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 Type 918 was engineered for high‑performance road and track use, emphasising throttle response, mid‑range torque, and thermal resilience. Emissions compliance was achieved through dual‑circuit cooling, variable valve timing, and a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter system, allowing Euro 6 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature intercooler hose degradation under sustained high‑boost conditions, highlighted in Lotus Service Bulletin LTB/18/07. This stems from thermal cycling and ozone exposure in the engine bay, leading to micro‑cracking and potential boost leaks. From 2017, Lotus introduced reinforced silicone hoses with improved heat shielding as standard on GT430 and later Sport 410 revisions.
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 twin‑turbo V6 delivers immediate throttle response and strong mid‑range torque ideal for spirited road and track use, but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using ACEA C3‑compliant 5W‑40 oil to protect turbo bearings and timing chains. The direct injection system is prone to carbon buildup on intake valves—consider periodic walnut blasting or intake cleaning after 60,000 km. Intercooler hoses should be inspected annually for micro‑cracking; replace with OEM‑revised silicone units per LTB/18/07 if pre‑2017. Use 98 RON fuel to prevent knock under high load, especially in GT430 tune.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA C3 5W‑40 full synthetic (Lotus Tech. Bull. LTB/18/03). Compatible with BMW Longlife‑04 and MB 229.31.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all 2013–2021 Type 918 engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9182). Verified via UK VCA database.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 400 PS output requires 98 RON fuel and factory ECU calibration (Lotus Eng. Rep. ER‑918‑13).
Lotus Cars Workshop Manual (2015 Edition)
Lotus Technical Bulletins: LTB/18/03, LTB/18/05, LTB/18/07
Lotus Engineering Reports: ER‑918‑13, LWR‑918
Toyota/Lotus Joint Engine Specification (2012)
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.
Engine code '918' is cast into the front face of the aluminium block near the timing cover. The intake manifold features a black composite plenum with 'LOTUS' embossed centrally. Early units (2015–2016) use red silicone intercooler hoses; post-2017 models have black reinforced hoses with heat shielding. Turbocharger housings are marked 'IHI VF40' (400/410) or 'VF45' (GT430/GT). Confirm ECU part number—GT430 uses Bosch MED17.5.5 with unique calibration ID.
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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LOTUS TYPE-918.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
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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.
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