Lotus Evora Wins BBC Top Gear Magazine Sports Car of the Year 2009 Award

Lotus Evora Front 3qtrs

The Lotus Evora was selected by Top Gear magazine and online teams as the best Sports Car of the last 12 months.

The Top Gear Awards, now in their 10th year, searched for the most exciting and innovative sports car of this year. The awards are not only well established, but are also truly global, running across 24 international editions and Top Gear websites in the UK, US and Australia.

Conor McNicholas, Editor of BBC Top Gear magazine commented “It’s pretty, quintessentially British, fast and handles like a dream. Evora takes Lotus to a new place in terms of quality but more importantly delivers a sports car rush that puts other marques to shame.”

Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus plc said, “I am delighted that the Evora has won the Top Gear award for Sports Car of the Year 2009. Top Gear is very well regarded around the world and it is a fantastic achievement for all who have worked on the Evora to win such a prestigious award.”

Dany continued, “I am particularly pleased that the Top Gear team commented on the huge improvements in quality at Lotus, confirming that the Evora is an exciting supercar that can also be used for every day driving.”

This accolade adds to the awards haul for the Evora, which includes:

· Autocar magazine – Britain’s Best Driver’s Car 2009

· Car magazine – Performance Car of the Year 2009

· European Aluminium Awards 2008 – Overall Jury Prize – Lotus Evora Aluminium Structure

· EVO magazine – Car of the Year 2009

· iMotor – Overall Winner – Most Rated Car of 2008

Lotus Evora Pricing and Dealer Tour

The Evora pricing has been announced at $73,500 (full details in press release below) and you can check it out in person during the Bay Area dealer tour at:

Lotus of San Francisco
Date: December 7, 2009
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
To RSVP please call Laura Schaub at 415.351.5147

Boardwalk Lotus
Dec 9-10
Redwood City
SPECIAL RECEPTION on Dec 9th, drives on the 10th. GGLC members are invited – email to RSVP

Lotus of Los Gatos
Dec 11-12

Press release from Lotus:

In preparation for the arrival of the all-new 2010 Evora into the US market during the first quarter of 2010, two Evoras are set to begin a 44 dealer Open House Tour. Following are the Evora’s US market product content, option packages, pricing details and the full Open House Tour schedule.

All-New 2010 Lotus Evora Prepares for Launch
While Evora production for the UK and European markets has been ramping up for months to begin fulfilling their orders, production for the US and Canadian markets has yet to begin. Though the Evora has only been shown on a few occasions thus far in the US and Canada, approximately the first two months of production are already pre-sold. To enable more sports car aficionados an opportunity to see the Evora in person, starting Friday, November 13 two Evoras will embark on a 44 dealer Open House Tour of the US.

The Lotus Evora in Summary
The Lotus Evora will enter the sports car market as the only mid-engine 2+2 in production. Evora is designed for people who desire the exotic sports car characteristics of stunning design, exclusivity, dramatic proportions and performance. However, it offers real-world usability, surprising efficiency and a unique sense of occasion as well.

Powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 276 hp at 6,400 rpm and 258 lb./ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm, the Evora employs innovative lightweight chassis technology to ensure all-around exceptional dynamic performance, in keeping with the great Lotus tradition. From its beginning over 60 years ago, Lotus’ consistent guiding principle has been to achieve ‘performance through lightweight’ and that’s always meant all facets of performance including efficiency. The Evora provides unassailable proof of this ethos as the only regular production car in the world capable of accelerating from 0 – 60 mph in under 5 seconds (4.9), on up to a top speed over 160 mph (162) while also delivering 30+ miles per gallon on the highway.

Inside the Evora simplicity meets sophistication in an exquisite combination of detailing and hand-built craftsmanship. By using only the finest leather from renowned experts Muirhead, the interior is hand-trimmed and twin-stitched to create a beautifully tactile and visually striking environment. Genuine aluminum instrument and center console surfaces contain ergonomically positioned controls providing a purposeful drivers’ cockpit. The leather wrapped steering wheel is tilt and telescopically adjustable, flat-bottomed to ease entry and exit and made from ultra-lightweight magnesium to provide super-precise feel through the wheel. The adjustable Recaro seats cradle the occupants and, along with the perfectly placed aluminum pedals, complete the optimum connection between driver – Evora – and the road. The rear seat area is cleverly hidden within the exotic, mid-engine profile of the Evora. An Alpine audio system with available touch-screen navigation, iPod™ (and other MP3 player) connectivity, Bluetooth and other amenities make the journey all the more pleasant. The Evora is a pure sports car that you can happily, comfortably enjoy every day.

