For a company known for being obsessed with making its cars as light and fast as possible, Lotus has gotten downright stingy with the recent introduction of the Lotus Evora Sport 410. The result is an even lighter and slightly faster version of its Evora Sport 400 introduced last year.
- Let's start with the weight. Lotus claims to have eliminated 70 kg (154 lbs) from the 410's predecessor, bringing the total unladen weight down to 1,325 kg (2921 lbs). Chalk it up to a generous use of carbon fiber in exterior parts like the front splitter, roof panel and tailgate, and in the race-inspired sports seats and front access panel on the interior.
Powering the lighter weight 410 is a higher output version of the company's Nürburgring record-breaking 3.5 liter 6-cylinder engine. The result is a slight uptick in horsepower from 400 hp (298 kW) to 410 hp (306 kW), but no change in the 410 Nm (302 lb ft) of torque also found in the Evora 400.
Top speed between the two models is still listed at 186 mph (299 km/h), but you'll hit 0-60 mph (96.5 km/h) quicker – 3.9 seconds in the 410 versus 4.1 seconds for the Evora 400.
Lotus also lowered the 410's center of gravity by 5 mm, which when combined with the lower weight and some recalibration of the suspension and improved damping, should result in even better handling.
While the standard 6-speed manual transmission remains unchanged between the two models, Lotus has incorporated its Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) system in the 410, offering Drive, Sport and Race settings via a dashboard switch. Depending on the chosen setting, the driver experiences changes in throttle response, traction and understeer.
Staying with the weight loss theme, the Spartan-like interior evident in the Evora 400 is just as prevalent in the 410. There are no armrests, and air conditioning, a sound system and cruise control are all optional.
Lotus is only making 150 of the Evora Sport 410s, and delivery in all major markets other than North America is set for June 2016. A North American version is expected to be announced later this year.
If lightweight and speedy is your thing, you might want to get your order in now. Keep in mind, the one thing Lotus didn't reduce in the 410 is the price. At £79,900 (US$111,600) the Lotus 410 is £7,000 (US$9,800) more than its predecessor. Lotus enthusiasts will have to judge for themselves whether or not that difference is worth the price of exclusivity.
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