Lotus’s new Hethel Edition Evora 400 celebrates the 50th anniversary of the British carmaker’s plant in eastern England.
Lotus is marking 50 years since the founding of its famous factory with a limited Hethel Edition of its benchmark Evora 400.
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.
“The Evora 400 is the latest in a long line of world-beating sports and racing cars to have all been hand built in Hethel over the last 50 years. We are immensely proud to be part of the community and it is entirely fitting that this limited edition be dedicated to our home. We’re looking forward to celebrating our connections to Norfolk throughout 2016, and more Lotus Hethel Anniversary news will be announced soon,” said Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus.
Lotus fans 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.
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.
Developed through Lotus’ Lightweight Laboratory concept, the car is 42 kg lighter than its predecessor, thanks to a host of weight-saving measures. As a result, the limited edition Evora 400 accelerates from 0- 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds) and delivers a maximum speed of 186 mph (300 km/h). The Evora 400 is capable of lapping the Norfolk site’s challenging test track in 1 minute 31 seconds.
The Evora 400 features a revised interior, fusing elegance and functionality. As befitting a hand-built car, the cabin uses the highest quality materials, including Alcantara and leather, while the driver orientated layout provides ergonomically optimised controls. Passenger space is 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.
