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 f…
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 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.
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.
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The V660 is robust in road use but demands attention in track applications. Early engines (2010–2013) suffer oil surge under high G-forces; post-2014 revisions greatly improve dry-sump reliability. With correct oil, regular servicing, and the baffled-tank upgrade for track use, it can be very durable. High-octane fuel and cooling system care are essential.
Dry-sump oil surge (pre-2014), VVT-i actuator wear, exhaust manifold cracking, and throttle body carbon buildup are the top concerns. These are documented in Lotus service bulletins LTB‑12‑03 and LTB‑15‑09, and require OEM-specified parts for reliable repair.
Used in Evora (2010–2014), Evora S (2010–2014), Exige V6 (2012–2021), and Evora 400/GT410/GT430 (2015–2021). No other manufacturer used this variant. All are mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive configurations with dry-sump lubrication.
Yes. The V660 responds well to ECU remaps, exhaust upgrades, and lightweight components. Stage 1 tunes reach 280–300 kW safely. However, oil system integrity and cooling must be addressed first. Many owners retrofit GT430-spec manifolds and flywheels for better response.
Typical for a high-performance V6: ~13.8 L/100km (city) and ~9.2 L/100km (highway), or 20–31 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures vary with driving style, but expect 24–28 mpg UK on mixed roads. Requires RON 98+ unleaded for safe high-RPM operation.
Yes. The V660 uses an interference design. If the timing chain fails or jumps teeth, pistons will contact open valves, causing severe internal damage. However, the chain-driven DOHC system is robust with proper oil maintenance.
SAE 5W‑40 full synthetic oil meeting ACEA A3/B4 is specified for the dry-sump system (Lotus Workshop Manual 2012). Conventional oils lack the shear stability needed for sustained high-RPM operation. Oil should be changed every 10,000 km or annually.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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LOTUS Official Site
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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
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