Porsche has revamped the 911 Carrera, adding twin-turbocharging to improve performance and efficiency.
Sports Car
Ricky Wilson is the voice of Civic Type R
Kaiser Chiefs' front man Ricky Wilson has picked up his new Civic Type R, as part of his role as ambassador for the hot-hatch.
Fresh from putting the Civic Type R through its paces on the famous hillclimb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed at the end of June, Ricky is now the owner of a Brilliant Sporty Blue model complete with the all-new +R mode button which increases the response of chassis and engine for enhanced driving skills.
The all-new 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO engine puts 310PS through the front wheels at 6,500rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2,500rpm, both higher than any previous Honda Type R model.
Speaking after taking his first spin, Ricky exclaimed; "What an amazing feeling. This is the first time I've ever had a new car and it's also the first time I've had a car that's a boy. My other two cars were girls! I got in the car and instinctively I knew where everything was, I feel at home in it already.. and I'll get home even quicker!"
Ricky was also treated to a tour of the Swindon factory adding; "It was like a movie - I could hear the Terminator theme music in my head as I walked around. The technology and scale of the operation is out of this world."
Since joining Honda as an ambassador for the Civic Type R at the beginning of summer, Ricky has not only raced the famous Goodwood hillclimb but also secured his National B race licence at Knockhill circuit in Scotland, under the expert guidance of Honda Yuasa Racing BTCC star driver, Gordon "Flash" Shedden.
The Honda Civic Type R is on sale now, from £29,995 OTR.
New Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe unveiled
Following the recent launch of the C-Class Coupe, Mercedes has revealed a new AMG C 63 Coupe.
Technical modifications over the C-Class Coupe are evident at first sight with the flared front and rear wheel arches, an increased track width and larger wheels - lending the AMG C 63 Coupe a muscular look while at the same time providing a basis for the agile longitudinal and lateral dynamics.
The 'extremely wide' front section is characterised by large air inlets and 'precisely positioned flics'. The low, arrow-shaped "twin blade" radiator grille with AMG lettering visually lowers the vehicle's centre of gravity. AMG A-wing front spoiler is three-dimensional, also serving as an air deflector for the three cooling air inlets while the front splitter at the bottom of the apron helps to reduce front-axle lift.
Taking its inspiration from the S-Class Coupe, the completely redesigned rear end includes a diffuser insert and optical air outlet openings improves the rear air flow. The two chrome-plated twin tailpipes of the AMG exhaust system are integrated within the diffuser and the boot lid includes a narrow spoiler lip in the form of a sharp blade, reducing the rear-axle lift.
Powered by the AMG is a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with 350 kW (476 hp) or 375 kW (510 hp) resulting in a 0-62mph time of 4-seconds flat - while the 'S' variant completes the sprint in 0.1 seconds quicker at 3.9 seconds, with both models topping out at an electronically limited 155mph.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission features tailor-made dynamics and high variability. Whether automatic or initiated by the driver using the steering wheel shift paddles, upshifts and downshifts are executed 'noticeably faster' than in the previous model says Mercedes. This increased spontaneity is made possible by an even sportier set-up of the engine and transmission parameters.
The new AMG C 63 Coupe also features a 'sophisticated' AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, as well as AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, rear-axle limited-slip differential and dynamic engine mounts. For improved traction and vehicle dynamics, the C 63 Coupe is provided with a mechanical rear-axle limited-slip differential, while the S derivative comes with an electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential. Both differentials reduce the slip on the inside wheel when cornering, without control interventions in the braking system.
The AMG C 63 Coupe comes as standard with 10-spoke light-alloy wheels 9.0" x 18" (front) and 10.5" x 18" (rear) as well as with tyres of size 255/40 R 18" (front) and 285/35 R 18" (rear). In the case of the C 63 'S' model, the tyre sizes are 255/35 R 19" (front) and 285/30 R 19" (rear) on 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels 9.0" x 19" (front) and 10.5" x 19" (rear).
The Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe will receive its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show with a market launch set to begin in March 2016.
Lamborghini unveils Aventador LP 750-4 SV Roadster
The new Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster has made its global debut in California.
