Hot Lotus Exige, Evora models land in Australia

Lotus has landed two of its most focused models yet, launching the new Exige Cup 430 and Evora in Australia.

The Exige Cup 430 represents the ultimate Elise-based sports car to date, one that combines more power with increased downforce and a dramatic weight reduction program to challenge the likes of Porsche’s GT3 RS on track.

Priced from $199,990 plus options and on-road costs, the Cup 430 costs $60,490 more than a regular Exige.

It weighs 66 kilograms less thanks to widespread use of composite materials such as carbon fibre, which can be found in hand-made elements for new bodywork that brings a dramatic increase in  downforce.

The car’s Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6 has switched from a Harrop supercharger to an Edelbrock unit now fitted with a charge cooler, increasing peak outputs to 320kW and 440Nm – which hits the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The combination is god for a 3.3 second dash to 100km/h and a top speed of 290km/h.

A revised variable traction control system with six settings offering variable degrees of slip helps you contain that power, while forged four-piston AP racing brakes and sticky Michelin “Cup” specification tyres should also be handy.

On the inside, a roll bar joins new carbon fibre interior elements including bespoke carbon seats that help reduce the car’s mass. Lotus says 10 examples of the machine are coming to Australia, with five already spoken for.

Drivers looking for a little more space and practicality from their Lotus could try the new Evora GT430, which features the same supercharged driveline as its smaller sibling.

Able to hit 100km/h in 3.8 seconds – and a top speed of 315kmh – the most powerful Evora yet combines carbon fibre, aluminium and titanium elements in two flavours. A street-focused GT430 Sport with modest bodywork bringing 100 kilograms of downforce costs $239,990, while the fully-loaded GT430 with carbon fibre aero lending 250kg of downforce costs $259,990 plus on-road costs.

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