Lotus Evora GT430 - The Ultimate Buyer's Guide 4K
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- Опубликовано: 27 май 2023
- The ultimate guide to everything you ever wanted to know about buying, owning and running a GT430.
I'll do my best to answer any further questions in the comments.
Chapters -
What is a GT430?
Early Cars
Specs
Seats
Maintenance
J-hook brakes
Tyres
Stone chips
Other things to check
Servicing costs
Thanks for watching
DrP 
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I just wanted to add that I did take out an extended warranty for 2 years at a cost of £1400 but never benefitted from it which is a good thing overall but I haven't bothered extending it further. However, having seen how much Lotus have increased their parts prices I'm starting to consider it worth having again.
Excellent video and great content of one of the best drivers cars ever made. For the record: According to my certificate: 9 GT430 Sport built, one of them a press car. Makes it 8 sold to customers in total.
Many thanks much appreciated. There was an Air Force blue GT430 Sport that I saw at the factory, it was JM Gales’s personal car and also used for press shots but haven’t seen it since, I think it was lhd. The ice blue one was the only one in the UK I thought. Crazy rare cars and with hindsight fantastic spec for the £104k asking price. Doesn’t seem quite so outrageous now somehow.
Excellent video...one of your best yet. Very informative even for a fellow lotus owner.
Thanks, that's much appreciated, thanks for watching.
Fantastic video DrP! I loved the detail you provided.
I'm thinking about an Evora after learning about how well it accommodates tall fellas. Your spot on the carbon fiber seats providing more room for big people (I'm 6'7" and 240 lbs.) looks like a good answer, even if it's a standard Evora 400. I know too the 2+2 configuration is a bit helpful for those who frequently have to be mindful of low hanging doorways. Thanks again!
Thanks 🙏 you definitely get more headroom with the carbon race seats, legroom isn’t a problem for anyone in any Evora. But carbon seats are at their best when angled back slightly. Advantage of Sparco seats is they can recline on their own which allows easier access to stowage or seats behind but this compromises driving position unless you like a very reclined one. Steering wheel does adjust which helps. Thanks for watching, cheers 👍
Excellent detailed insight, thank you.
Much appreciated, thanks for watching.
Nice one DrP. Good to get all the details in one place. A GT430 manual just sold at Lotus UAE (Adamas) listed at AED 350k, which seemed a good deal
There can't be many in the UAE. Hope the new owner enjoys it and makes some videos for me to watch!
@@DrPittenstein I think they imported 3 or 4 Dr.P to re-launch Lotus in UAE, but the others were auto from memory.
I think you were sold on the competence of this car when you did the Exige 430 Cup comparison. I always enjoy your videos. Exige 420 owner and classic Elans and Europa.
Thanks for watching my vids glad to hear you enjoy them, I’d love to try a 420 must be fantastic maybe even the best Exige V6 overall? Haven’t seen any videos on the 420 which is a shame. Cup 430 was a wild ride huge fun but I’m sure it could be set up to be more composed, I never got the chance to try it on different settings unfortunately. But yes Evora GT430 made a big impression first time I drove the red press car around Hethel, comparison to the Evora Sport 410 was very interesting too. Cheers!
Encyclopedic review as always & always a great pleasure to watch for a Lotus fanatic. The 430GT is a Lotus jewel. Carbon parts are just amazing. Suspensions engeneering is amazing. Absolutly more track focused than the Emira V6 that I would choose now (I am not a track driver) , but everyone agrees that the Evora 430 GT will remain the best Lotus GT for eternity💪👏🚀🏆🇬🇧 (and therefore by deduction one of the GT in the world ever produced).Thank you so much for this review.
you are very welcome, thanks for watching, your comment is much appreciated. Content on these rare Lotus cars is even rarer than the GT430, so I figured someone ought to do something about it!
Hi DrP, Great video as always, thank you! I've recently taken delivery of an Emira, just run in and relatively happy so far. The aim for me is to get it as close as possible to a GT430.. I've been in talks with and had a visit to JUBU as I live in Austria, will also look to visit Komotec on my next visit to the Ring. Hoping to get 475hp, drexler diff and shorter final drive, lightweight seats and either öhlins or maybe even Nitron suspension. I'll let you know hoe it goes!! Keep up the good work, cheers.
