Building from the established Lotus Evora GT4 racer, Lotus has announced the availability of the new Evora GTC. Aimed at the latest Le Mans Series class of near-production cars, the Evora GTC will go head to head against the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and the Ferrari F430 Challenge in Le Mans GTC competition.

To ensure that the Evora GTC can hold its own, the car gets a weight reduction of some 66 pounds compared to the Evora GT4. Carbon fiber replaces fiberglass for the doors, roof and engine cover, and plexiglass is used for the windows. The net result is a race car that weighs in at less than 2,500, pounds ready to race.

The 4-liter V-6 engine, good for 450 horsepower, carries over from the Evora GT4 and comes mated to the same six-speed sequential gearbox. GTC models further benefit from a Bosch racing anti-lock braking system and electronic traction control, ensuring that the wider wheels and tires permitted by GTC regulations get the power to the ground.

The new Evora GTC is eligible for a wide variety of series, including the MSA Endurance Series, Grand Am’s GTC class (currently undergoing homologation), the British GT Championship and others. Look for the car to make its Grand Am debut with McMahon Raceworks in the coming months.