Lotus lobs Evora GT410 and GT410 Sport Down Under

LESS than two months after its initial reveal, Lotus has announced that the new Evora GT410, as well as the more focused GT410 Sport, will be introduced to Australia respectively priced from $189,990 and $194,990 plus on-road costs.

As reported in January, both GT410s are powered by the same supercharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, good for 306kW (410bhp) of power and 410Nm of torque.

Drive is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed automatic that costs $4000 extra, with both the GT410 and GT410 Sport completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.2 seconds regardless of transmission choice.

Top speed for both manual variants is 300km/h, while the auto tops out at 280km/h. Claimed fuel economy for the manuals is 10.6 litres per 100km, rising to 11L/100km for the automatics.

Kicking off the Evora range, the GT410 was designed and created to be a more comfortable day-to-day proposition compared with its more focused sibling.

To distinguish itself as the more user-friendly variant, the GT410 features a softer damper rate courtesy of Bilstein and extra soundproofing over the Sport.

Sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S all-weather tyres have also been fitted, as well as a new rear tailgate with a bigger glass panel to improve rear visibility.

Standard equipment includes Sparco sports seats, air-conditioning, a reversing camera, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring , rear parking sensors, heated door mirrors and cruise control.

Lotus Cars Australia CEO Lee Knappett said he was proud to confirm both the GT410 and GT410 Sport for Australia, especially the former.

“While it retains the exciting dynamic qualities of the GT410 Sport, the GT410’s strength is in its enhanced Grand Touring and daily drive capability,” he said.

Most of the equipment mentioned above is also standard on the Sport, though this version ups the driver focus with performance-oriented Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, a firmer suspension set up and 34kg less weight.

The weight saving comes courtesy of a carbon-fibre tailgate and front access panel as well as less extensive soundproofing.

To distinguish the Sport from its slightly more refined sibling are a bigger rear lip spoiler and more aggressive, slatted tailgate.

Stopping duties on both models are taken care of four-piston AP Racing callipers front and rear, gripping cross-drilled and ventilated 370mm discs up front and 350mm rear rotors.

The manual versions also score a Torsen limited slip differential as standard while a 2+2 seating arrangement is offered on all variants as a no-cost option.

“The new Evora GT 410 brings a two-tiered Evora line-up to the Australian market, giving customers more options to design an Evora to suit their needs,” said Mr Knappett.

Last year Lotus sold 10 examples of the Evora in Australia, one fewer than it did in 2018.

The British sportscar specialist had sold no Evoras by the end of February this year, with the bulk of its eight reported deliveries being for the smaller Exige coupe.

2020 Lotus Evora GT410 pricing*