Lotus Reveals Its Fastest Ever Road-Going Model
With a growing number of models, Lotus’ lineup is starting to get a bit confusing.
If you’ve paid any attention to Lotus over the past couple years, there’s no shortage of new models coming from the brand. But the latest one, the Evora GT430 Sport, is the fastest road-going Lotus ever with a top speed of 196 mph (315 km/h). Available with both manual and automatic transmissions, the Evora GT430 Sport is also offered in two body configurations and comes standard with lightweight carbon fiber and titanium components.
Powering the Evora GT430 Sport is a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine offering 430 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque (332 lb-ft in the automatic), allowing it to go zero-to-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. But unlike the Evora GT430, the Sport version weighs 22 pounds (10 kilograms) less since it’s missing some of the hardcore aerodynamic elements. As a result, it tips the scales at 2,751 lbs (1,248 kg) giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 345 hp per ton.
SEE ALSO: Lotus Evora GT430 Offers Up More Downforce, 190 MPH Top Speed
Standard carbon fiber components on the Evora GT430 Sport include front and rear bumpers, front access panel, roof panel, rear quarter panels, and a one-piece tailgate with an integrated spoiler. And while it lacks the hardcore aerodynamic components on the Evora GT430, the Sport version does feature two enlarged carbon fiber front ducts with integrated air blades, helping move air through to the front wheel cavities. The British automaker says the Evora GT430 Sport generates up to 220 lbs (100 kg) of downforce at 196 mph, which is about 56 percent more than the Evora Sport 410. At 190 mph, it generates up to 551 lbs (250 kg) of downforce.
Inside the cabin, there’s carbon race seats, new carbon fiber door sills, and a new lightweight carbon instrument cover. The steering wheel, dash, door panels, transmission tunnel, and center console are all trimmed with a combination of black Alcantara and perforated leather, further contrasted by red and white stitching. An integrated touchscreen infotainment system is available as an option, which includes iPod connectivity and Bluetooth functionality, satellite navigation, and rearview camera.
“This is a car that epitomises a purity of engineering that many car manufacturers fail to match. Lotus founder, Colin Chapman not only pursued lightweight design, and pioneered the use carbon fiber in F1, but he also led the way in the field of aerodynamics in road and race cars,” said Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales. “The Evora GT430 range continues this legacy, combining our expertise in highly efficient engineering and aerodynamics with more power and torque to provide one of the most rounded and rewarding driving experiences on the road or track.”
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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LOTUS IS ABOUT LIGHT WEIGHT AND HANDLING, NOT ROCKET-LIKE ACCELERATION AND TOP SPEED, WHICH IS USELESS IN MOST PLACES EXCEPT ON A TRACK. MY 1969 ELAN IS ABOUT HIS MOTTO, SIMPLIFY AND ADD LIGHTNESS!