The Roadster, presented at the famous event 'The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering' in Monterey, is available in a limited series of 500 units worldwide and is the first series-produced, open-top Lamborghini to bear the name Superveloce.
''The Superveloce is the purest, most sports-oriented and fastest series production Lamborghini ever. The Roadster version represents our commitment to satisfying our passionate clients with immensely emotional driving dynamics combined with an extraordinary open air experience,'' Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini said during the press conference at The Quail.
The new car offers improved performance with a power increase of 50 hp to 750 hp and a dry weight of 1,575 kg - 50 kg lighter than the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster.
In an enhancement to the Superveloce Coupe experience, the new Roadster features a powered rear window that allows the engine sound to fill the cabin with 'invigorating tones and harmonics during spirited driving', says Lamborghini.
VUHL 05 now on sale in the UK
The VUHL 05 street-legal lightweight supercar is now officially on sale in the UK, following the appointment of the marque's first European dealer.
Bespoke Performance of Ware in Hertfordshire, is well-known to generations of TVR and Noble enthusiasts, with a long and varied history dating back to the days of John Britten Garages and the ensuing TVR Centre.
A rebranding and move from Barnet to Ware was completed in 2011 and the company now boasts 10,000 sq ft of smart sales and service premises within easy reach of the M1, M11 and M25 motorways.
VUHL Co-Founder Iker Echeverria said: "We naturally researched many options for our first dealer. A number of outlets met our criteria for technical ability, but Bespoke Performance won us over with its unique level of passion, and its commitment to the discerning area of the market at which our product is aimed."
Bespoke Sales Director Dr Mark Kent added: "We have long since searched for a niche product to complement our established relationships with the TVR and Noble brands, and the VUHL is the first to match all our criteria. We have been bowled over by both the level of professionalism exhibited by this new manufacturer and the build quality of its first model."
The first opportunity to see the VUHL in competition will be at the Brighton Speed Trials on Saturday, September 5 while the Kop Hill Climb being held at Princes Risborough over the weekend of September 19-20 will be the public's first opportunity to get up close and personal with the 05 in full street-legal form.
Concept Car, Supercars, Sports Car, News
BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R
BMW is to debut the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R at The Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach.
The car that celebrates both the 40th anniversary of BMW in North America and the racing success of the original 3.0 CSL in the 1975 IMSA series where BMW recorded its first win at the 12 Hours of Sebring.
This was followed by a succession of victories, culminating in the white 3.0 CSL securing the manufacturers' championship at the first attempt.
The Hommage designers focused their attention on the driver and his immediate surroundings. This new approach led them first to the
driver's helmet, race suit and seat before moving onto the lines and surfaces of the interior.
As the layer of interaction closest to the driver, the helmet visor assumes the functions of the head up display and projects situation-
based information such as the car's speed, gear engaged and engine revs into the driver's direct field of view.
The driver's race suit (a classical design by Puma) expresses the connection between the driver and the car so that If both the driver's hands are on the wheel, illuminated piping integrated into the sleeves shows the progress of information - from the shift impulse display, for example - out of the steering column over the driver's arms and into his visor.
The side-section design of the large carbon-fibre seat shells reflects the anatomy of the seated driver for maximum support.
A carbon-fibre roll cage integrated into the structure of the car's roof and side sections forms the basis for the interior's singularly minimalist geometry.
The only "comfort" functions are the two vents on the sides of the steering column, which supply the driver with fresh air at ambient temperature. A small display provides the driver with secondary information such as lap times, overall race time and the car's current track position, as required.
Other racing elements in the interior include red anodised safety features, such as the outlet nozzles for the fire extinguishing foam, the extinguisher itself, and the two switches on the centre console for the emergency shut-off and fire extinguishing mechanism.
The exterior design of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R is framed by distinctive air deflectors, powerful wheel arches and a prominent rear spoiler, which reference the IMSA racing version of the original 3.0 CSL.
The colours and graphics used and details such as the "Bavarian Motor Works" decals on the windscreen and rear window are also a nod to the 1975 racer.
The low, wide front end features a large version of the signature BMW kidney grille, while the surfaces and graphic accents in the front apron showcase the wheels and emphasise its broad, powerful stance.
The long wheelbase and sweeping bonnet stretch the silhouette visually, while dark carbon-fibre surfaces contrast with the Brilliant White metallic paintwork.
