cars news 10: Report: Non-Supercharged Lotus Evora Coming to U.S. to Meet Emissions

A new naturally aspirated Lotus Evora model will come to the U.S. to help the automaker meet tightening emissions regulations, Automotive News reports.

The new entry-level model will join the supercharged Lotus Evora 400 and lightweight Lotus Evora Sport 410, which will return to the U.S. after a one-year hiatus. During that time, the Evora gained power and lost weight.

“Over a five-year period in the U.S. we have to show a 3 percent per year reduction in carbon dioxide emissions,” CEO Jean-Marc Gales told Automotive News. “One option is remove the supercharger.”

Gales feels a naturally aspirated V-6 is a better option than a turbo-four. “I don’t believe a four-cylinder fits there,” he continued.

All three variants are powered by a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V-6. The supercharged Evora 400 and Evora Sport 410 are rated 400 hp and 410 hp, respectively. Power figures haven’t been revealed for the naturally aspirated entry-level model. Previously, the base naturally aspirated Evora made 276 hp, while the supercharged Evora S made 345 hp.

“We’ll do what McLaren does with the 570S by fitting an engine that already fits into the car,” Gales said. The new McLaren 570S uses a detuned version of the automaker’s twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-8 used in the 650S and other models.

The updated Lotus 400 will return to the U.S. in May with a roadster version to follow in 2017. Lotus hasn’t said when the new entry-level naturally aspirated model will arrive. Expect the new model to be priced below the Evora 400 coupe’s $89,900 base price.

Additionally, the next-generation Lotus Elise will return to the U.S. sometime after 2020. With 250 preorders on the books, Lotus expects to sell 400 Evora models in U.S. An entry-level model and a roadster model should help the automaker reach that goal.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)