Lotus marks 50 years since the founding of its famous factory with a limited Hethel Edition of its Evora 400.
Available in three exclusive colours, with matching trim options and a special commemorative build plate, the Hethel Edition Evora 400 combines high performance with Lotus’ legendary chassis development. Winning the praise of customers and the motoring press since its launch, the Evora 400 weighs in at just 1395kg and epitomises Lotus’ approach to efficient engineering.
The Hethel Edition Evora 400 is the first in a series of special products and events marking this important milestone in the company’s history when, in 1966, founder Colin Chapman moved Lotus to the purpose-built facility in Hethel, Norfolk.
As well as marking 50 years in Norfolk, the Hethel Edition allows Lotus fans to enjoy some of the company’s iconic colour schemes. Buyers can choose between Essex Blue, Motorsport Black and Racing Green when ordering the Hethel Edition 400, with either black or red leather or Alcantara interior trim available depending on bodywork colour. Every Hethel Edition 400 comes with lightweight silver forged aluminium wheels, and contrasting brake callipers, while bespoke graphics complete the car’s distinctive look.
Customers can also personalise their Hethel Edition 400 through the Lotus Exclusive programme, which combines traditional British craftsmanship with modern design. It allows buyers to tailor vehicles to their personal taste. With a comprehensive array of options, it provides an alluring alternative to an off-the-peg sports car.
Representing a significant development over the previous model, the Evora 400 has established itself as one of the most significant Lotus models for a generation.
Developed through Lotus’ Lightweight Laboratory concept, the car is 42kg lighter than its predecessor, thanks to a host of weight-saving measures. As a result, the limited-edition Evora 400 accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds and delivers a maximum speed of 300km/h. The car is capable of lapping the Norfolk facility’s challenging test track in 1 minute 31 seconds.
Over two-thirds of the Evora 400 has been revised, including its supercharged and charge-cooled, mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine, which produces 400bhp and 410Nm. This complements a revised aluminium chassis that offers increased torsional rigidity and reduced weight.
However, the Evora 400 doesn’t just rely on its lightweight engineering to deliver remarkable performance. The car’s efficient composite body, flat floor, sizeable rear diffuser and three-element rear wing have all boosted airflow management, drastically improving aerodynamics and effectively doubling downforce.
The Evora 400 offers a high specification as standard, including 370mm composite two-piece brake discs from AP Racing, a limited slip differential, automatic air-conditioning, and infotainment system with satellite navigation. Cost options include automatic transmission and cruise control.
A number of manual-gearbox enhancements have greatly improved shift quality, delivering swift and precise gearchanges. The Torsen-type LSD is fitted as standard with the manual transmission, to give better traction when exiting fast corners. The automatic option has also been improved, with a reprogrammed ECU for faster gearshifts, while gear selection is via lightweight aluminium paddles mounted to the steering wheel.
The car also features Lotus’ Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) which, selected via a dashboard switch, provides Sport and Race settings. Proportionally increasing throttle response, lowering traction slip thresholds and removing understeer recognition, it allows a greater degree of driver indulgence before the system intervenes.
The Evora 400 features a revised interior fusing elegance and functionality. As befitting a hand-built machine, the cabin uses the highest-quality materials, including Alcantra and leather, while the driver-orientated layout provides ergonomically optimised controls. Passenger space has been improved, with greater legroom and wider rear seats, and the chassis revisions have increased the size of the door aperture, making it easy to enter and exit the Evora. 
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