Lotus and motor racing are synonymous. Ever since the company was founded its been part of what they do best; and Lotus’ current crop of cars are no different. The Evora GTC is an evolution of the company’s Evora GT4 Enduro racecar, and while most of the mechanical elements are the same, the GTC has been subjected to some additional weight-saving measures.
The Evora GTC is powered by a 4.0 litre V6 which produces 450 horsepower and 340 lb-ft (460 Nm) of torque. The transmission is an XTRAC six-speed sequential paddle-shift gearbox which directs the power to the 18-inch rear wheels.
Unlike the Evora GT4, the Evora GTC features carbon fiber body panels and Plexiglas windows. This shaves around 30 kilos (66 lbs) off the weight bringing the total down to 1,130 kgs (2,491 lbs). Wider wheels have also been fitted, and these mean it was essential to fit the car with fairly substantial flared arches. Traction control and BOSCH racing Anti-Lock Brakes system have been added to optimize power delivery and braking control.
The car has already undergone several weeks of testing on Lotus’ Hethel Test Track where its proving to be faster than its predecessor – thankfully! Lotus have also managed to find their first customers. McMahon Raceworks and Condor Motorsport have both put in orders. In addition Team Bullrun’s Evora GT4 will be converted to GTC-spec next month.
The Lotus Evora GTC will be competing in America’s Grand-Am road races, the Rolex Sports Car Series and the Britcar MSA Endurance Championship.
McLaren’s new 650S model now comes in three flavors, the standard road going 650S, the competition-spec 650S GT3 for serious racers, and now there’s the 650S Sprint which is aimed at track enthusiasts who still want a little bit of comfort. The 650S Sprint also replaces the MP4-12C-based 12C Sprint as McLaren’s track toy for the super-rich. Compared to the road model, the 650S Sprint features increased downforce and better cooling airflow to the 3.8 litre twin-turbocharged V8. It also features a competition-spec fuel tank and quick-fill cap, a larger radiator borrowed from the GT3 car, a new hood with additional cooling ducts for the radiator, front wing louvres for improved airflow, reduced ride height and recalibrated damping and spring rates, 19-inch center-locking race wheels with either Pirelli slicks or wet tires, onboard air jack system, and an upgraded braking system. On the inside the McLaren 650S Sprint features a stripped-out design with a FIA-approved rol...