Lotus has
unveiled the Evora GT4 Concept race car at the Shanghai Auto Show. As the name suggests, the concept
previews an updated GT4-class racer that Lotus aims to launch in time for the
2020 season. Based on the road-going Evora, the GT4 Concept was developed and
prepared in Hethel, UK using the brand’s advanced lightweight engineering
expertise.
Featuring a unique launch livery created by Lotus
Cars design director Russell Carr, the Evora GT4 Concept’s development will
continue at the Hethel test track. The race car study previews an evolution of
the existing Evora GT4, which will compete next year.
Using the same lightweight aluminum chassis
architecture as the road car, the Evora GT4 Concept features a lightweight
carbon-composite body. The weight-saving measures result in a weight of only
1,200 kg despite the addition of structural and racing safety
systems. Thanks to a power-to-weight ratio of 375 hp per tonne, the Evora GT4 Concept
reaches a top speed of 274 km/h.
The car uses a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 456 PS at 7,000 rpm and 510 Nm of torque from 4,000 rpm. The engine is
mated to a sequential six-speed racing sequential transmission with Numatics
paddle shift system and a Torsen type limited slip differential.
Lotus will use the GT4 Concept to demonstrate its
motorsport expertise through a newly established driver training school in
China. The car will be driven by factory drivers Cui Yue and Gaoxiang Fan, who
will demonstrate the Evora GT4 Concept’s potential during driver training
sessions and hot lap experiences.
