FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Lotus Evora GTE

Lotus' flagship model, the 2+2 Evora, is about to get a big power boost when the 327kW GTE version is introduced at the Frankfurt motor show.

The press blurb says that despite being the company's most powerful-ever road car, the stove-hot Evora (the regular 200kW version is claimed to reach 100km/h in 5.1 seconds) retains all its normal composure, with a comfortable ride (for a mid-engined hi-po sports car) that does not compromise on road grip or handling.

The Evora GTE is a big 105kg lighter than the regular car too, largely through the use of carbon fibre in the modified front and rear bumpers, rear wing and doors.

Originally intended as a limited edition model for the Asian market, the Evora GTE attracted so much interest (according to Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar the model sold out in China "within days") that the decision was made to increase production to embrace other markets.

"What is unique about this car, is not just that it's a serious race car – it's a serious car," added Bahar.

"People get so excited when they see and especially hear it for the first time. It's a very special car and will appeal to a very special type of driver – and they won't be disappointed." he said.

Lotus will also introduce two as-yet unannounced cars at Frankfurt: one claimed to be "the quickest road car" it has ever built (as opposed to the "most powerful" Evora GTE?) and the other representing the company's return to motor sport.

Two new transmissions will also appear for Lotus: The Serial Precision Shift (SPS) automated manual transmission for the 1.6-litre Elise and the Intelligent Precision Shift (IPS) for the Evora S.

Lotus says the Elise S, Elise SPS and Evora S IPS will come to Australia in 2012.

Australian drivers hoping to get some carbon fibre action may have to wait a little longer, as the Evora GTE is "being evaluated for the local market."