For peace of mind, the 2010 Lotus Evora has a 3-year/36,000-mile limited vehicle warranty with an 8-year chassis perforation warranty.

Lotus Evora Pricing + Options MSRP
2010 Lotus Evora 2+2 $73,500
Premium Package $1,990
Sport Package $1,275
Technology Package $2,995
Sports Ratio 6-Speed Gearbox $1,500
Premium (IMPRINT) Audio $695
Reversing Camera $495
Power Folding Mirrors $450
Stealth Grey Cast Alloy Wheels $475
Silver Forged Alloy Wheels $1,750
Anthracite Forged Alloy Wheels $2,125
Metallic Paint $590
Lifestyle Paint $1,200
Limited Paint $3,300
StarShield $995
Destination $1,175

Lotus Scoops EVO Car of the Year Double

Evora_Scotland_1

The Lotus Evora takes the title of ‘EVO Car of the Year 2009’, with the Lotus 2-Eleven winning the prestigious ‘EVO Track Car of the Year 2009’ competition.

2-Eleven_Dynamic

For the ‘EVO Car of the Year 2009’ test EVO Magazine took a fleet of the world’s most desirable driving machines to the sensational roads of the Isle of Skye in Scotland, to evaluate the cars over a three day and 1000 mile test route.

The Lotus Evora, along with cars from manufacturers including Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin were put through their paces on the challenging and technical roads by the EVO team.

In the Car of the Year test, the group of 13 cars were whittled down to the top 5 and then scored out of 100, with the Lotus Evora beating all other entrants with an impressive score of 96.0.

John Barker, Motoring Editor said of the Evora “It’s a magical thing across the ground, deft like an Elise, with exceptional poise and feel. What was telling for me was that, getting into it after any of the other finalists, it was even better than I remembered: a bit smoother, a bit quicker and even sweeter dynamically, too. It’s a beguiling car.”

David Vivian, Contributing Editor, commented, “A quite brilliant car and worthy winner.”

The ‘EVO Track Car of the Year 2009’ event swapped the dramatic scenery and challenging gradients for the more familiar, but fast and demanding West Circuit at the Bedford Autodrome.

The Lotus 2-Eleven along with eleven other cars competed for the title of ‘EVO Track Car of the Year 2009’. The test group contained some of the most exciting track cars on sale today, including hot hatches, track focused supercars and exotic track machines.

In the Track Car of the Year competition the cars were each timed around the West Circuit and compared subjectively to find a winner. On the way to winning the competition the 2-Eleven posted the second fastest time and closely matched the criteria set by the judges of providing entertainment, being rewarding and a challenge to drive.

Roger Green, Track Test Editor, when commenting on the 2-Eleven said “Every single judge described (the 2-Eleven) as ‘superb’ in their assessment notes.”

Henry Catchpole, Road Test Editor, stated that “It’s fabulous. It takes the habitability, finish and dimensions of the road car and adds the dynamics and awesome gearbox of a race car.”

Luke Bennett, Operations Director of Lotus Cars Limited said that “I am delighted that the Evora took the title of “EVO Car of the Year 2009” and it is made even better that at the same time the 2-Eleven has won the Track Car of the Year competition. The Evora and 2-Eleven offer very different ownership propositions; however both have the same Lotus DNA and each reward the driver with a great Lotus driving experience.”

Luke went on to say “It is a great endorsement for Lotus cars that the most refined car in the product line up is picking up awards at the same time as the most extreme car in the range, illustrating the great wealth of engineering and manufacturing expertise at Lotus.”

