It’s exciting times for the Lotus brand in Australia. In its first full year of operation under a new distribution and dealer network model, Lotus Cars Australia achieved 100% increase in retail sales through 2017 with 62 vehicles sold nationally.
The new dealer network now includes a second dealer in Melbourne, operated by Simply Sports Cars. The site is located amongst the high-rise apartments on City Road in Southbank and reflects the vibrancy of the area with a huge ‘Melbourne-scape’ mural painted on the main wall inside.
Opening night at the Simply Sports Cars Melbourne showroom.
“We have always felt the Victorian market wasn’t receiving all the attention it deserved. It has a huge Lotus community, amazing race tracks and some of the best driver’s roads in Australia. We are truly passionate about delivering a lifestyle to our owners so they can really enjoy their cars and now, we have two great places for them to go to, but not only that, both will be run by experienced motorsport professionals with years of knowledge and experience in amazing dedicated facilities,” said Lee Knappett CEO of Lotus Cars Australia.
Lee has relocated from Sydney to Melbourne to have a hands-on role at the new dealership. On speaking to one of the existing owners at the Grand Opening they told me that the involvement of Lee was the most significant asset of the new dealership because of his vast knowledge of Lotus cars.
The community of Lotus owners appears to be something quite special. For one, they welcome women and want to see more women getting involved in track days and other driving events. Lotus Australia actively supports their community of Owners who regularly use their vehicles in track days, road rallies and other motorsport activities. In 2018 events include Targa Tasmania in April, Great Barrier Reef in August, Targa High Country in November and a Phillip Island Track Day also November.
Lotus are one of the only remaining car brands that offer a traditional manual gearbox across its range. They are a true driver’s car and Lotus Australia believes that they should be used for their attended purpose as a car to be enjoyed on the track.
Airflow around the Lotus Evora GT430.
To continue that track-focused ethos Lotus Cars Australia has announced that the Lotus Evora GT430 & GT430 Sport will be coming to Australia in limited numbers. The GT430 is the most powerful model in the Evora range ever. It offers a comprehensive list of carbon-fibre components as standard and as a result weighs from just 1,256 kg (dry) while providing up to 250kg of down force and can achieve 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed 305 km/h.
Lotus Evora GT430 sports cars.
“The Evora GT430 is a landmark car for Lotus. Lightweight engineering and class leading handling, paired with Lotus’ aerodynamic expertise, define the Evora GT430 as a legendary Lotus. It’s a truly beautiful car, meticulously finished in hand-crafted carbon, and employing the latest aerodynamics and lightweight materials. This highly developed vehicle perfectly reflects Lotus’ attention to engineering and design. We expect the lucky owners to be blown away by its pure presence and staggering performance,” said Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc.
Retaining a 3.5-litre supercharged and charge cooled V6; the car’s reconfigured engine produces 430 hp at 7,000 rpm and 440 Nm of torque from 4,500 rpm. The increase in torque is facilitated through the introduction of an air-to-liquid gearbox cooler as standard. As standard, the Evora GT430 also features a titanium exhaust, cutting 10 kg from beyond the car’s rear axle and further amplifying the car’s aural presence.
Also fitted as standard, the Evora GT430’s six-speed manual gearbox features a low inertia, single-mass flywheel, to help ensure swift changes, while a Torsen-type limited slip differential gives better traction, and faster exit speeds, when cornering.
Interior of the Lotus GT430.
Once inside, the use of visible-weave, carbon composite components continues. These include Lotus’ beautifully detailed carbon race seats, new carbon door sills and a new lightweight carbon instrument binnacle cover with a new design of graphic on the instrument panel. The steering wheel, dashboard, door panels, transmission tunnel and centre console are all trimmed in a combination of black Alcantara® and perforated leather, complemented by contrast twin colour stitching, in red and white, and matt black interior panels.
“Lotus is famous for using its technical expertise to develop the lightest engineering solutions,” explained Jean-Marc.
Lotus Evora GT430 (right) and GT430 Sport (left).
“Yes, it is hugely powerful but, the GT430 is not about brutal performance. It’s an intricate balance of power, finesse and road holding, no matter the speed, and is a true track-and-back sports car, supremely focused and immensely fast.”
The Evora GT430 Sport differs to the GT430 in that it carries the same phenomenal firepower and sculptured body-style but without the additional down force-creating aerodynamic elements (that is no big rear wing). It also costs less starting at $239,990 RRP, whereas the GT430 starts at $259,990 RRP.
Lotus Exige Cup 430.
If the Evora GT430 is not extreme enough for you, then you might like to try the Lotus Exige Cup 430. It will be sold alongside the existing Lotus Exige Sport 350 and Sport 380, but is limited to just 10 units in Australia and pre-release orders have already been received for five vehicles. The Exige Cup 430 starts at $199,990 RRP.
The Cup 430 is the most extreme Exige ever conceived, fitted with a new engine based on the GT430 but calibrated for the Exige it has the same 430 horsepower and 440Nm of torque in a vehicle that weighs just 1,056 kg (dry). That’s 407 horsepower per tonne! With a supercar like 0-100 km/h time of just 3.3 seconds and a top speed 290 km/h. To keep it on the ground the new design generates up to 220kg of down force.
“This is the car that we have always wanted to build, and I am sure that all Lotus enthusiasts will be delighted with the end product. As well as a significant power hike, the Cup 430 has benefited from extensive development in areas essential to Lotus’ DNA, in order to ensure that the full potential of the Exige’s incredible chassis can be exploited. This car has no rivals – inside or outside of its price bracket – and it’s no exaggeration when we say that nothing can keep up with this Exige on the road or track,” said Jean-Marc.
The Lotus Evora GT430 in its natural habitat.
2018 marks the 70th Anniversary of Colin Chapman’s first Lotus, the Mark 1, created in 1948. No other marque can claim a better track record when it comes to designing and manufacturing a thoroughbred sports car and over the last seven decades, Lotus has remained true to the ethos of its founder Colin Chapman. Applying his approach to precision engineering and automotive innovation, but using the latest technologies and advanced materials, it ensures that every Lotus is strong yet light and simply amazing to drive.
For more information about Lotus Cars Australia, visit their website.
Photo credits: Lotus Cars Australia.