Another special edition Lotus? Is it Friday already?

It's true, it has gone a bit mad lately. This latest creation is the Evora GT430, a wild evolution of the regular car that's as quick around the Hethel test track as the 3-Eleven circuit special.

How has Lotus done that then?

Prepare for a tired cliché; it has added more lightness. Immediately evident are the carbon fibre aero add-ons decorating the exterior, from the front splitter to the gigantic rear wing, while neat cut-outs behind the rear wheels and louvres all contribute to 250kg of downforce at 190mph. Not too shabby.

What does it weigh?

A mere 1,258kg dry, which is a healthy 26kg down on the regular car. This is achieved by a comprehensive diet programme that includes lighter brakes, suspension, seats, undertray... the list goes on. Wider rims and tyres and those trick aero bits do reintroduce a few kilos, but power is now up to 436hp to compensate. Not that the Evora was ever slow.

How un-slow is it?

Try 190mph, and 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds. That's rather swift. Mechanical grip is aided by those wider Michelins, along with special Öhlins/Eibach suspension and a Torsen limited-slip differential out back. Drive is transmitted through a six-speed manual 'box.

What's the inside like?

Car bores like us will love it, as it's a beautiful mix of carbon fibre, Alcantara and leather. An infotainment system is an option, but why undo all that hardcore weight reduction? Just point the low nose at your favourite road and go!

I want one. How much?

A not insignificant £112,500. And, Lotus is only making 60, so you'd better be quick. A sure-fire investment? Yep, with the added bonus of being an utter hoot to drive.

Maurice Malone - 24 Jul 2017