At the rear a huge spoiler and carbon-fibre double diffuser combine with a contoured rear apron which draws the eye to the matt gold 21-inch light-alloy wheels with black inlays.
A strip of LEDs extend along the spoiler to link the two lights and provide a stylistic border for the rear end.
Coupe, News, Sports Car, Concept Car
Aston Martin DB9 GT at Pebble Beach
Aston Martin's new 2016 DB9 GT will make its global debut as part of the marque's presence at the Pebble Beach
Automotive Week.
Aston Martin will also offer a glimpse of its 'Second Century' with the DBX concept, Lagonda Taraf and Vulcan supercar all set to make appearances.
The GT claims the title of the most potent DB9 yet devised, by virtue of its uprated 6.0-litre V12 engine which now pumps out 540bhp - accompanied by a raft of engineering, equipment and styling developments.
Aston Martin's 'Second Century' plan was announced by Dr. Andy Palmer after completion of his first 150 days as CEO of Aston Martin. A strategy for the ongoing development of the 102-year old sports car maker laid out the principle mid-term actions that will drive the growth of the company.
The DBX concept, now confirmed for production, signals expansion into the luxury GT crossover market as part of a wider strategy to develop the strongest and most diverse product portfolio in the company's history.
Having made a surprise global debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, Aston Martin says the DBX has generated interest beyond expectations.
The 800+bhp Aston Martin Vulcan makes its second bow in North America following a New York debut in April and will also be on display alongside the DBX. Styled entirely in-house by the design team led by Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman, the Vulcan is powered by the most potent iteration yet of Aston Martin's naturally-aspirated, 7.0-litre V12 petrol engine, developed in conjunction with Aston Martin Racing.
Marking a first appearance in the North American market, the new Lagonda Taraf super saloon draws inspiration from the highly sought-after William Towns-designed Lagonda of 1976 and features many of the same cutting edge engineering techniques seen in modern Aston Martin sports cars, such as the extensive use of carbon fibre body panels.
The car is hand-built at Aston Martin's state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Gaydon in a dedicated building previously given over to the creation of the One-77 supercar.
The Lagonda Taraf will be exclusively available for viewings to customers and invited guests as well as leading the marque's presence at Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on 14 August.
Guests will again be hosted at the exclusive Aston Martin Estate, a private venue, situated high above Carmel with panoramic views across the Monterey Bay, which will also serve as the location for a number of exclusive events including private viewings of new Aston Martins and test drives of the current line-up.
Audi unveils 605 bhp S8 plus
Audi has revealed a new performance saloon - the S8 'plus'.
Audi's engineers have further advanced the 4.0 TFSI engine for the new S8 plus, with the V8 biturbo engine now pumping out 445 kW (605 hp) - a 85 hp increase - and a maximum torque of 700 Nm in overboost mode. Audi says it can even produce 750 Nm. Accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, the S8 plus can optionally be increased to 189 mph.
"The new Audi S8 plus has a substantial gain in power and defines the pinnacle of sporty performance in the segment. That is why 'plus' appears in its name." says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG.
Another reason for the performance figures is the S8's lightweight design, with the body made almost entirely of aluminium. Based on the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and weighing just 231 kg (509.27 lb), Audi says this is the lightest among the competition.
Modifications made to the 4.0 TFSI range from a special engine control with speed and charge pressure boosting to its modified exhaust valves and the inner geometry of the turbocharger that was optimised for efficiency. An eight-speed tiptronic distributes the forces that are generated by the power-boosted V8 engine to a quattro drivetrain with a sport differential. Chassis highlights include the adaptive air suspension sport and dynamic steering, both of which 'chassis experts' tuned specifically for the S8 plus. UK specification models are fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels in a unique high-gloss black double-spoke design shod with specially designed size 275/35 tyres.
Upon choosing the optional dynamic package, top speed increases to 189mph, and fade-resistant carbon-fibre reinforced ceramic brakes are added, featuring brake calipers finished in anthracite-grey with the Audi ceramic logo.
