Lotus Evora Hethel Edition 400 marks anniversary of firm's Norfolk base

A new special Lotus Evora Hethel Edition 400 has been revealed, to mark 50 years since the brand’s famous Norfolk factory was founded.

It comes in three new colours, with matching trim and a special plaque. Performance is unchanged from the standard car, meaning this Hethel Edition takes 4.1 seconds to hit 60mph, while flat out it’ll do 186mph. 

Lotus says the Hethel Edition Evora 400 is the first in a series of special products and events marking this important milestone in the company’s history. Founder Colin Chapman moved Lotus from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, to the purpose-built facility in Hethel in 1966.

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The new car is available in Essex Blue, Motorsport Black and Racing Green, with either black or red leather or Alcantara interior trim. The upholstery options are dictated by the exterior colour, however. 

In addition to the new colours, the Hethel-specced Evora gets lightweight silver forged aluminium wheels, contrasting brake callipers and bespoke graphics. Lotus is also using the car as a means to better illustrate what’s available through its personalisation programme, called Lotus Exclusive. 

The service allows customers to tailor their vehicles to specific tastes, in what bosses call “an alluring alternative to the off-the-peg sports car”.

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The Hethel Edition Evora 400 builds on the standard Evora 400’s kit list, meaning each car benefits from 370mm brake discs and a limited-slip differential, while inside you’ll find automatic air conditioning and satellite navigation. An automatic gearbox is a cost option.

Prices for the Hethel Edition start from £75,500, representing a £2,500 premium over the standard car. It’s available to order now.