- Limited edition Evora 400, celebrating 50 years of Hethel factory
- Exclusive heritage colours
- 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds; maximum speed of 186 mph
A significant anniversary requires a significant car and, Lotus is marking 50
years since the founding of its famous factory with a limited Hethel Edition of
its benchmark Evora 400.
Available in three exclusive colours, with matching trim options and a special
commemorative build plate, the Hethel Edition Evora 400 combines high
performance with Lotus’ legendary chassis development. Winning the praise of
customers and the motoring press since its launch, the Evora 400 weighs in at
just 1,395 kg and epitomises Lotus’ approach to efficient engineering.
The Hethel Edition Evora 400 is the first in a series of special products and
events marking this important milestone in the company’s history, when, in 1966,
founder Colin Chapman moved Lotus to the purpose-built facility in Hethel,
Norfolk.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc said, “The Evora 400 is the latest in a
long line of world-beating sports and racing cars to have all been hand built in
Hethel over the last 50 years. We are immensely proud to be part of the
community and it is entirely fitting that this limited edition be dedicated to
our home. We’re looking forward to celebrating our connections to Norfolk
throughout 2016, and more Lotus Hethel Anniversary news will be announced soon”.
As well as marking 50 years in Norfolk, the Hethel Edition allows Lotus fans
to enjoy some of the company’s iconic colour schemes. Buyers can choose between
Essex Blue, Motorsport Black, and Racing Green when ordering the Hethel Edition
400, with either black or red leather or Alcantara interior trim available
depending on bodywork colour. Every Hethel Edition 400 comes with lightweight
silver forged aluminium wheels, and contrasting brake callipers, while bespoke
graphics complete the car’s distinctive look.
The Hethel Edition 400 perfectly illustrates how customers can personalise their
vehicle through the Lotus Exclusive programme. Developed by the Lotus Design
team, the programme combines traditional British craftsmanship with modern
design. It has been conceived to inspire customers, allowing them to tailor
vehicles to their personal taste. With a comprehensive array of options, it
provides an alluring alternative to an off-the-peg sports car.
About the Evora 400
Representing a significant development over the previous model, the Evora 400
has established itself one of the most significant Lotus models for a generation.
Developed through Lotus’ Lightweight Laboratory concept, the car is 42 kg
lighter than its predecessor, thanks to a host of weight-saving measures. As a
result, the limited edition Evora 400 accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 4.1
seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds) and delivers a maximum speed of 186 mph (300
km/h). The Evora 400 is capable of lapping the Norfolk site’s challenging test
track in 1 minute 31 seconds.
Over two thirds of the Lotus Evora 400 has been revised, including its
supercharged and charge-cooled, mid-mounted, 3.5-litre V6 engine, which produces
400 hp and 410 Nm of torque. This complements a revised aluminium chassis, which
offers increased torsional rigidity and reduced weight.
However, the Evora 400 doesn’t just rely on its lightweight engineering to
deliver remarkable performance. The car’s efficient composite body, flat-floor,
sizable rear diffuser and three-element rear wing have all boosted airflow
management, drastically improving aerodynamics and effectively doubling
downforce.
The Lotus Evora 400 enjoys a high specification as standard, including 370 mm
composite two-piece brake discs from AP Racing, a Limited Slip Differential (LSD),
automatic air-conditioning and infotainment system with satellite navigation.
Cost options include automatic transmission and cruise control.
A number of manual gearbox enhancements have greatly improved shift quality,
delivering swift and precise gear changes. The Torsen-type LSD is fitted as
standard with the manual, to give better traction when exiting fast corners. The
automatic option has also been improved, with a reprogrammed gearbox ECU for
faster changes, while gear selection is via lightweight aluminium paddles
mounted to the steering wheel.
The car also features Lotus’ Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) which,
selected via a dashboard switch, provides ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings.
Proportionally increasing throttle response, lowering traction slip thresholds
and removing understeer recognition, it allows a greater degree of driver
indulgence before the system intervenes.
The Evora 400 features a revised interior, fusing elegance and functionality. As
befitting a hand-built car, the cabin uses the highest quality materials,
including Alcantra and leather, while the driver orientated layout provides
ergonomically optimised controls. Passenger space is improved, with greater
legroom and wider rear seats, and the chassis revisions have increased the size
of the door aperture, making it easy to enter and exit the Evora.
Images copyright Group Lotus PLC
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