A road-going endurance racer.
After Lotus successfully entered the GTE global racing category, it introduced the Evora GTE as a special edition model for the Asian market. After the model was quickly sold out, Lotus decided to expand the offering to the global market and increase production of the most powerful production car the automaker has ever built.
“The response to this model in China has been so incredible, within days we had sold out with 114 orders,” said Dany Bahar, Group Lotus CEO. “In response we decided that the only logical step from a business perspective was to increase production and widen our reach.”
The hardcore Lotus Evora GTE is essentially an endurance racecar that is built for street use. Behind the cockpit sits a Toyota 3.5-liter V-6 tuned by Cosworth producing 438 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 310 lb-ft. of torque at 4,500 RPM. The extra power boost over the other Evora IPS and Evora S models comes thanks to a Harrop HTV 1320 supercharger and performance exhaust with two-way catalytic converters. Power is transmitted though a six-speed sequential racing AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).
“What is unique about this car, is not just that it’s a serious race car – it’s a serious car,” exclaims Bahar. “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!”
The Lotus Evora GTE features much of the same technology as the endurance racecar version. The new aerodynamic bodywork such as the larger rear wing, front spoiler, side skirts, and both bumpers are all made from lightweight carbon fiber. This helps contribute to a 231 lbs. (105 kg) reduction in weight over the base Evora model. Weight was even shed at the wheels. The original rims were replaced with center-locking GTE forged wheels measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. For extra grip, they wear bespoke 235/35 R 19 and 275/30 R20 Pirelli P-Zero Corsa LS tires on the front and rear.
The interior is essentially the closest you can get to a racecar cockpit for the road without sacrificing comfort completely. Remember, this is an endurance racecar; your butt will get tired. Leather and carbon fiber are used throughout the cockpit to add a touch of racecar class. Both driver and passenger, or in this case navigator, are hugged by carbon fiber Recaro racing seats.
The Lotus Evora GTE will be available for order at the end of 2011 and beginning of 2012. Pricing, performance, and fuel consumption figures have not been released by Lotus yet, but expect a sub 4.6 second 0-60 mph time.
Lotus Evora GTE Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.5 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-6
Aspiration: Supercharged (Harrop HTV 1320)
Compression Ratio: 10 : 1
Bore x Stroke: 94 x 83 mm
Maximum Horsepower: 438 (444 PS) at 7,000 RPM
Maximum Torque: 310 lb-ft. (420 Nm) at 4,500 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Transverse six-speed sequential with sports ratios and open differential
Drive: Rear-wheel
Wheels and Tires:
Wheels: Forged GTE with central locking
Front Wheels: 19 inches
Rear Wheels: 20 inches
Tires: Bespoke Pirelli P-Zero Corsa LS
Front Tires: 235/35 R19
Rear Tires: 275/30 R20
Lotus Evora GTE Gallery
[Source: Lotus]
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