Styling wise, the new S8 plus features a standard spoiler lip on the rear lid, painted in the exterior body colour, which is also available in carbon fibre as an option. The flaps in the side air inlets and the blade on the front apron are made of carbon fibre. The mirror housings in body colour are optionally available in gloss black or carbon. The Singleframe grille and double bars are in gloss black, while the honeycomb structure of the side air inlets and radiator screen are in matt black. Distinctive design characteristics of the S8 plus also include darkened tail lights and a gloss black diffuser insert, which has an additional carbon surround. The standard dual-branch sports exhaust system opens out into two oval high-gloss black tailpipes on the left and right giving the S8 plus a 'sporty V8 sound'.
The interior of the S8 includes numerous sporty details, with contrasting stitching in Arras red used throughout the black full-leather interior. Piping, also in Arras red, trims the comfort sport seats as well and 'emphasises the stylish side' of the sport saloon. The headlining and rear parcel shelf are designed in black Alcantara.
A contrasting red thread woven into the upper inlay can also be specified in favour of the carbon atlas inlays fitted as standard. Black piano paint trims the gear selector lever of the tiptronic and the centre console. Characteristic of the interior of the S models are the round instruments with grey dials and white needles and the stainless steel pedals. There is a decorative red ring on the start-stop button, and an S8 logo adorns the three-spoke sport leather steering wheel.
Audi delivers the new S8 plus with the normal wheelbase and offers 'extensive' standard features that include ambient lighting, a convenience key with sensor-driven luggage compartment locking, full-leather interior package, Alcantara package, power-assisted door closing and a DVD/CD changer.
The new Audi S8 plus will open for ordering in October, priced from £97,700 OTR, with first UK deliveries expected to commence in January 2016.
Caterham continues UK expansion with new dealers
Caterham has appointed two new dealers - one in the north and one in the south - as it continues its UK expansion.
Oakmere Motor Group in Cheshire and Williams Automobiles near Bristol have been signed up by the brand to sell its full range of lightweight sportscars, with demonstrator cars already in place at both dealerships.
Both businesses are already well-versed in the selling, servicing and maintenance of used Caterham Sevens but will now stock the recently-extended range of new cars, from Seven 160 to Seven 620R.
Caterham says the company has steadily been growing its sales network both in the UK and internationally in the last few years with more UK dealers expected to be added in the coming months.
Caterham's Chief Commercial Officer, David Ridley, said: "Last year was a record year for Caterham in terms of export sales as demand increased for our products. But, while we are intent on growing our business globally, we have not forgotten our roots and the expansion of the UK network is a reflection of the importance we place on our customers here at home."
Oakmere Motor Group is a family-owned and run business based in Northwich, near Oulton Park race track. For several years, it was one of the largest TVR dealerships in the country and has an excellent understanding of hand-built British sportscars.
Managing director, Jonathan Jarratt, said: "I am passionate about Caterham, having personally owned a number of them over the years and I know our staff share my passion. We have sold and maintained many Caterhams over the years and are therefore no strangers to keeping them in tip top shape. We are planning a launch event very soon but, in the meantime, we would love to see as many Caterham owners and enthusiasts at our dealership as possible and would be delighted to give them the guided tour; the kettle is always on."
Williams Automobiles, based in Chipping Sodbury near Bristol, is one of the UK's oldest Lotus and Morgan dealerships, having been established by the Williams family in 1911. Like Oakmere, the business is well-versed in servicing and dealing in second-hand Sevens and is heavily involved in domestic motorsport activities.
Business owner and dealer principal, Henry Williams, said: "Caterham has always been a brand I have been interested in. It has an exciting product line-up and there is nothing really close to it elsewhere in the market."
First VUHL 05 supercar leaves factory
The first production example of the Mexican-made VUHL 05 sports car has rolled off the production line.
With all-carbon bodywork, the lightweight VUHL is the first of several destined for the Mexican roads this year. The street legal road/track car will soon be heading to the Middle-East, while nearer to home, the first right-hand drive examples passed the IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) test and will shortly be unveiled to the UK media. The appointment of the first British dealership will be the final step on the road to UK sales, with an announcement 'imminent'.
