Lotus Evora GTE for UK

Text: Paul Bond / Photos: theRacecars.com

01st September 2011

The ultimate road-going Lotus Evora is heading for Europe. Thanks to enormous demand for the race-inspired machine since its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours event last month, the British firm has confirmed that it will now sell the GTE across the globe.

Originally just 25 examples of the limited-edition flagship were planned, all of which were to be sold in China. But according to Lotus boss Dany Bahar, “within days we had sold out … the only logical step was to increase production and widen our reach.”

The lightweight, 438bhp GTE is set to lead the manufacturer’s new model offensive at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month, and tellingly, the British firm have dropped ‘concept’ from the name – a clear hint that the new model has been given the green light.

The exterior gets a much more aggressive face, with a deep new grille and wider front splitter, while extra air vents at the back and a permanent carbon rear spoiler also set it apart.

Powered by a fettled version of the standard car’s Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6 the GTE's supercharger has increased boost pressure to help raise performance, and it's mated to a quick-shifting sequential gearbox.

The rear track is 100mm wider than the standard model, and weighs in at 105kg less than the standard car, thanks to the extensive use of carbon fibre for the bodywork, bumpers, rear wing and doors.

In addition to the Chinese version of the Evora GTE, Lotus will unveil two new models at Frankfurt. However, all of these should be close to production, unlike the seven concepts the brand unveiled at the Paris show last year. 

The final European-spec GTE will be shown in Geneva next year, and is likely to cost well over £100,000.

Joining the GTE will be the Elise S, which replaces the discontinued Elise SC and has a new 1.8-litre, 217bhp supercharged engine, more torque, and improved dynamics over the outgoing car.

Lotus isn’t giving much away about the other car, but says that it ‘marks the return of Lotus to another motorsport discipline’ but is highly likely to be the firm's new entry into the rallying world,