Currently reading: Lotus Evora GT4 concept makes UK debut at Goodwood

British-built ultra-lightweight special edition is a 444bhp 3.5-litre petrol V6-powered racer

Lotus has shown the GT4 race variant of its Evora GT430 hardcore sports car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Developed and built at Lotus’ headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, the track-prepped Evora GT4 concept is finished in a distinctive green and gold livery that pays tribute to two-time F1 championship winner Jim Clark

A decal on the side of the Evora displays the Goodwood circuit lap record achieved by Jim Clark in 1965 - 1m20.4sec. The Type 25 racer in which he achieved this time is also on display. 

The 1200kg model’s 3.5-litre petrol V6 has been tuned to produce 444bhp and 376lb ft at 4000rpm, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 370bhp per tonne and a claimed top speed of 170mph. 

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Sitting on race-spec centre-lock wheels shod with slick tyres, the Evora GT4 sports an adjustable rear wing, a roof-mounted carbonfibre air intake and aerodynamics-enhancing louvres on the front wings. 

The carbonfibre front bumper has been adapted to feature removable canards and brake cooling vents, while a four-vein diffuser and large ducts at the rear enhance downforce and aerodynamic efficiency. 

Further weight-saving measures include plexiglass for the side windows, a carbonfibre bootlid and 12-spoke aluminium wheels.

In line with motorsport regulations, driver safety features include an eight-point roll cage, a six-point race harnesses, an emergency engine kill switch and a fire extinguisher. 

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Speaking at the concept's unveiling in Shanghai earlier this year, Lotus CEO Phil Popham said: “All of our cars retain motorsport within their DNA, and almost every road car in the company’s history has raced successfully at some point.

“It’s the philosophy that Colin Chapman founded Lotus on and that we proudly continue to this day.”

Also announced at Shanghai was the launch of Lotus’s new Chinese driving academy, where newly appointed factory race drivers Cui Yue and Gaoxiang Fan will host track training days and hot lap sessions.

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Goodwood Festival of Speed updates

 

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Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: Deputy editor

Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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russ13b 4 July 2019

oh come on now

the Evora's podgy? compared to what? Also, they are working on new cars, it was announced a while ago when Geely went public with the investment plan. They can't simply pull them out of their arse over 6 months though, things take time. You can go quite a while in between seeing a Lotus, but that applies to a lot of manufacturers, it doesn't mean they aren't doing ok. The last few years at Lotus have been fantastic, the turnaround they've had has been remarkable.

Peter Cavellini 4 July 2019

Em....

 Time Lotus had a new model to replace the Evora, it’s looking a bit podgy round the middle compared to it competitors.

Citytiger 5 July 2019

Peter Cavellini wrote:

Peter Cavellini wrote:

 Time Lotus had a new model to replace the Evora, it’s looking a bit podgy round the middle compared to it competitors.

I wouldnt call 370bhp per ton podgy, can you name a competitor with a similar or better ratio? 

Hughbl 16 April 2019

After decades of under investment

(thank you Proton for your wonderful stewardship), it's not surprising their sales numbers are tiny. Geely will sort them out.