VUHL Technical Director Iker Echeverria said: "We are obviously extremely happy to have entered full-scale production with our 05 model, and experienced the delight of our first customer". VUHL Managing Director Guillermo Echeverria added: "It is naturally very rewarding to have a bank of orders for Mexico and the Middle-East, but we fully recognise the importance of the UK market and have therefore worked especially hard to ready the car for sale in this territory. This has included creating a special all-inclusive launch price of £59,995."
Weighing in at just 695kg, the VUHL is powered by a mid-mounted 285bhp version of Ford's 2.0-litre, DOHC turbocharged EcoBoost engine, which endows it with a 'highly competitive' power-to-weight ratio of 400bhp per ton - sufficient for a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds and top speed of over 150mph. Designed and built in Mexico, 40 percent of the 05's components are sourced from the UK.
The chassis comprises a three-section bonded tub constructed from aluminium extrusions and aluminium honeycomb - what VUHL describes as 'aerospace technology' that provides the 05 with a high level of torsional rigidity for optimum handling. Bolted direct to the passenger cell is a chrome-moly steel subframe housing the engine and rear suspension. A three-stage forward crash structure and double layer sidewalls provide a matchless level of protection for the occupants. The standard body is made from GRP, but carbon fibre is an available as an option - it saves over 30kg in weight and the exposed parts can be configured to taste. The cars aerodynamics include a flat underbody, front and lateral splitters, rear diffuser and rear spoiler.
The specification further includes: six-speed manual Ford gearbox, high-ratio rack and pinion steering, suspension by unequal length double wishbones front and rear. Braking comes from four-pot alloy calipers all-round, operating on 310mm ventilated, cross-drilled discs at the front and 280mm ones at the rear. Sparco alloy wheels are shod with Michelin tyres.
Upgrade options include carbon bucket seats with water-resistant Dinamica suede trim, exposed carbon bodywork panels, 330mm quick-release suede-covered steering wheel, electronic data acquisition dash, built-in HD camera, wide range of colours in matt and gloss finish and a titanium bolt pack.
Volkswagen develops Golf for the racetrack
Volkswagen Motorsport is developing a new Golf for the racetrack.
The production-based Golf is a 330 PS concept car, assembled in accordance with TCR regulations and is intended to help Volkswagen evaluate a potential customer racing programme from the 2016 season onwards.
Visually, the racing genes are clear to see, with 18-inch racing rims, a chassis roughly 40 centimetres wider than that of the production car, and a striking rear wing give the Golf a 'ready-to-race' look and first-class handling.
An aerodynamically designed front splitter and carbon rear wing are also among the modifications for the racetrack. On the inside, components designed to protect the driver include a racing seat with head protectors, a racing safety cell, and a safety tank in accordance with FIA regulations.
The new Golf is propelled by a powerful 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine with direct fuel injection, borrowed from the range-topping Golf R. The racing version of this engine generates 330 PS (243 kW) and 410 Nm of torque and is mated to a DSG gearbox with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.
Volkswagen says the new Golf has been meticulously prepared for its outings at the racetrack. Volkswagen Motorsport is developing the car in cooperation with the sport department at SEAT, meaning it can call on SEAT's experience with the Leon Cup Racer. As with the Volkswagen Group's production vehicles, the MQB platform also offers many synergies for racing cars and reduces the cost of assembling and running the touring car.
In order to accelerate the development of the car, the new Golf will be tested under competitive conditions between now and the end of the season: as cooperation partner, the Liqui Moly Team Engstler will run two cars at the eighth round of the Touringcar Racer International Series (TCR) at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.
"The newly created TCR category provides a promising platform for customer racing - on a national and international level. With exciting races, production-based technology and reasonable costs, it offers a new outlook for private racing teams," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. "When developing the Golf-based concept car, we are able to fall back on the resources at Volkswagen. This reduces both development time and costs. We will also use the rest of the season to test the car under competitive conditions and evaluate a possible customer racing project from 2016."
Miami Vice Ferrari Testarossa up for auction
The real star of the '80s television series Miami Vice is coming to auction in the US.
The 1986 Ferrari Testarossa driven by Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs as they fought the underworld of Miami was one of the quintessential poster cars that found itself plastered on many a teenager's bedroom wall in the 1980s.
