The New Lotus Evora GT
Relentless in its development of world-class sports cars, Lotus has unveiled the new 2020 Evora GT for North America, replacing the Evora Sport 410 and Evora 400.
Available in both 2 seat and 2+2 configurations, and with manual and automatic transmissions, the Evora GT is the latest in the Evora line and provides more power and torque from an already celebrated sports car.
Employing selected lightweight carbon fibre components as standard, the new Evora GT enjoys a sleek silhouette. However, as with all Lotus sports cars, aerodynamic downforce is also a requirement and this new GT-class coupe generates up to 64 kg of downforce (double that of the Evora 400) making it the new benchmark when compared to similarly priced rivals.
The Evora GT is powered by a specially calibrated and tuned higher-output version of Lotus’ supercharged, 3.5-litre 6-cylinder engine with integrated water-to-air charge cooler, producing 422 PS (416 bhp) at 7000 rpm and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque from 3500 rpm to give a 0-60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds. The automatic option has 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) and returns a similar acceleration time.
With all the lightweight options fitted, mass is further reduced to 3,104 lbs (1,408 kg). This gives a total weight saving of 71 lbs (32 kg) when compared to the Evora 400.
The additional downforce is created by the efficient management of airflow under and over the car. A front lip, mounted beneath the lightweight composite grille mesh grille, reduces undercar airflow, front wheel arch air louvres and sculptured carbon fibre ducts behind each rear wheel vent high pressure air from the wheel arches and a motorsport-derived rear diffuser all contribute to increasing downforce front and rear. Curved lower A-panels smooth airflow along the sides of the car, reducing drag. Cumulatively this elevates the Evora GT to the top ranks of Lotus’ most aerodynamically efficient road cars.
As befitting a high-performance sports cars, carbon fibre plays a considerable role in the car’s construction. Standard carbon composite components include the rear bumper, curved A-panels, rear wheel ducts and sill covers. The optional Carbon Pack includes the front access panel, roof panel, a one-piece louvered tailgate with integrated spoiler and diffuser surround all in carbon fibre contributing to the mass reduction by 49 lbs (22 kg).
This focus on the car’s critical mass delivers its headline power-to-weight ratio of up to 300 PS / tonne (295 bhp / tonne) and the top speed to 188 mph (303 km/h).
Reducing un-sprung mass, ultra-lightweight, fully machined, forged aluminium wheels (19" 8J front and 20" 10.5J rear 10 spoke alloy wheels) are available in either High Power silver or gloss black as standard. The option of upgrading to one inch wider (10.5J) rear wheels is available in diamond cut satin black or red. Stopping power comes courtesy of AP Racing four-piston calipers front and rear with lightweight 2-piece cross-drilled and ventilated brake discs (front 370mm x 32mm, rear 350mm x 32mm).
Making the most of the traction on tap, the Evora GT uses Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (245/35 ZR19-93Y at the front and 295/30 R20-101Y at the rear) with a sports suspension package of Eibach ultra-light, low-sideload springs and Bilstein sports dampers – all fitted as standard.
Further mass reduction for the Evora GT comes from the optional a titanium exhaust, cutting 10 kg from beyond the car’s rear axle.
In addition to Lotus’ slick, six-speed manual gearbox with a Torsen type limited slip differential (LSD), the Evora GT is also available with an automatic transmission option. Quick shifting through the gears via lightweight aluminium paddles mounted to the steering wheel contributes to a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds.
The new Evora GT features four driver selectable ESP modes – selected via a dashboard switches. ‘Drive’, ‘Sport’, ‘Race’ and ‘Off’. Sport and Race settings increase throttle response, respectively increasing traction slip - allowing the driver a finer degree of control before intervention.
For the interior, the dashboard, door panels, transmission tunnel and centre console are all trimmed in black Alcantara®, complemented by contrast twin colour stitching (bespoke leather is an option). The lightweight magnesium steering wheel is clad in leather and Alcantara®, the instrument binnacle cover is carbon fibre, as are the backs of the Sparco race seats. An integrated 7” touch-screen infotainment system with AppleCarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth® functionality, satellite navigation and reversing camera is also standard.
Every new Lotus Evora GT can be personalised through the increasingly popular Lotus Exclusive programme. Developed by the Lotus Design team to inspire customers, it combines traditional British craftsmanship with the best of modern design, and allows owners to tailor vehicles to their personal taste. Since its introduction last year, roughly a third of all new Lotus cars now undergo some form of customisation.
The new 2020 Lotus Evora GT can be ordered now for the USA and Canada.