Just when we thought the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta was rare with only 200 units available for buyers, there are only 60 examples of the newly introduced Evora GT430, right out of Norfolk, England.
The handbuilt Evora will be for sale in select markets around the world and, following the popularity of Lotus’ recent limited run editions, it’s already in line to be a true collector’s car.
Source of its straight-line and cornering performanceÂ
The new Evora GT430 is now powered by a 3.5-litre V6 supercharged engine producing 430 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 440 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. The spike in torque can be attributed to the air-to-liquid gearbox cooler as standard, an addition that was debuted in the North American Evora 400. As a result, the Evora GT430 is able to abscond of the line to a 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds before topping out 305 km/h.
Delivering this power is tasked to a six-speed manual gearbox which features a low-inertia, single-mass flywheel and a Torsen-type limited slip differential (LSD). The Evora GT430’s brute performance is optimised by Michellin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (245/35/19 in the front and 295/30/20 at the back) and Öhlins TTX two-way adjustable units (which by the way save 10 kg in mass), with twenty click-adjustment compression and rebound settings.
The Evora GT430 would also come with wider 10.5J ultra-lightweight forged aluminium wheels in Black or Silver with optional Gloss Red or Black finishes. 
The dampers would be complemented with ultra-lightweight, low-sideloaded Eibach springs alongside front and rear anti-roll bars. The Evora GT430 will count on its 2-piece J-grooved and ventilated discs at the front and 3-piece discs with lightweight aluminium centres saving 2kg, all clamped by AP Racing four-pot calipers.
The GT430 als comes with variouos Dynamic stability modes such as Drive, Sport, Race and Off settings as well as a newly developed variable traction control function linked directly to the ECU.
What makes it so light…
Despite putting on an extra 9 kg due to its carbon rear wing, larger wheels and tyres, overall dry weight is still down by 26 kg, to 1,258 kg, making this the lightest road Evora to date even when in comparison to the already super light Evora Sport 410. Significant weight reduced from beyond the front and rear axles, reducing the car’s polar moment of inertia – improving response, agility and driver feedback.
The Evora GT430’s significant weight reduction is owed to its standard titanium exhaust (-10 kg), carbon body panels (-4.7 kg), lightweight interior components (-2.5 kg), Ă–hlins and Eibach adjustable spring and damper assembly (-10 kg) and lightweight rear brake discs (-2 kg).
Extensive weight reduction measures are also extended to the undercarriage with a thinner aluminium undertray (1.5 kg), the introduction of lightweight aluminium brackets (-1.3kg), lightweight polycarbonate backlight glass (-0.5 kg) and a re-profiled fluid fill system (-2.5 kg). This meticulous attention to detail on weight-saving measure have resulted in a total saving of 35 kg.
The “cut wind” aerodynamic wizardryÂ
The exterior features exposed carbon weave sections in the front and rear, generating up to 250 kg of downforce through advanced aerodynamics. Other “cut wind” bits include larger front apertures (essentially carbon fibre front ducts), new carbon fibre splitter, air blades and louvers positioned on top of each front wheel arch to reduce pressure above the wheel.
At the back, aero ducts behind each wheel arch will serve to reduce pressure at the wheel arches and improve downforce with a larger rear diffuser where the combo is topped of with an oversize motorstyle carbon wing. Developed through motorsport applications, the aerodynamic modifications focus on the management of airflow over, under and around the car. The downforce generated makes its presence felt at even moderate speeds, allowing for higher cornering g-force and providing enhanced high-speed stability.
The heavily reworked aerodynamics on the body work is set to boost downforce by up to 250 kg when the Evora GT430 is at its maximum speed 305 km/h, drawing parallels with the Evora Sport 410’s maximum downforce of 64 kg at only 145 km/h.
On the inside…
The carbon fibre influence also extends to the cabin, with visible-weave, handmade components as standard. These inclide the pair carbon race seats, carbon door sills and a lightweight carbon instrument binnacle cover with a new graphic design on the instrument panel. Carbon-backed Sparco race seats with a unique trim design can also be ordered while other optional extras include a four-point harness for both the driver and passenger and a titanium rear frame.
Other interior bits such as the steering wheel, dashboard, door panels, transmission tunnel and centre console are all draped in a black Alcantara and perforated leather combination. That said, the option of full leather or full Alcantara trims are available at no additional cost. Other interior options include contrasting twin colour stitchings on the trims, whether in red and white and matt black interior panels.
Not sure why it would be needed but the GT430’s cabin will also come with an integrated touch-screen infotainment system  which can be specified, including iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation and reversing camera.
Blistering quick but just as ideal for the back roads, the new Evora GT430 clocked a time of 1:25.8 seconds around the famed Hethel test track – a new benchmark for an Evora. As a result, the new Evora GT430 is testament to Colin Chapman’s visionary quote: “Adding power makes you faster on the straights; subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere.”
Through the increasingly popular Lotus Exclusive programme, customer’s of the new GT 430 can personalise their vehicle and statistics have shown that roughly a third of all new Lotus cars now undergo some form of customisation.
The new, fully homologated, Lotus Evora GT430 is only available in two-seater configuration and can be ordered now. A version of the Evora GT430 for the North American market will follow in spring 2018.
IMAGE GALLERY
