Meet the Lotus Evora Sport 410. It’s got a curb weight of 2,921 pounds, a high-output version of the supercharged 3.5 V6 producing 410 hp at 7,000rpm and 302 ft-lb at 3,500rpm, plus all the carbon fiber. Lotus will only build 150 a year.
Lotus just keeps adding lightness, and that’s exactly how it should be. After coming up with the lighter and faster Exige called the Sport 350 and the lighter and faster Elise called the Cup 250, it was time for the Evora’s 2016 update, and the resulting Sport 410 is quite a desirable piece of kit.
I didn’t get a chance to drive the Evora 400 yet, but those who did already say it’s very good indeed.
To top that, Lotus started by simplifying the carbon tailgate, combining five separate parts into one. The door trim got lighter too, and with all the additional carbon parts, the Sport 410 ended up having a lower center of gravity with the body creating 15% more downforce with no increase in drag.
Lotus has recalibrated the suspension as well, with improved geometry and completely revised damping, plus a 5mm cut from the ride hight. If you plan on hitting the track regularly, forged aluminum wheels and Michelin Cup 2 tires are also available as an option.
With the engine tuned to develop 410 hp, the Sport 410 is 3 seconds faster around Lotus’ test track than the Evora 400.
While it’s not a hardcore track special, the Sport 410 also comes with a lightened flywheel, a Torsen limited slip differential and a race mode that increases throttle response, lowers traction slip thresholds and removes understeer recognition.
Yes, you can opt for an automatic with paddles too, but if you do, please get the hell out of here.
Inside, you get carbon fibre sports seats wrapped in Alcantara, along with the steering wheel and centre console. There’s also a touch-screen with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, but you don’t get arm rests on the door or storage pockets, nor speakers if an entertainment system is not specified.
Okay, so a McLaren 570S weighs roughly the same while packing way more power. True. But remember, this is not a carbon monocoque sports car, but something way more traditional made of a modular bonded aluminum structure and composite body panels. With a Toyota engine.
It’s also less than half the price, and it’s going to America later this year.
That will do Lotus, that will do.
Photo credit: Lotus
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