What's the news?
Fifty years ago, famed lightness enthusiast Colin Chapman set up a factory in Hethel, Norfolk in order to aid his unique sports car vision to reach the masses. Lotus is marking this occasion throughout the year, and the Evora 400 is the first candidate to be covered in celebratory tinsel.
Mechanically identical to the regular car, the Lotus Evora 400 Hethel Edition (to give it its full title) wears one of three colour schemes harking back to Lotus' famous competition history. Essex Blue, Motorsport Black and Racing Green are available in conjunction with the Lotus Exclusive programme, with leather or Alcantara inside in black or red depending on the exterior shade chosen. Forged wheels in silver, coloured brake calipers and a graphics set complete the changes, with a build plate in the cabin marking the car's limited edition status.
Everything else remains the same as the regular 400, so no tangible performance or handling differences are expected. Of interest is the fact that Lotus has promised more anniversary news soon, so enthusiasts will hope that this translates into more special edition vehicles from the Hethel plant. For this particular car, I reckon a Motorsport Black example with gold detailing would evoke some Lotus racing nostalgia just fine, and would justify the slight price premium over the regular Evora in my eyes...