2016 Lotus Evora 400 launched in Malaysia, priced from RM598k



Lotus Cars Malaysia has just launched their latest and fastest road-going sports car in the form of the Evora 400 here in Malaysia.

The Evora 400 is Lotus’ newest 2+2 sports car to hit the niche market that combines performance with legendary handling – something we are all too familiar with the Lotus brand.

QUICK FACTS

Name Lotus Evora 400 (Manual) Lotus Evora 400 (Auto)
Engine

3,456cc; Supercharged V6

Transmission 6-speed manual 6-speed auto
Max Power

400 hp @ 7,000 rpm

Max Torque 410 Nm @ 3,500 rpm 400 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed 4.2 seconds; 300 km/h 4.2 seconds; 280 km/h
Price from RM597,999 from RM610,999

EXTERIOR

The new Evora 400 brings forth more than just new fenders and trimmings. Instead, it’s Lotus’ way of saying they’re serious about building cars that looks just as fast as they go. So, what makes the Evora a worthy alternative to the crowd favourite Cayman GT4? Well, you make body panels even more lightweight than before. The front fender and the redesigned rear spoiler are both new, while the latter is capable of producing 32kg of downforce at 250 km/h.2016 Lotus Evora 400 Malaysian Launch - AutoBuzz.my

Lotus claims that as much as two thirds of the Evora’s components are new or altered. However, it takes a very fine eye to comb over the changes. Lotus commissioned a team of engineers to put those bits on a strict diet and the net result of all is a significant reduction in weight amounting to 42kg, which means that the kerb weight is down to a mind boggling 1,395kg. Now that makes for an impressive power-to-weight ratio.

INTERIOR

The brand has been hard at work refining the driving experience of the Evora. To get in or out of a regular run-of-the-mill Evora, one would need to either be a contortionist or an Olympic-grade figure skater. That problem is solved by dropping the door sills just low enough, making ingress and egress that much easier than before. 2016 Lotus Evora 400 Malaysian Launch - AutoBuzz.my

Apart from that, Lotus also draped the interior in a tastefully chosen shade of red leather hide. Speaking of the seats, due to the now lowered door sill, Lotus thought it to be a good idea to swap out the old ones for a new pair that comes with intricate stitching to match the leather.

The steering wheel feels a lot sportier and driver focussed now than ever. The paddle shifters have a better ‘click’ to it while the old gauges make way for solid looking new ones that’s backlit in red. Even the door cards have been replaced with thinner ones in the quest for lightness.

PERFORMANCE

We’re pretty sure you’re aware that the 400 tag on the Evora refers to the pony-count that’s pumped out from the Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6 motor. Performance is the singular most aspect that has seen the biggest change in this 400 hp/410 Nm flagship. The brakes have been uprated to a set of AP Racing cross-drilled rotors that measure 370mm upfront with 350mm discs at the rear, which translates to a whole heap of stopping power.2016 Lotus Evora 400 Malaysian Launch - AutoBuzz.my

But what’s a Lotus without firmer springs and dampers to help out with the job of handling? Speaking of which, the company has fitted the 400 with an LSD that’s sourced over from British drivetrain gurus Quaife. Couple that to the newly reconfigured traction control system and you have, at your disposal, all the grip and traction the road could possibly offer. The combination of these make the Evora one of the biggest challengers in the world of track weapons.

It’s worthy to note that the Evora 400 wears Michelin Pilot Super Sports for shoes that measure 235/35 R19 for the front, while the rears are shod with fatter 285/30 R20 rubbers. If you aren’t already convinced of the potential under the hood, then you’ll need to listen to the exhaust notes. Here, the Rice Crispies tagline comes to mind – Snap, Crackle & Pop. To achieve this, the exhaust system is fitted with a butterfly bypass valve that makes this V6 come to life.

Unleash those ponies and you’ll see the century sprint mark tick past in a mere 4.2 seconds and if you keep the right pedal flat to the floor, you’ll see the speedo nudge the 300 km/h per hour barrier – with the manual transmission. The automatic variant (with 10 Nm less) maxes out at 280 km/h. For that matter, the new Evora 400 is a full seven seconds quicker around the Norfolk test track compared to its predecessor.

WHAT ELSE?

Lotus Cars Malaysia will be offering a promotional package which includes a 3-Year warranty and 2-year Free Service that also comes bundled with a one-time driving experience at the Lotus Driving Academy. What’s more, you too will automatically be given a membership to the distinguished Lotus Official Club Malaysia (LOCM). Furthermore, the first 30 buyers will also enjoy a sizeable discount. For further enquiries and a chance to this view this junior supercar in the flesh, visit the Lotus showroom located along Jalan Damansara.


IMAGE GALLERY