The Lotus Type 918 is a 3,500 cc, V6 twin‑turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2013 and 2021. Developed in collaboration with Toyota and tuned by Lotus Engineering, it features a 60‑degree aluminium block, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and direct fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 350–400 PS, with torque figures between 400–450 Nm, depending on model application and state of tune.
Fitted to the Lotus Evora 400, Evora Sport 410, and Evora GT430, the Ty…
Production years 2013–2021 meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9182).
The Lotus Type 918 is a 3,500 cc V6 twin‑turbo petrol engine engineered for high‑performance sports cars (2013–2021). It combines direct injection with twin IHI turbochargers and Lotus‑specific calibration to deliver immediate throttle response and robust track capability. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances emissions control with uncompromised performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,500 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Premium unleaded, 98 RON recommended) | |
Configuration | V6, 60°, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
Aspiration | Twin‑turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 83.0 mm | |
Power output | 350–400 PS @ 7,000 rpm | |
Torque | 400–450 Nm @ 3,500–5,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Direct injection (Toyota D-4S derived) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Dual‑circuit water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Twin IHI VF40/VF45 (model-dependent) | |
Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
Oil type | SAE 5W‑40 full synthetic (ACEA C3) | |
Dry weight | 182 kg |
The Lotus Type 918 was used exclusively in Lotus's Evora platform with mid‑engine longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intercoolers and exhaust manifolds in the GT430 and lightweight flywheels in the Sport 410—and from 2017 the facelifted Evora GT adopted updated turbo controls and reinforced hoses, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The Type 918's primary reliability risk is intercooler hose degradation under high-boost thermal cycling, with elevated incidence in track or hot-climate use. Lotus internal service data from 2018 indicated over 18% of pre-2017 Evora 400/Sport 410 engines required hose replacement before 40,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records note frequent boost-related fault codes in unmaintained examples. Sustained high load without hose inspection increases risk of boost leak and lean misfire, making periodic visual checks critical.
Analysis derived from Lotus technical bulletins (2015–2021) and UK DVSA MOT failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The Type 918 is robust when maintained properly. Early models (2015–2016) require hose upgrades per LTB/18/07, while all versions benefit from strict 10,000 km oil changes and intake cleaning. With correct care, it offers excellent track durability and road reliability. Use 98 RON fuel and OEM-specified oil to maximise longevity.
Intercooler hose cracking, intake valve carbon buildup, turbo bearing wear from poor oil maintenance, and timing chain tensioner wear are the top issues. These are documented in Lotus service bulletins LTB/18/07 and LTB/18/03. Regular inspection and OEM parts mitigate most risks.
The Type 918 powered the Evora 400 (2015–2018), Evora Sport 410 (2016–2019), Evora GT430 (2017–2019), and Evora GT (2019–2021). All are mid-engine, longitudinal V6 applications with twin-turbocharging. It was never used in Elise, Exige, or Emira models.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps routinely achieve 430–450 PS with stock hardware. Full builds with upgraded turbos, intercoolers, and fuel systems exceed 500 PS. However, the stock block and internals are torque-limited; avoid aggressive low-end tuning without supporting mods. Always use 98+ RON fuel.
Typical consumption is 12–14 L/100km (20–24 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Track use may exceed 18 L/100km, while gentle road driving can achieve 10.5 L/100km (~27 mpg UK). Economy is secondary to performance in this high-output application.
Yes. The Type 918 is an interference design—valves and pistons occupy shared space if timing is lost. A failed timing chain can cause catastrophic internal damage. Regular inspection of the chain and tensioner is essential, especially after 60,000 km.
Lotus specifies SAE 5W-40 full synthetic oil meeting ACEA C3 standards (e.g., BMW LL-04, MB 229.31). Change every 10,000 km or annually. This protects turbo bearings, timing components, and meets emissions system requirements.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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LOTUS Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
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