Lotus News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Gabriel Vega – December 31, 2021

2021 Evora GT Review: A Criminally Underrated Sportscar

The six-figure sports car market is more crowded now than ever before. Affluent buyers can choose from countless brands and models that generally offer a similar experience, a big engine upfront or in the middle, a quick-shifting automatic transmission, and a host of numerous electronic systems designed to tame the driving experience and keep the unskilled on the road. However, in this shuffle for greater performance, many of today's sports cars have lost a crucial element vital to a fun time, driver engagement. This week's tester, the 2021 Lotus Evora GT, provides a stark reminder that an enjoyable sports car doesn't need a million horsepower or over-the-top stability systems. With a screaming supercharged engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and a lightweight shell, the Evora GT delivers a driving experience that few cars can match. Is the 2021 Lotus Evora GT A Supercar Or A Sports Car? A passing glance at the 2021 Lotus Evora GT design leaves a good chunk of people somewhat confused as to what they've just seen. Is it a supercar or a sports car? In fact, during my week with the Evora, more than one person congratulated me on my "good-looking blue Ferrari." This is because, despite its small size, the Evora stands out. Granted, the bright Riviera Blue paint on my tester certainly helped. However, the Evora's low stance, sloping roofline, and aggressive aerodynamic elements make a good poster car, even to the untrained eye. While the GT is without a doubt the most focused version of the Evora the U.S. market will ever see, it just so happens also to be the best looking. My tester came equipped with an optional $10,000 Carbon Pack, which not only helps reduce the car's overall weight by almost 50 lb but significantly contributes to its aggressive aesthetic. Throw in some contrasting pieces finished in gloss black, and you've got a recipe for visual success. It's All About The Drive On paper, the 2021 Lotus Evora GT doesn't immediately make much sense. With an as-tested price of $116,000, there are other vehicles on sale for similar money that offer more power, greater refinement, and more tech features. However, almost none of those competitors can touch the Evora when the going gets twisty. As mentioned earlier, the Evora GT is powered by a supercharged engine placed right behind the driver's seat. With the six-speed manual transmission, the 2021 Evora GT's engine, a 3.5-liter V6, with Toyota origins develops 416 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Opt for the automatic, and the torque figure grows to 332 lb-ft. In total, the Evora GT weighs around 3,175-lb and can reach 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. All of that power goes to the rear wheels exclusively, where a Torsen limited-slip differential puts it to the ground. Additionally, my tester had sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that work excellently when you get some heat into them, even in the rain. To top things off, the Evora GT gets AP Racing brakes with ventilated rotors as standard to ensure excellent stopping power. From the moment I hit the canyons in the Evora GT, it was clear what this car was designed to do. It provides immediate driver engagement and fun over pretty much everything else. Put your foot down, and you'll get consistent power and supercharger noise to the GT's redline. Since this engine is happiest above 4,000 rpm, you can hold lower gears and let it scream as you make your way through a fun road. The manual transmission's shifter is short and easy to operate, meaning you don't have to worry about miss-shifts, even while carrying a quick pace. Additionally, the Evora GT remains tremendously balanced and controllable, allowing for a driving experience that is engaging without being challenging. I'd argue that the Evora GT's competence on the road means that even unskilled drivers can still go out and have a great time. Couple a balanced chassis with a hydraulic power steering and the responsive AP racing brakes, and you've got a driving experience that is refreshingly simple but outrageously fun. The Evora GT is not a vehicle that wins on its specs; it's all about how it makes you feel on the road. Living With The Evora GT Outside Of The Canyons Since the 2021 Lotus Evora GT is still a car, chances are you'd like to drive it around town and on highways to commute. To this end, the Evora GT can struggle at times. Unlike many new sports cars, the Evora GT doesn't offer adjustable suspension. On a twisty road, it's sublime. On a normal road, it's a bit of a different story. However, given this car's ultimate purpose, a bouncy on-highway ride is a worthwhile trade-off. The same goes for sound insulation. While you'll be happy to hear its supercharged engine rev to the moon, it comes at the cost of wind and tire noise on the highway. Thankfully, the manual transmission remains easy to operate, even in Los Angeles' miserable traffic jams. Despite the 2021 Lotus Evora GT's price of $116,000, its interior has some cuts in noticeable corners. The main offender is the infotainment system, which is a touch-screen system by Alpine. While it does offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, it's far from what you'd expect, given the price point. Infotainment aside, I was pleasantly surprised with the rest of the 2021 Evora GT interior quality and finishing. The leather and suede bucket seats offered contrasting stitching in red and a comfortable fit. The same goes for the dashboard, adding more contrast stitching, perforated leather, and suede throughout. All things considered, it's clear that the Evora GT prioritizes its excellent driving experience above all else. Is The Evora GT Worth $116,000? As mentioned earlier, the 2021 Lotus Evora GT doesn't shine on paper. To truly appreciate this car, you need access to fun roads where it can let loose. While its on-road experience can be somewhat compromised daily, it all comes together to create a driving experience that is quite hard to come by in a brand-new car. Even with its six-figure price tag, the Evora GT is a no-brainer for me, easily surpassing the driving experience of vehicles costing twice as much. As good as the Evora GT is, it is worth mentioning that Lotus is about to launch its next flagship model for the U.S. market, the Emira. With an improved interior and a stunning aesthetic, the Emira builds on the Evora's accomplishments while tackling its predecessor's drawbacks. As a result, it's worthwhile to keep a close eye on what Lotus is working on at the moment and beyond. See All Lotus Evora GTs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2020

