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Lotus unveils new supercar — the Evora 400

7 March, 2015

Just over a month ago, Lotus Cars talked about the reveal of a new car at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show. This new model was stated to remain true to Lotus’s core pillars of lightness, performance, and driving purity. First impressions are promising.

The Lotus Evora 400 is the car in question, and is said to be faster and lighter than the previous model, promising a more engaging drive than the already exciting Evora S.

The supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota 2GR-FZE V6 engine is carried over, but has been completely re-engineered, now producing 400hp and 302lb·ft. The 0–100kph sprint is achieved in a brisk 4.2 seconds, and given the room the Evora 400 will run to a top speed of 300kph. These performance gains have allowed the Evora 400 to lap Lotus’s Hethel test track six seconds faster than the previous-generation Evora.

Compared to the previous model, the Evora 400 also weighs in at 22kg less, thanks to clever design work. A new aluminium chassis and redesigned composite body aid in achieving a weight reduction, lower coefficient of drag, and also allows for a brand-new interior — no doubt welcome news for owners of the previous model Evora.

Honda’s game-changing EB1 Civic

31 October, 2025

Japanese cars, and Hondas in particular, were about to flourish in New Zealand. This was the crux of the conversation I was having with Russell Moller, sitting in his Greenlane, Auckland, motor dealership early in 1973. Russell was particularly excited about the new Civic EB1 small car that had been unveiled in Japan the previous year.
I was about to leave on an extended stay in Britain. When I returned more than two years later, it was apparent Russell had called it right. Norton and Russell Moller had gained the licence to import fully built up Hondas, and formed Honda Pacific. A few highly prized Civics arrived before the New Zealand Motor Corporation (NZMC) assumed the franchise from the Moller Group. The corporation’s plans included building the EB1 at NZMC’s plant at Petone, near Wellington, and the first CKD (completely knocked down) Civic, a bright yellow example, rolled off the local assembly line in March 1976.

1985 Citröen 2CV6 Charleston

21 October, 2025

Kerry describes it as ‘a very simple car to do’. The suspension can be set to the required ride height. It is essential to weigh each corner to avoid too much weight difference from side to side. The four-speed gearbox was re-built. They are prone to getting a little water in them if not serviced correctly. Water etches into the bearings. The main shaft was also replaced.
But as it was a reasonably high mileage car, Kerry expected a few mechanical issues.
“The lady I bought it off owned it from 900km after it had been sold new to a gentleman in Palmerston North. He found he couldn’t fit into it. This woman in Hamilton bought it and she had run it to a total of 101,000kms. It was brand new in 1985 so it’s done quite a few kilometres for a little car.”
Not surprisingly, these little cars grow on their owners and the previous lady owner is now interested in buying it back.