Sounds like an interesting project and I bet you get a go-faster Emira done way before Lotus does! In terms of power to weight ratio, you will need 475bhp to beat the GT430's power:ratio (based on actual kerbweights, not manufacturer claims). Jubu doing some really impressive work on Lotus drivetrains I'm sure they can hit that no problem. Ohlins are fantastic but also need servicing, probably also true of the higher end Nitrons. Matching the aero performance won't be so easy. Lotus only claim 'some' downforce for the Emira. I think that's because it's not any higher than the Evora 400's 32kg at vmax. Some downforce is a lot better than some lift of course as it means the car will be stable at high speed and living in Austria you have more opportunities than most to run at high speed across the border. Komotec might be more into aero I guess. I look forward to seeing how you get on, cheers DrP
I thank you for such informative look at the evora 430 ,hope to buy one in the near future, just retired and getting things in order, will inform you when it happens, I haven’t had a lotus since the 80s.
Yes please do let me know how you get on I would like to try and organise a GT430 get together at some point. I hope you find the right car there are a couple of nice examples for sale at the moment and I highly recommend Lotus Silverstone to deal with. I am honestly amazed by mine every time I drive it. It might just be peak Lotus road car for me. Good luck and happy hunting!
Many thanks for this, Dr P. Helped me buy a GT430 and I am blown away by it!
Glad to hear that. It would be great to get the GT430s together next year sometime, hope to see yours then. Enjoy!
@@DrPittenstein Sounds great!
@@EvoraGT430 Most I've ever seen in one place is 6 cars, that's the number to beat! Hopefully we can find somewhere reasonably convenient for everyone. Would be an amazing sight for such a rare car to get a group of them together. Cheers.
I didn’t know Alan Rickman was such a petrol head.
These gorgeous beauties were not sold in the states.
They wanted to but it would have cost them too much to get through US legislation, US only Evora GT was plan B and most of the parts can be retro fitted but it’s very expensive to do but one or two owners have done it.
Wonderful car. I have the Evora GT in the US. which is the best I can get here. I've done some mods on it. Now, I'm looking into doing a tune using a dyno here in Florida. They claim it will give me 510 HP at the crank and 439 at the wheels. I've talked to Lotus America and found out the GT was detuned here in the States because of concerns over available consistent high-test gas, but FL has the 93 octane.
Yes I only put 99 octane in my car but the US only GT is a great car, will be seriously fast with 510hp, I would like to see some videos of that when it's done!
Sounds like a cool project. Would be a great video. What mods are you doing for those figures?
@@user-bc4pv7mf9v GRP decat and Cold Air intake. Then a tune on a dyno, not a generic tune, was done at Olympic Motor Sports in Boca Raton, Florida.
Very nice. Thanks for sharing! Noticed you had a couple video's of the car. Looking sharp!@@Docinaplane
@@user-bc4pv7mf9v Much appreciated! Thx!
Hi! How do you think the integrated cat's in the toyota exhaust manifolds will hold up in the long term, especially with track work or other performance driving mixed in? Do you have any concerns in this regards, since the GT430 is at the higher end of the performance spectrum?
Thanks!
Zero issues in 17k hard miles in my Exige V6 Cup, none to date in 6k miles in the GT430 so I’m hoping it will be fine. Elise cat let go at 750 miles though which was shocking but not unusual with Cup 250.
The data files make for interesting reading.
Are they ' tamper' proof to the point you can happily yrust what you read.
We have to hope so although I imagine the factory will wipe whatever data they record before they deliver it to the dealer. Only the factory have the ability to zero a car as far as I know.
Wouldn’t the fastest version of the V6 Exige be faster, and more like a GT3? Like the Cup 430?
I did a back to back comparison with the two Lotus 430s and have driven all three. Exige is much smaller and lighter than a modern 911. It has a very different feel, it’s more nimble also more physical. Although still lighter, the GT430 is closer in size, shares the 2+O configuration, and uses exactly the same tyres as the 991 GT3, right down to the NO compound. Evora was intended as a 911 rival from day one. Even the price was similar in 2018 (if you you get a GT3 at list price). Also have a look at my laptime comparison video between GT430 and 991.2 GT3 at Castle Combe. GT430 is not a GT3 but it’s definitely the closest thing the UK has produced to it up to now.
Evora GT430 or a Exige Cup 430: Which would you get for mostly road use?
