First Lotus Evora 400 leaves factory

First Lotus Evora 400 leaves factory

The first new Lotus Evora 400 has driven off the assembly line at Hethel, UK.

Finished in a metallic black, the first Lotus Evora 400 is destined to be a promotion car. The new Evora 400 laps the Lotus test track at Hethel six seconds faster than the previous Evora S in a time of 1 minute 32 seconds. Combining high performance with Lotus handling, it's faster and dynamically more capable than the previous Lotus Evora leading to greater agility and a more involving drive.

Maximum speed is 186 mph with acceleration from 0-62 mph taking just 4.2 seconds. Over two thirds of the Evora 400 is new, including its supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. A new aluminium chassis incorporates a new interior and the lightweight composite body has changed significantly both front and rear.

In a small celebration with a selection of senior management, manufacturing and engineering staff, Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, said: "Today is a very significant stage in our long term plan, which we set-out more than a year ago. With the first Evora 400 coming off the line, we have achieved a key milestone for Lotus. None of this would be possible, of course, without the confidence and commitment of our workforce who, with great skill and talent, hand build every Lotus car at Hethel."

The new Lotus, which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March, will enter production for European markets in the summer and deliveries will commence in August this year.

Pricing for the Lotus Evora 400 starts at £72,000 OTR.