Lotus, a tiny British automaker that has been teetering on the brink of bankruptcy for years is launching an updated version of its Evora sports car at the Geneva Motor Show, which it hopes will further accelerate the company’s recent growth.
As most automakers are doing these days, Lotus made the new sports car, called the Evora 400, lighter and more powerful than its predecessor. It uses the same Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 engine, it is now 16 percent more powerful thanks to an enhanced supercharger, engine management tweaks and other upgrades, all of which add 55 horsepower and bring total output to an even 400 horsepower (as denoted in the car’s name).
Torque, meanwhile, is up marginally, from 295 foot-pounds to 302 foot-pounds.
The Lotus Evora 400 is about 50 pounds lighter than its predecessor. The company shaved weight here and there through clever engineering. For example, new engine mounts are 12 pounds lighter. Lotus cars have always relied on light weight more than brute power to achieve impressive speed and driving dynamics.
The “400″ in the 2016 Lotus Evora 400′s name denotes a power boost to 400 horsepower. (Photo credit: Lotus)
The front is redesigned and looks much more aggressive than before, with larger cooling apertures. The rear bump is also new and incorporates a lightweight composite air diffuser and three-element wing for better downforce.
The 0 to 60 mile-per-hour sprint goes by in 4.1 seconds. Top speed is 186 miles per hour.
The Lotus Evora 400 has a revised interior with lighter and more supportive seats. Ingress and egress are also easier thanks to slimmer and lighter door panels. Materials are richer and include the choice of Alcantara or Scottish leather.
The new Evora 400 will hit dealerships in Europe this August. It will launch shortly thereafter as a 2016 model in North America. Pricing is to be announced.
Lotus is riding positive momentum from last year, after it experienced sales growth of more than 50 percent compared to the previous year. But even with that jump it still only sold 1,565 cars worldwide.
The company hopes the new Evora will further buoy sales and aims to increase its network of 168 dealers worldwide to 200 by the end of the year.
Lotus upgraded the interior of the Evora 400 and made it easier to get in and out of . (Photo credit: Lotus)
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