Good question. Having owned an Exige V6 Cup and Evora GT430 I love both, it’s a close call. If you have no issue with getting in and out of an Exige then it is the more intense driving experience. It’s a more wild ride and the more exciting of the two. Evora is absolutely the right choice if you find the Exige too small and a pain to climb in and out of. For some the racecar hardcore feel is part of the appeal for others the novelty wears off. The Evora GT430 is more composed and capable more of the time, a bit more grown up, and delivers a unique driving experience of its own. Front end grips harder, power steering is exceptional making it more delicate and precise in some ways. Unassisted Exige steering is more physical and quite a workout at times. Evora is surprisingly just as capable on track once the Ohlins are dialled in but will use brakes and tyres more if you push it hard which makes it ultimately more expensive to track hard. Though there has been an issue getting Cup2s for the Exige. The GT430 uses 911 GT3 tyres so more readily available. For mostly road use I’d have to edge towards the Evora it’s more comfortable on longer journeys and can deal with a wider variety of roads better. The adjustable Ohlins are incredible. But on the right day and right road the Exige is unforgettable!
great video, for me though the Evora looks let it down, for sure, the evolution of it from the early models have improved its looks but ultimately I still find it looks too bulky on the rear and overall not a good looking car. In terms of dynamics, yes its a great drivers car but not really a GT car in my opinion, a GT car by definition is used for touring, the later Evora's are lacking the storage places and spaces you would find on an average GT car, therefore making it more of a sports car than GT and if that's how one looks at the later Evoras then in my opinion the Exige is far better.
I don't think they were ever trying to suggest it was a literal GT car, they were aiming for something more like Porsche GT. The inspiration (and some of the actual parts) came from the successful Evora GT4 race car. I'm sure they considered calling it the Evora Cup 430 at one point but perhaps wanted to suggest something more premium (and less austere) with the top Evora.
what does it weigh, and weight distribution? thanks
So, what does the Lotus Evora GT430 really weigh?
ruclips.net/video/NlAttDzIuaQ/видео.html
so is it alot more expensive to run than the exige?
No not really, tyres are similar cost and wear fronts quicker than rears, might need to replace brakes sooner but only if you drive hard in track regularly (not many do). For hard track use the weight advantage of the Exige has to show at some point but having owned both I’m not sure when that is exactly but did do more trackdays in the Exige and never had to replace brake discs. Still on original discs and rear tyres with the Evora too currently.
Do you think they'll make an Emira GT4 road car?
They will make faster Emiras for sure but my best guess is that they still won't go beyond 430bhp with the V6 and manual gearbox. The AMG 4 (and DCT gearbox) has potential to go much higher, Merc already have it producing near 480bhp. The fastest Emiras will be 4 cyl turbo for sure. I'm OK with that, the Esprit was epic with turbo 4s. Emira order books show that buyers aren't that bothered by kerbweight so I think it's unlikely we'll ever see a 430bhp Emira that is as light as the GT430. At its current weight the Emira would need 500bhp to match the GT430 power to weight ratio. I don't think we'll see that any time soon. Race Emira GT4 plans seem to have gone very quiet, not sure what's happening there but if they park that project then it makes it less likely that we'll see a stripped out road racer version. Best guess is a 'final edition' V6 manual with 430bhp and same 1480kg but maybe some carbon options and lighter wheels to bring that down a bit (1450kg?). Then we'll see a 4 cyl Emira S with 415bhp at some point which will accelerate faster than the V6. Despite power defecit AMG 4 makes a lot more torque (369lb/ft vs 325lb/ft).
@@DrPittenstein That's fair enough I guess. I always thought it was a shame that Lotus didn't leverage Komotec/Jubu who have made significant advances in the V6 powertrain. Especially Jubu who have partnered with Radford on the Type 62-2.
@@IrugaZERO I agree I think the Radford and the work Jubu have done is amazing, I would love to try one but not much chance of that happening! I know Lotus were planning to launch the Emira with more power originally but they pulled it back to keep costs down. It's not what I was hoping for but proved to be the right decision commercially for Lotus as launching the Emira for less than the outgoing Evora proved to be a big appeal for many buyers. However look how quickly the Emira prices are rising already. It will soon overtake Evora prices.
