Lotus Evora GT430 unleashed

BRITISH sportscar manufacturer Lotus has revealed its most powerful road-going car yet in the form of the 321kW/440Nm Evora GT430, which will be limited to a production run of just 60 units.

Lotus Cars Australia (LCA) has requested that at least one of the 60 examples of the GT430 be reserved for the local market, with the option for more depending on demand from the community.

No guarantees of vehicle availability or pricing have been given to LCA yet, however prospective buyers will be expected to fork out a $25,000 non-refundable deposit with their dealer.

As is tradition for Lotus, the engineers have strived to shed as many kilograms as possible on the GT430, managing to achieve a kerb weight of just 1299kg for a power-to-weight ratio of 247kW per tonne.

The GT430 undercuts the Evora Sport 410 by 26kg despite adding 9kg of additional components, which has been achieved by the extensive use of carbon-fibre on the front and rear bumpers, unique front splitter, front access panel, roof panel, tailgate and full width rear wing spoiler.

A big focus of the Lotus engineers was to configure the GT430 to maximise aerodynamic capability, and, with the help of extra pieces of bodykit, downforce is increased markedly over the Evora 410.

At maximum speed of 305km/h, the GT430 is able to produce 250kg of downforce, thanks largely to its wing spoiler, gaping front splitter, front ducts and louvred panels.

New carbon-fibre aero ducts behind the rear wheels reduce pressure in the wheel arch, while 10kg of weight has been dropped with the addition of a titanium exhaust.

The potent mix of increased power and reduced weight means that the GT430 can rocket from zero to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds, and complete a lap at Lotus’ Hethel test track in 1:25.8 – a record for an Evora.

Aiding handling are Ohlins TTX two-way adjustable damping units with lightweight Eibach springs, and front and rear anti-roll bars.

A Torsen-type limited-slip differential adds to the GT430’s sporty character, while the six-speed manual gearbox sends power exclusively to the rear wheels.

The Evora wears 19-inch front and 20-inch rear ten-spoke alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber.

Stopping power comes courtesy of two- piece front and three-piece rear ventilated brake discs with four-piston callipers all round.

Four dynamic stability modes are available – drive, sport, race and off – while a new variable traction control function is available for the latter two modes, whereby the driver can set the amount of wheel slip afforded, with options of one, three, six, nine, and 12 per cent slip.

Inside, the GT430 gains carbon-backed Sparco seats with optional unique trim design, while four-point harnesses and a titanium rear frame can be specified.

Other carbon components include door sills and the instrument bezel cover, while Alcantara and leather cover the steering wheel, dashboard, door panels, transmission tunnel and centre console. A touchscreen infotainment system can be optionally specified.

Midway through last year Lotus switched importers from Ateco Automotive to Sydney-based Simply Sports Cars, who have overseen a massive 333 per cent year-on-year increase in sales.