The Testarossa up for auction is powered by a 4.9 litre, 390-horsepower flat-12 engine, a traditional five-speed manual gated shifter, beige leather, power windows, power locks, power seats, cruise control and air conditioning and of course giant '80s mobile phone. After Miami Vice ended its series run in 1989 the car was placed into storage until earlier this year.
It was rumoured that Enzo Ferrari himself proposed that the Ferrari factory could supply two black Testarossas for use on the show, according to auctioneer Mecum Auctions. From that day forward, it was this Testarossa that became the show's signature car. The only significant change came when the Ferrari was repainted white at the behest of Director Michael Mann for better visibility in night scenes. This particular Testarossa quickly moved into cult status along with other series props such as Ray Ban sunglasses, Armani jackets, Scarab speedboats and enough firearms for a small army.
Now showing 16,124 miles and authenticated by both Ferrari North America and Ferrari Classiche, with documented service records from Shelton Ferrari in Fort Lauderdale, the Miami Vice Ferrari recently received an 'engine-out' service at a cost of $8,000.
If you find yourself in Miami and fancy bidding, the auction takes place at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa - Del Monte Golf Course on August 15. To view the Miami Vice Ferrari Testarossa or to register as a bidder, visit Mecum.com where you can watch the auctions progress live.
New Jaguar F-Pace breaks cover
The new Jaguar F-PACE appeared in public for the first time on Saturday 4 July as it supported Team Sky on Stage One of the Tour de France in Utrecht.
The F-Pace shed its hard camouflage for the first time - in front of an estimated live audience of one million people, with over two billion more estimated to have watched on television or online around the world - instead sporting a specially created wrap, hinting at the final design of the vehicle, which will be fully unveiled later this year.
Five Team Sky riders - Ian Stannard, Luke Rowe, Peter Kennaugh, Leopold Konig and Chris Froome - were supported by the F-Pace during the Grand Depart, providing a real world test of Jaguar's first performance crossover.
A special bike rack, designed with an innovative telescopic clamp by Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations, was developed specifically for the stage and carried two Team Sky Pinarello Bolide Time Trial bikes.
Team Sky Head of Technical Operations & Commercial, Carsten Jeppesen, said: "The atmosphere in Utrecht was incredible. The Netherlands has a huge passion for cycling and right from the moment we arrived at the start line, you could feel the excitement. The appearance of Jaguar's F-Pace prototype definitely added to the hype today - you could see it made a big impact with the crowds."
Jaguar has produced a short film capturing all the F-Pace (#FPACE) action as the gruelling Tour began in the Netherlands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC3woUBN6Dg
The world premiere of the Jaguar F-PACE will be at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and will go on sale from 2016.
First Lotus Evora 400 leaves factory
The first new Lotus Evora 400 has driven off the assembly line at Hethel, UK.
Finished in a metallic black, the first Lotus Evora 400 is destined to be a promotion car. The new Evora 400 laps the Lotus test track at Hethel six seconds faster than the previous Evora S in a time of 1 minute 32 seconds. Combining high performance with Lotus handling, it's faster and dynamically more capable than the previous Lotus Evora leading to greater agility and a more involving drive.
Maximum speed is 186 mph with acceleration from 0-62 mph taking just 4.2 seconds. Over two thirds of the Evora 400 is new, including its supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque. A new aluminium chassis incorporates a new interior and the lightweight composite body has changed significantly both front and rear.
In a small celebration with a selection of senior management, manufacturing and engineering staff, Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, said: "Today is a very significant stage in our long term plan, which we set-out more than a year ago. With the first Evora 400 coming off the line, we have achieved a key milestone for Lotus. None of this would be possible, of course, without the confidence and commitment of our workforce who, with great skill and talent, hand build every Lotus car at Hethel."
The new Lotus, which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March, will enter production for European markets in the summer and deliveries will commence in August this year.
Pricing for the Lotus Evora 400 starts at £72,000 OTR.
VIDEO: Caterham launches approved used car scheme
Caterham has launched its first ever approved used car scheme. Caterham Selected allows enthusiasts looking for a modern or vintage Seven to benefit from the same peace of mind as buyers of brand new examples. With all vehicles specifically chosen for their good condition, specification and provenance – each car comes with an 81-point check and 12 months parts and labour warranty, while owners also benefit from free MOT tests.