@@DrPittenstein Yes I've seen some reviews of those who had a deposit pre price hike and are now considering alternatives as the value proposition is no longer as appealing. The Emira is nice and all, but it's not the last hurrah I was expecting when Geely took over. That being said there is the slim hope that Lotus will take motorsport seriously again. I wouldn't be opposed to seeing it at Le Mann or a stint in one the GT3 championships.
@@IrugaZERO I would love to see that, Geely themselves have gone racing so you’d think they’d be all over getting Lotus back into motorsport but it’s all gone a bit quiet I think Emira has been a nightmare to get right behind the scenes and they’ve put everything else on hold. I4 should have been out ages ago.
wait i'm confused about the seats
it sounds like you said
"if you're short and fat get these seats, but if you're tall and skinny get the other ones"
was that intentional?
I don’t think it’s fair to write ‘sounds like you said’ and then put words that you chose into quotation marks and attribute it to me! I would prefer to use terms like ‘broad, well-built, stocky’ you can be super fit and athletic over 100 kilos, there was no lifestyle judgement attached to that weight figure. It was intentional to offer some sort of guide as to which seats might suit you better. Most people would be fine with either. But a rugby Prop would tell you you have to have the Sparcos and a Lock would say you need the carbon race seats. I am neither but at 6’2” value the extra headroom and support. You can increase headroom by reclining the Sparcos (which the fixed back carbon seats can’t do) but that compromises the driving position and requires a more reclined position for track driving.
@@DrPittenstein I have the carbon seats. I love them. I have done 15k miles in them so far. I'm fat at 120kg. Hey ho. They work for me.....
@@andycorkhill6883 it's carbon seats all day for me personally but I accept that some have a strong preference for the Sparcos which were an expensive option. I was never a fan of the Sparcos in the Evora 400, much prefer the Recaros of earlier Evoras but they did look good and made the interior look more premium in carbon-backed GT430 form. By trying to figure out why someone would want a less supportive seat mounted so much higher I concluded that they might suit someone shorter and broader. Once set to a more reclined, position like the Exige they are terrific and getting in a car with Sparcos now feels all wrong. I also know more owners that have switched from Sparcos to carbon seats than the other way around but of course each to his or her own. Great cars either way.
@@DrPittenstein Totally agree. I only have the lesser Evora Sport 410 (you were instrumental in me getting that car!) and got the Jon Seal brackets that reclined the seats. The key consideration with the carbon seats seems to be the size (width) of your pelvic bones. I have quite a small arse relatively speaking, all my weight is in my belly! So for me, I find the seats wonderful and have done 400 miles a day in them for several days, including regular IoM 4 day trips with "spirited" driving on the unclassified roads. Also, maybe due to my weight, the seat backs do "give" and the carbon almost behaves like a damper for your back, taking out any harshness on poorly surfaced roads. I am with you all the way re the Carbon Seats over the Sparco's, but will also add that when new, the GT430's that hung around and took longest to be sold where the carbon seat versions. Never could understand that given the GT430 is the most hardcore Evora ever.
The big issue with the carbon seats is that a lot of people, who have never tried them, just seem to like to rubbish them. Probably same sort of person who has to add a syrup to their choccy mocha yummy bubby iced frappa skinny almond milk coffee! ;)
I enjoy your no nonsense, straight forward videos, keep them coming. Maybe some of your wider car collection too, as I believe you have some real "drivers" choices.
@@andycorkhill6883 Still love the Sport 410, I actually ordered one in Copper Fire with Ohlins, then they launched the GT430. Was all over the GT430 Sport initially which wasn't a huge amount more due to all that carbon and Ohlins coming as standard. Then I reasoned that I could always just unbolt the wing if I wanted. Another £8000 at the time for the 'full fat' version and because I enjoy track driving I really wanted to experience what was at the time a radical amount of downforce. No regrets but I'm certain that I would have loved the Sport 410 if I had gone that way. The Sport 410/Carbon seats fan club might only have a few members but in this case everyone else is wrong! Sport 410 completely sold me on the Evora in a way that the Evora 400 did not. Was very firmly in the Exige camp until I drove a Sport 410. Fantastic cars and probably even rarer than the 430! Yes headrest area of carbon seats flexes to soften contact with the head, given how rigid other parts of the seats are I'm inclined to think that Lotus might have done this on purpose but that could be being very charitable!