After receiving positive feedback and ongoing interest from buyers, Lotus decided to expand the availability of its special edition Evora GTE road car instead of sticking to its original plan that called for a limited production run of 114 cars for the Chinese market.
The special edition is based on the Evora GTE racecar featuring the same 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine delivering 444-horses, up from the Evora S' 350-ponies.
A new sequential AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) racing gearbox transfers power to the lightweight forged alloy rims with center lock hubs shod in Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires.
Lotus engineers also reduced the car's weight by 105kg or 232 pounds over the base Evora through the use of carbon fibre throughout the exterior and interior. For example, the lightweight material 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," Bahard added.
