd,
from  0.33  to  0.35,  is  due  largely  to  the  cooling  requirements  driven  by  the  huge  increase  in
engine  power.  However  the  aerodynamic  downforce  is  greatly  increased  –  it  is  approximately
double that of the previous Lotus Evora at any speed. For example, at 150 mph the downforce is
32  kg  (12  kg  on  the  front  and  20  kg  on  the  rear)  for  the  Evora  400.  The  previous  Evora  S
generated 6 kg front and 10 kg on the rear.

Interior Design

 • New and revised interior

 • Improved cabin occupant entry and exit

A comprehensive round of changes has resulted in an all new interior for the Lotus Evora 400.
Designed elegantly  and functionally  to  be both lightweight  and of high  quality,  the  interior  is a
perfect match for the striking exterior of the car.

The  high-tech  aluminium  bonded  and  extruded  chassis  has  been  redesigned  to  improve  both
entry to and exit from the new Lotus Evora 400 cockpit. The sills are 43 mm per side narrower
and  56mm  lower  than  the  previous  Evora.  The  substantial  changes  to  the  chassis  have  been

achieved without degradation of either torsional stiffness, which remains at a rigid 27,000 Nm /
degree, or bending stiffness of the chassis.

Ingress,  egress  and cockpit  space  are further improved with the introduction of higher  quality,
lighter weight and narrower door inner panels.

All new front seats are lighter (by 3 kg each) and provide greater support for both driver and front
passenger. As an option, rear passengers are also catered for, with the rear seats being 280 mm
wider than the previous Lotus Evora; weight has been reduced in the rear seats by 3.4 kg.

As a hand-crafted sports car, the bespoke feel is carried across three new trim levels, including
trim  upgrades  in  full  Alcantara,  or  Scottish  leather,  with  each  featuring  specific  trim  detailing.
Apart from the materials used, the new door casings, centre console and more space in the rear
support a determined approach to improve both accessibility into and egress from the car‘s cabin.

Both comfort and ergonomics have been improved dramatically, with a new HVAC system that
provides greater airflow and operator control, within an all-new dashboard layout.

As  befits  a  driver  orientated  car,  the  cabin  features  a  lightweight  forged  magnesium  steering
wheel  with  a  red  race-inspired  position  stripe  and  a  revised  instrument  cluster  that possesses
simple clear dials (white on black graphics). Switchgear haptics and ergonomics have also been
improved significantly, the latter through location to the upper-central dashboard and, for the first
time, a new engine start-stop button has been fitted to the Lotus Evora 400.

A high-end in-car entertainment system is standard, with the latest, lightweight and slim-line door
speakers being fitted within the new door casings, while A-pillar incorporated tweeters improve
the sound reproduction quality.

Manufacturing

 • Hand built at Hethel, England

 • High quality and efficient manufacturing process

The  new  Lotus  Evora  400  will  be  manufactured  at  the  Lotus  Headquarters  in  Hethel,  Norfolk.
Three hundred trained and highly skilled operators and craftsmen and women (rising to 450 in the
next four months) assemble the cars by hand  and every car built  is road tested. Huge strides
have been made to improve efficiency over the last few months resulting in a 10% reduction in
the build cycle time.

Weight reductions have come from all over the car primarily through attention to detail. It is the
Lotus approach – brackets designed precisely, correct material selection and, wherever possible,
a reliance on multi-functionality. All Lotus staff at Hethel are given the opportunity to contribute to
reducing the weight of each Lotus model within the Lotus ‘Lightweight Laboratory’, where every
component is scrutinised to determine where “lightness can be added”.

To accommodate the expected worldwide demand for the new Lotus Evora 400, total production
of  Lotus  cars  is  planned  to  increase  to  70  cars  per  week  by  September  2015.  Current  build
volumes are around 45 cars per week.

Expansion

 • Global expansion of dealer network

Lotus has 168 dealers globally at present: 14 in the UK, 49 in Mainland Europe, 49 in North
America, 20 in Japan, 8 in China and 24 in other markets. Since May 2014, 30 new dealers have
been recruited and it is planned to further increase the Lotus dealer network to 200 dealers by the
end of 2015.

Summary

Lotus remains agile in its thoughts, actions and its products. Thanks to a dedicated, skilled and
enthusiastic workforce, it is able to maximise its potential at every stage of its operations. The
substantial structural and material changes made to create the exciting new Evora 400 underpin
the company’s intrinsic aims of lightness, super-efficiency, high performance and purity of driving
pleasure.

Jean-Marc Gales states: “Our ten month sales figures showed a volume increase of over 50%,
with the majority of markets increasing sales over the previous year. The new Lotus Evora 400
joins the Elise range, with the new S Cup grabbing the recent motoring media headlines, and the
Exige S, enhanced with an exciting new automatic option, sharing the growth in numbers. Our
strategy is being borne out.

“We work to maintain the lightness, purity and performance of our products as, at Lotus, we love
our  cars  and  we  know  that  our  customers  do  too.  The  Lotus  Evora  400  is  a  pinnacle  of
achievement but we shall continue to aim higher in the months and years to come.”

 

This post has been promoted to an article

Tech specs:

 

Lotus Evora 400 Technical Specifications.pdf

 

 

More photos here:

 

http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/gallery/album/1298-evora-400/

[DeanB]

Love it. All of it. I want one!

 

It is great to read that Lotus are now committed to developing, improving and updating the models in the way that Porsche and Mitsubishi (with the various Evos) have done over the years. I think the approach will serve them well, and will really up the desirability factor. Hopefully the Exige v6 will get the treatment next - a facelift, and small improvements in key areas (reduced weight, stiffer chassis, better weight distribution, easier ingress/egress etc as they have done for the Evora) that add up to a big improvement overall.

And then after that a 750 kg Elise with a tiny, flyweight turbocharged engine and box that does 50+ to the gallon!

That's what I would do anyway :-)

[darryl]

hopefully there will be a 400 for us to drool over at the Hethel track day