Lotus & Premier Financial Services Offer Unprecedented Le...

"Simplify, then add lightness". That quote by Lotus' founder Colin Chapman is still adhered to by their engineers. If you haven't experienced an Evora, you are truly missing out. These small and nimble machines might not have the power of bigger cars, but they are the featherweights. With a better power-to-weight ration than 99% of production cars, they are more fun than a barrel of monkeys. That's why we are excited that Lotus has launched unprecedented leasing terms for the Evora GT. In a press release this morning, Ryan Watson, President, Lotus Cars USA, said: “This is a significant moment for Lotus Cars in North America. We are making another positive progression in the development of our brand within this pivotal market. Premier Financial is a leader in this sector, and is a perfect fit as our financial partner.” Our friend Mitch Katz, founder and CEO, Premier Financial, said: "Lotus is a legendary and respected marque in the automotive world and has always produced some of the most desired racing and touring cars for serious enthusiasts. Premier is honoured to be associated with the Lotus Cars organization. We look forward to providing Lotus dealers in the United States with lease financing for their customers that's flexible, transparent, and always delivered with a ‘concierge’level of client service." Click the button below to learn more, and stay with us for all your Lotus news. Click Here For Lease Terms " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 29, 2020

Lotus Unveils 2020 Evora GT410

"Simplify, then add lightness". Colin Chapman founded Lotus to build the lightest cars on the market, and they are a blast to drive. If you want a street-legal race car, the Evora Sport offers almost no creature comforts. But if need a little luxury and convenience, Lotus has unveiled the 2020 Evora GT410. It will arrive with more cabin insulation, ergonomic door panels, and air conditioning as standard equipment. Apple CarPlay and DAB radio are also onboard. The engine is a supercharged masterpiece built by Toyota and Edelbrock, offering 400 horsepower and 301 lb-ft of torque. Since the car is under 3,000 lbs, it is the best bargain in the world of small sports cars. Click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Lotus news. Browse All Lotus For Sale Related: 2020 Lotus Evora GT is Lighter, Faster & More Powerful

By Andrew Nabors – July 29, 2019

2020 Lotus Evora GT is Lighter, Faster & More Powerful

There is big news in the world of small cars. If you enjoy the incredible handling and unmistakable style of English sports cars, the 2020 Lotus Evora GT is lighter, faster, & more powerful. Always staying true to their founder's decree, Colin Chapman said: "First simplify, then add lightness". He realized that weight is the true enemy of all great cars. Starting with that in mind, the new Evora GT is 71 lbs lighter than the Evora 400. Offered in 2-seat and 2+2 configurations, new carbon fiber body parts offer 141 lbs of downforce. Twice that of its predecessor, it is needed thanks to increased power. Their 3.5L engine was revised by Toyota, and Edelbrock supplies their latest intercooled supercharger. This combination yields 416 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque to a car that only weighs 3,104 lbs. This incredible power to weight ratio will have you at 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph! Buyers who opt for the six-speed automatic will have 322 lb-ft of torque, but less fun (in our opinion). That's because the automatic cars have open differentials, and the manuals arrive with a Torsen locker between the rear wheels. Base model cars have Alcantara instead of leather, and buyers have a ton (literally) of options to choose from. From surround sound to premium infotainment, even the dead pedal footrest is a cost-added option. This car will undoubtedly be a blast to drive, so click the link below to find a Lotus dealer near you and stay with us for all your Evora updates. Browse Lotus Evora For Sale Related: Lotus Evija: The World's Most Powerful Series Production Road Car Jay Leno Drives the Lotus Evora 400

