Lotus will launch an open-top version of the Evora 400 as the British firm sticks to its schedule for returning into profitability.
Lotus boss Jean-Marc Gales told Autocar that a roadster Evora 400 is almost ready for production as “the chassis is a tub, so there’s no impact with the roof off.” This allowed Lotus for a faster development process, with the removable roof to be made up out of two pieces weighing 3kg each, and the ability to be stored behind the front seats.
The new model is very important for the brand’s commercial success in the US market, as Gales says that half of the Evora’s competition there already offers an open-top version.
The new model will use the same 400hp supercharged V6 engine, which allows the hard-top model to accelerate from zero to 60mph in 4.1 seconds and onto a top speed of 186mph (300km/h). Performance of the roadster version is expected close to these figures as the weight penalty of the roof loss will be minimal.
Jean-Marc Gales also confirmed the development of new Elise and Exige versions, promising that the new models will also be lighter and faster from their predecessors and also more practical for everyday use.
The Lotus boss who has confirmed that the brand’s first-ever SUV model is already underway, also said that the British firm will be cash-flow profitable in this financial year and profitable in the financial year beginning April 1st, 2016 for the first time in 60 years.
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