This is the new Lotus Evora 400 [Gallery]

Lotus has introduced a new Evora 400 and while it doesn’t exactly look contemporary, it could well be a bucket of fun to drive.

While the British marque says that the upcoming Evora 400 is “all new”, it’s actually about two-thirds new. Importantly though one of those new features is the engine. The supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine produces 400 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque.

It’s also got a new aluminium chassis and interior. The composite body meanwhile has apparently changed significantly in both the front and rear.

Lotus also says that it’s managed to shave 22kg off the previous model with the new Evora 400, using “careful and clever design and attention to detail”. Much of that weight, it seems has been shed from the seats. Each of the front two has shed 3kgs while the rear bench has been lightened by 3.4kgs.

Combining that engine with a lighter and more aerodynamic body, Lotus says, means that the car is capable of hitting 300km/h and going from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds.

When it comes to tech, both under the skin and in the cockpit, there’s not all that much too get excited about. That said, there are more than enough buttons to make you feel like a “real” driver if that’s the kind of thing that floats your boat.

“Looking to the future,” says Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales, “the Lotus Evora 400 will remain core to our product line up for many years to come, with more exciting derivatives planned within the next few years.”

The Evora 400 will go into production towards the middle of the year, with a European deliveries happening soon after.