By Andrew Nabors – May 20, 2019

Jay Leno Drives the Lotus Evora 400

Want to make a car faster? You can add horsepower, or you can "Add Lightness". Colin Chapman founded Lotus on the notion that lighter cars are better performing and fun to drive. His engineering skills allowed Team Lotus to win 7 F1 Contsructor's Championships, 6 Driver's Championships, and the Indy 500. To see how their latest achievement performs, Jay Leno drove a used Lotus Evora. Cars get heavier because people want more features. The Corvette has gained 800 lbs since 1997, and the new Ford Bronco will probably be a ton more than the 1966 model. Lotus has stayed true to their roots, and the latest Evora is just over 3,000 lbs. It uses a Toyota V6 and a close ratio six-speed manual to offer perfect weight distribution. In order to reach 400 horsepower, they needed help from a supercharger. Nothing Compares While there are many OEM suppliers in Europe, they chose Edelbrock. Using their latest water-cooled blower, the Evora 400 makes 400 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque. It launches to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and offers a top speed of 186 mph. The best part is that you won't find the limits of grip on a public street. Speaking from experience, the steering wheel will break your wrists before the car spins out. You can exit the highway going 110, or carve your own line in any corner. Nothing grips like a Lotus, so click the link below to find one near you. Find Your Lotus Here Related: All-New Lotus Production Car Announced: It's a Hypercar Lotus Celebrates the Holidays with Epic "Driftmas" Video

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 25, 2016

Revealed: The Lotus Evora Sport 410

Lotus strikes again. Twice in two weeks, no less. This week, the company debuted the all-new Evora Sport 410. The latest installment of the Evora, the Sport 410, features a noticeably lighter body, shedding a substantial 70kg (approx. 154 pounds) and a slew of standard carbon fiber components. According to a press release, the new sports car shares, "the 410 hp supercharged engine with the track-bred 3-Eleven" and sails from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 186 mph. Still envisioned for everyday driving, the Evora Sport 410 maintains its "excellent road manners" and refinery fit for the daily driver. Thanks to the lighter weight and increase in power, the Evora Sport 410 completed a lap in a mere 1 minute and 28 seconds on the Hethel-- the company's test track. The combination of mass reduction and power also lends to better handling and therefore, better driver experience. Check out the photos of the new Evora Sport 410 below. Used Lotus Evora For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – November 05, 2015

Lotus Evora 400 Takes to the Track

Lotus first introduced the new Evora 400 to the world in February of this year, unleashing their most powerful and fastest production car yet to the racing enthusiast community. At 400 hp and 302 lb-ft, its numbers may not seem super high, but the V6 powered track car is just 3,119 pounds, 49 pounds lighter than the previous iteration. But, just because a Lotus is best used on the track doesn't mean it isn't also a potently comfortable streetcar. A video shared by the marque today gives us a look at the new Evora 400 taking on both the road and track, putting its lowered weight and increased power to the test. It has a peppy engine that'll get you excited for a chance to test one out.https://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/results/lotus/evora Check out the video below, and if the older Evoras are still more your taste, find one for your collection from our exclusive listings. (via Lotus, YouTube) See More Lotus News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 02, 2015

First Lotus Evora 400 Produced

Lotus has finished production of the first Evora 400, their new supercar, and they are ready to share this new milestone creation with the world. A press release from the British car maker July 1 gives us a look at the metallic black example, assembled by hand at their plant in Hethel, Norfolk, United Kingdom. Though this specific car won't be making its way into a customer's garage, there is a chance you might see it soon - it will be used as a promotion car for Lotus. Deliveries of the 2015 models are set to begin delivery in August of this year, but just to the European market. For the Chinese and North American markets, Lotus enthusiasts will need to be patient - it will be available at the beginning of 2016 as a 2017 model. The performance figures of the Evora S have been improved in the Evora 400, and manages to do so while retaining a back seat. Not only can you accelerate to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, or hit the top speed of 186 mph during a track day, but you can do this with up to 3 friends in the car. Of course, those numbers might change a bit with the added weight. But with 400 hp and 302 lb-ft created by its charge-cooled, mid-mounted, 3.5-liter V6, performance will remain exhilarating no matter what. The engine, along with more than two-thirds of the Evora 400's construction, is completely new for this model. (See Also: All-New 3-Eleven: The Fastest Lotus Ever) Stay with us as more is released about the Evora 400, and if you can't wait until 2016 for your new Lotus, browse our exclusive listings and find your perfect model at the button below. Lotus Listings Gallery (Source: Lotus) See More Lotus News

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