cars news 10: Lotus Evora Sport 410 is Lighter and Faster than the Evora 400

Lotus is keeping the Evora fresh with a new model. Set to arrive this summer is the new Lotus Evora Sport 410, which is even lighter and more powerful than the Evora 400 coupe and roadster that debuted last year.

A manual transmission-equipped Evora 400 is already relatively light at just 3,119 pounds (3,128 pounds with an automatic), but the folks at Lotus managed to shave off more weight with the Evora Sport 410. The automaker claims the Evora Sport 410 tips the scale at just 2,921 pounds with the six-speed manual and 2,948 pounds with an automatic.

Not surprisingly, lots of carbon fiber bits were used to slash weight. The most notable modification takes place at the rear where the engineers simplified the tailgate into one carbon fiber piece (the Evora 400’s tailgate is constructed with five pieces). The tailgate’s louvered-style treatment is just one of the 410’s most noticeable visual markers.

More carbon fiber is used for the front splitter, roof panel, and rear diffuser, all of which contribute to an additional 15 percent of downforce. The Evora Sport 410 also gets revised suspension, a lower ride height (by 5mm), and forged aluminum wheels. Inside, more carbon fiber bits and the deletion of door arm rests and speakers contribute to the weight savings. Customers can opt for an optional audio and infotainment system.

As the name suggests, the Evora Sport 410’s 3.5-liter, supercharged V-6 gets a bump in power to 410 hp, which is enough to propel the coupe to 60 mph in an estimated 3.9 seconds. Lotus claims the Evora Sport 410 (equipped with optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires) lapped its Hethel race track in 1 minute and 28 seconds, which is about 3 seconds quicker than the Evora 400.

Anyone looking to grab an Evora Sport 410 will need to act quick because Lotus is only building 150 units per year. The automaker says it will have a North American version ready to debut later this year.

Source: Lotus