Lotus is full of good news this week. Not only has it officially opened its all-singing new sports car manufacturing facility at Hethel - aptly named the Chapman Production Centre - it has also officially unveiled the 400hp Emira GT4 following its announcement in 2021. A return to motorsport is considered 'a key pillar' of the brand's fast-maturing plan to dramatically grow in size; moreover, the racing variant of the Emira is the first model to emerge from Lotus Advanced Performance, the specialised division established last year.
Developed in partnership with the RML Group, the new car builds on the groundwork laid by its predecessor, the race-winning Evora GT4. It shares the Toyota-supplied 3.5-litre V6 and the six-speed xTrac sequential 'box, and gets a limited-slip diff to go with its Alcon discs and two-way adjustable Ohlins dampers. Obviously it is designed to meet the latest safety regulations with a six-point roll cage and fire extinguisher system, and features a new aerodynamic package that Lotus has spent 'many hundreds of hours' since September validating.
Richard Selwin, Race Programme Manager, Lotus, commented: "We're delighted with how the Emira GT4 programme has progressed. We have an appealing spec and a level of performance that's going to thrill both customers and spectators around the world. I believe in the Emira GT4 we have a car that promises to be more than competitive."
It doesn't seem like the firm has had to work too hard in convincing would-be owners of the model's prospects - the first year of production is already sold out. But don't worry if this is the first you're hearing of it: Lotus says it intends to increase production in 2023 'inline with global demand'. Or you could wait and see what the new department does next. "Lotus' commitment to motorsport is world-renowned and is one of the key elements of enhanced customer engagement within this recently launched division of the business," noted Simon Lane, LAP's boss. "We have exciting plans for Lotus Advanced Performance - there is much more to come."
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