Auto Trader NZ
Published 3 September 2020
Based on its successful racing Evora, the engine in the Evora GTE produces more than 327 kW from the race-developed Lotus Evora GTE engine, to produce, quite simply, the most powerful Lotus road car ever built. Yet contrary to its extreme roots, the Evora GTE road car also delivers a comfortable and refined side to its high performance driving characteristics.
Originally designed as a special limited edition for the Asian market, Group Lotus has announced that production will be expanded on the Evora GTE road car to meet demand and reach further markets.
Clever use of carbon fibre has been integrated extensively throughout the exterior and interior of the car, this is one major contributor to the 105 kg weight reduction compared to the entry level Evora. Carbon fibre has been used for all the bodywork modifications including the front and rear bumpers, the rear wing and the doors.
Commenting on the Evora GTE road car, Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar said: “The response to this model in China has been so incredible, within days we had sold out with 114 orders. In response we decided that the only logical step from a business perspective was to increase production and widen our reach.”
“What is unique about this car, is not just that it’s a serious race car – it’s a serious car. People get so excited when they see and especially hear it for the first time. It’s a very special car and will appeal to a very special type of driver – and they won’t be disappointed!”
As well as the Evora GTE, Lotus will launch a new 1.8 litre engine for the Elise with more torque, new gearboxes for the Evora S and the Elise, and it still has two vehicles that will remain up its sleeve until the show opens.
The new 1.8 litre engine set to be launched in the Elise S produces the same 162 kW as the outgoing power unit in the Elise SC but it provides more torque and a better spread across the rev range. With the new engine and improved throttle response, the Elise S gives an even more exhilarating and lively drive experience. The more efficient engine results in lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The Frankfurt Motor Show will also see the launch of two new options that are central to the growth of the brand in Australia and the launch of Lotus in New Zealand.
The SPS (Serial Precision Shift), is the latest gearbox option available for the 1.6 litre Elise. The SPS option utilises new lightweight robotised automated manual transmission technology to allow the driver to switch between manual and automatic driving modes via paddles fixed to the steering column giving an even more direct connection with the road. The SPS option showcases Lotus’ clever approach to increasing the pure driving experience through innovative use of lightweight technology.
The second new option is IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) which is already available in the Evora and at Frankfurt will be launched in the Evora S which combines all the power and handling of the supercharged Evora S with its 3.5 litre V6 delivering 257 kW) with the versatility of an automatic gearbox. The optional paddle shift mode allows the driver the full and uncompromised Evora S experience with the added bonus of switching to automatic mode. This is, says Lotus, the most versatile Evora yet.
The Elise S, Elise SPS and the Evora S IPS will arrive in Australasia in 2012, while the Evora GTE is being evaluated for the local market.
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