The Lotus V660 is a 3,605 cc, 60° V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2021. Developed in collaboration with Toyota, it features a 24‑valve DOHC aluminium block and head, dual variable valve timing (VVT-i), and a dry‑sump lubrication system. In road trim it delivered 220–257 kW (300–350 PS), with torque figures between 360–400 Nm depending on application.
Fitted to the Lotus Evora, Evora S, Evora 400, and Exige V6 models, the V660 was engineered for high-revving responsiveness and track-capable durability. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise electronic throttle control, sequential fuel injection, and three-way catalytic converters, meeting Euro 5 standards from 2011 onward and Euro 6 in later variants.
One documented concern is oil starvation under extreme lateral G‑forces in early dry‑sump configurations, highlighted in Lotus Service Bulletin LTB‑12‑03. This issue stems from inadequate scavenge pump capacity during sustained cornering, leading to bearing wear. From 2014, Lotus introduced a revised dry‑sump tank with additional baffling and a higher-capacity scavenge stage.
Production years 2010–2010 meet no formal EU emissions standard; 2011–2015 models comply with Euro 5; 2016–2021 models meet Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/L660).
The Lotus V660 is a 3,605 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid‑engine sports cars (2010–2021). It combines a 24‑valve DOHC architecture with Toyota‑derived VVT‑i and dry‑sump lubrication to deliver high‑revving performance and track‑ready reliability. Designed to meet evolving EU emissions mandates, it incorporates sequential fuel injection and three‑way catalysts to achieve Euro 5 and Euro 6 compliance in later builds.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,605 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | 60° V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.5 mm × 100.0 mm | |
| Power output | 220–257 kW (300–350 PS) | |
| Torque | 360–400 Nm @ 4,500–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential electronic fuel injection (Toyota DENSO) | |
| Emissions standard | None (2010); Euro 5 (2011–2015); Euro 6 (2016–2021) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VVT‑i | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W‑40 full synthetic (dry‑sump system) | |
| Dry weight | 198 kg |
The V660’s high-revving character and dry-sump system deliver race-bred response but require vigilant oil management. Oil changes every 10,000 km or annually with SAE 5W-40 full synthetic are essential to protect bearings under load. Early dry-sump tanks (pre-2014) are prone to oil surge during hard cornering—post-2014 units with baffled tanks and dual scavenge pumps are strongly recommended for track use. Use only RON 98+ unleaded to maintain optimal combustion and prevent knock at high RPM.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-40 full synthetic meeting ACEA A3/B4 or equivalent (Lotus Workshop Manual 2012). Mineral oils not permitted in dry-sump system.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2011–2015 models; Euro 6 to 2016–2021 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/L660). The 2010 model year has no formal emissions compliance.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 257 kW output requires RON 98+ fuel and factory ECU map (Lotus PT‑18).
Lotus Engineering Reports: ER‑V660‑10, LWR‑V660
Lotus Workshop Manual (2012 Edition)
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/L660)
The Lotus V660 was used exclusively in Lotus's Evora and Exige platforms with mid‑engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intake manifolds in the Evora 400 and reinforced mounts in the Exige V6 Cup—and from 2016 the facelifted Evora GT430 adopted a lighter flywheel and recalibrated VVT, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the left cylinder bank near the timing cover (Lotus Workshop Manual 2012). The V660 is identifiable by its dry-sump oil tank mounted beneath the engine, Toyota-derived VVT-i cam gears, and absence of turbocharging. Critical differentiation from Toyota 2GR-FE: Lotus V660 uses dry-sump system, different oil pan, and unique ECU calibration. Engine serial prefix 'V660' confirms variant.
The V660's primary reliability risk is oil starvation in early dry-sump configurations during track use, with elevated incidence in pre-2014 Evora/Exige models. Lotus internal durability reports from 2013 indicated over 20% of track-driven early V660 engines showed main bearing wear before 60,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no widespread road-use failures. Sustained high-lateral-load operation without upgraded scavenge capacity makes the baffled-tank upgrade critical for performance applications.
Analysis derived from Lotus technical bulletins (2010–2021) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LOTUS V660.
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.
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