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.
Of all the Mercedes-Benz models that could be accused of being born with a silver spoon in its mouth, the SL arguably tops the list. Unlike many grand-touring cars, the Mercedes SL has never been forced to compromise its blue-blood personal-luxury/sport ideals with feigned attempts at practicality to please executives or attract buyers. It has, more or less, remained an unapologetic take-it-or-leave-it proposition since it debuted nearly six decades ago, and the 2013 SL550 does nothing to alter its course. Cool, Quiet Confidence Every move the 2013 SL550 makes is steeped in a competent, laid-back confidence; pin the throttle, and the car takes a moment to gather itself, as if saying to the driver, “Okay, dude, you ready? This is gonna be pretty awesome.” And with that, the seven-speed automatic downshifts, the twin turbos gorge themselves on air, and the whole shebang takes off, pulling hard to an observed 159-mph top speed (Mercedes claims an electronically limited 155). Life in th...