After launching the Lotus Evora 400 and Sport 410 models, Lotus has once again turned up the wick on its GT model to introduce its lightest, most powerful road-going Lotus ever – the Evora GT430.
Limited to just 60 units worldwide, the Evora GT430 marks the return of a famous Lotus badge, acknowledging the Lotus Esprit V8 GT and the Esprit GT3 from the 1990s.
Like the name suggests, the 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine, sourced from Toyota, has been fettled to produce 430hp and 440Nm from 4,500 rpm.
The increase in torque is achieved through an air-to-liquid gearbox cooler standard and a new titanium exhaust system, which also shaves 10 kg from car’s overall weight and serves up a meaty exhaust note.
The Evora GT430’s six-speed manual gearbox features a low-inertia, single-mass flywheel, to help ensure swift gearchanges, while a ‘Torsen-type’ limited slip differential (LSD) for better traction.
Headline figures read 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds onto a top speed of 305km/h.
For stopping, the Evora GT430 uses 2-piece ‘J-grooved’ and ventilated brake discs at the front, paired with AP Racing four-piston calipers all round, while the rear uses 3-piece discs with lightweight aluminium centres.
The GT430 sheds 26kgs over Evora Sport 410, now just 1,258kg, achieved through the titanium exhaust system, carbon body panels, lightweight interior components, suspension system and lightweight rear brake discs.
To manage the increased power, mechanical grip is improved with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres measuring 245/35 R19 at the front and 295/30 R20 at the rear – 10mm wider than those fitted on the Evora 410.
The wheels are ultra-lightweight forged aluminium wheels finished in either black or silver, with optional finishes as well.
Visually, the GT430 features a new carbon fibre front splitter which is claimed to separate and speed up airflow under the car. Two enlarged carbon fibre front ducts, with integrated air blades channels air though to the front wheel cavities, to help reduce turbulence and drag created by the wheels.
The lightweight curved rear edges of the front wheel arch panels works to channel air along the side of the car and the louvers positioned on top of each front wheel arch to reduce pressure above the wheel.
The rear of the Evora GT430 has received the same attention, featuring deep sculpted ducts behind each wheel that vent airflow as quickly as possible from the wheel arches, improving downforce. A huge carbon wing, fitted atop the rear shell further adds downforce.
On the inside, the GT430 features newly-designed carbon-backed Sparco seats, customers can also opt for an optional driver and passenger four-point harnesses and titanium rear frame.The interior also features new carbon door sills, lightweight carbon instrument binnacle cover with a new graphics on the instrument panel.
Elsewhere, the steering wheel, dashboard, door panels, transmission tunnel and centre console are all trimmed in a combination of black Alcantara / perforated leather, or with full leather or full Alcantara.
Keyword: 2017 Lotus Evora GT430 Launched – 430hp, 60 Units Worldwide