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Lotus rolls out new and improved Evora 400

Having canceled its overly ambitious plans, Lotus is going to have to get by on its existing lineup for a while longer. But if this is what "getting by" looks like, count us in. What you see here is the Lotus Evora 400, the latest evolution of Hethel's 2+2 sports car and the fastest, most powerful production model the legendary British automaker has ever offered. Lighter and more potent than previous versions of the Evora, the new 400 packs a revised 3.5-liter supercharged V6 with – you guessed it – 400 horsepower, or 55 more than the Evora S, and backed up by 302 pound-feet of torque. In pursuit of its founder Colin Chapman's enduring ethos of "adding lightness," Lotus has found nearly 50 pounds of excess weight to trim from an already lean machine. While they were at it, the engineers also tweaked the electronics, re-adjusted the suspension, fitted a revised aero kit for increased downforce, bolted in a new limited slip differential, retuned the gearbox and mounted new brakes. The styling has also been revised inside and out, with new doors allowing for easier ingress and egress as well as more interior space. The result of all these improvements – aside from making the Evora look cooler – is a 0-60 time now quoted at 4.1 seconds, a top speed quoted at 186 miles per hour and a lap time of the Lotus test track a full (and very impressive) six seconds faster than its predecessor. Lotus is increasing its workforce by 50 percent in order to increase output at its UK factory from 45 cars per week to 70 in the coming months, and will distribute the new Evora 400 through an expanding dealer network that's set to grow from 168 locations worldwide at present to around 200 by year's end. THE ALL NEW LOTUS EVORA 400 - All new supercar from Lotus - Fastest and most powerful production Lotus ever - Lighter and more efficient than before The new Lotus Evora 400 is the latest pure and focused supercar from Lotus, combining high performance with the legendary Lotus benchmark handling. It is faster and dynamically more capable than the previous Lotus Evora leading to greater agility and a more involving drive. Maximum speed is 186 mph (300 km/h) and acceleration 0-60 mph is just 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds). This enables the new Lotus Evora 400 to lap the challenging test track at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, a scintillating SIX seconds faster than the previous model.

Lotus introduces Exclusive customization program

Lotus doesn't sell much beyond the Evora 400 in the US, but the announcement of a new personalization program won't be limited to just that model. The Lotus Exclusive program will be applicable to every model that Lotus makes, including the Elise and Exige in all their many iterations, the new 3-Eleven, and the Evora – which remains, for the time being, the only model currently certified for use on American roads. The company will even apply its new range of customization options to pre-owned models. Hethel is currently rolling out the Lotus Exclusive program in Europe, but plans to expand its availability later this year. Buyers will be able to pick from an expanded range of exterior colors – or have a custom hue mixed up specially – in matte, gloss, metallic, or pearlescent finishes. Custom graphics can be applied to the roof and mirror caps, and various exterior components (from spoilers to add-on decals) can be ordered in one of four colors, as can the three available styles of racing stripes. The interior will be available to order with five colors of leather and four colors of stitching thread to give the cockpit a unique touch. Of course Lotus isn't the first manufacturer to offer such a personalization service, which is fast becoming standard fare among exotic and luxury automakers – particularly in Europe. In the UK alone you'll find McLaren Special Operations, Q by Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce Bespoke, and Bentley's Mulliner division. Other examples include Ferrari Tailor Made, Lamborghini Ad Personam, and Porsche Exclusive. Dodge even offers the "1 of 1" program for the Viper GTC. At the very pinnacle of the exotic supercar market, however, manufacturers like Bugatti, Pagani, and Koenigsegg build every one of their supercars to order, according to the customer's specifications, so personalization comes part and parcel with the bragging rights. Related Video: X MAKE YOUR MARK WITH LOTUS EXCLUSIVE - Tailor made Lotus cars to individual customer requirements - Created by the Lotus Design team & available for both new and pre-owned cars - Exciting interior and exterior options, from subtle details to extensive personalisation Letting Lotus owners set the tone, the new personalisation service Lotus Exclusive offers sports car fans a unique ownership proposition.

Lotus said to be planning new sedan, crossover [w/poll]

Lotus has been in limbo in recent years. After former CEO Dany Bahar revealed his plans to build six new models, its parent company was sold, Bahar was sacked, his plans were canceled and a new CEO was hired in the form of former Peugeot chief Jean-Marc Gales. The industry has been waiting ever since to find out what Gales would do with the storied marque, and now we seem to have some indication.
Reports coming in from Malaysia indicate that Jean-Marc presented to the board of parent company Proton a plan for Lotus to build a new sedan and crossover. Though details are scarce, and may seem downright blasphemous for an automaker that built is reputation on lightweight sports cars, it would not be the first time that the House that Colin Built has toyed with either idea.
The company presented the APX crossover concept at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, and the Eterne sedan concept as part of Bahar's far-reaching plans at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The new plans may use these concepts as starting points or could go another direction entirely.