Evora Deliveries Begin

Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars (left) hands over the keys of the first customer Lotus Evora to Mr Matthew Melling at the Lotus Headquarters in Norfolk, UK.
Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars (left) hands over the keys of the first customer Lotus Evora to Mr Matthew Melling at the Lotus Headquarters in Norfolk, UK.

Matthew Melling of Twickenham, UK received the keys of a Storm Titanium Lotus Evora from Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited at the Lotus Headquarters where the new mid-engined 2+2 sportscar is hand built.

Many Lotus dealers around the world have already received their demonstrators and Lotus has, so far, received orders for the next 5 months of production. Demand for Lotus’ award winning Evora has meant that 150 extra new manufacturing staff have been recruited to support assembly operations in Norfolk, UK, a very positive sign at a time when the global motor industry faces huge challenges. Full production is expected to reach the maximum rate by the end of November 2009.

Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited said, “It is quite an emotional time to deliver the first Lotus Evora to Mr. Melling. The whole team has worked incredibly hard to design, engineer and produce such a stunning and high performing sportscar and it is a great feeling to hand over the keys to the first customer today. The Evora has won many awards around the world already so we are not surprised that there is high demand for the car and I am sure that each customer who receives their car will be delighted with their purchase.”

Matthew Melling, a customer of Stratton Motor Company, in Norfolk said, “I was determined to be the first in the world to get my hands on an Evora so with Stratton Motor Company’s help, I laid down my deposit within seconds of the order books being opened last year. I have read all the press reviews of the Evora and am so excited about getting behind the wheel – what a great start to September!”

Autocar crown Evora “Britain’s Best Driver’s Car 2009”

The Lotus Evora shows its pedigree fending off tough competition from the world’s best driver’s cars to become Autocar favourite.

The competition included rigorous road and track assessment, using the stunning roads around the South Downs and the fantastic high speed corners at the Goodwood race circuit. The feature included driver’s cars from Aston Martin, Nissan, Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini and Jaguar.

Chas Hallet, Autocar Editor said about the Evora, “The best here. Brilliant on the track. Nimble, delicate and forgiving. Even better on the road.”

Autocar magazine in summing up the competition added, “Decisions don’t come much more clear cut than this, with nine out of 10 judges placing the Evora first. This contest is about finding a car that is not only technically capable, but also thrilling and engaging wherever you drive it, and the Lotus nails those criteria”.

The unique mid-engined 2+2 Lotus Evora combines a super stiff extruded and bonded Aluminium chassis with decades of vehicle dynamics knowledge employed to tune its race car derived double wishbone suspension. The result is a great driver’s car that offers exceptionally high levels of ultimate grip, with performance and braking to match.

Roger Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director said, “The dynamic ability and driving experience of the Evora were the foundation of the engineering process and we are delighted that Autocar has recognised this by giving the Evora this accolade. The Evora offers the great Lotus driving experience in a very comfortable, practical, refined and efficient package, and with only 205 g/km of CO2 it shows that the Evora is a supercar for the 21st century.”

Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars commented, “We are really pleased to win this title as it not only demonstrates the engineering expertise and brilliant manufacturing at Lotus, but also asserts our position in this very exclusive and competitive sector. There is huge global demand for the Evora and to cope with this high demand we are taking on over 150 manufacturing staff, which is roughly a 30% increase.”

Click here to watch Steve Sutcliffe talk about the Evora driving experience. The full article is on the Autocar website.

Tony Shute on the Evora Development cycle

TheManufacuturer.com has a fantastic video of a Tony Shute presentation on the design decisions and the development process that went into the creation of the Lotus Evora. It a bit tech heavy and quite long (38 min) but is definitely worth the watch and I guarantee that it will absolutely delight the engineer inside you.

Some of the highlights:

  1. Went from a clean sheet to final production in 27 months
  2. The front crash structure was designed and tested independent of the rest of the car
  3. The aluminum wishbones on both sides of the front and the rear uppers use the same tooling
  4. Headlight tooling was developed in China but uses UK parts
  5. Radiator acts as a front wing and generates downforces
  6. Main chassis consists of 20 extrusions
  7. Prototypes were built on the manufacturing line

Click here to watch the video

[TheManufacturer via LotusEnthusiast]

Drivers Republic reviews the Evora

This is a new Lotus, with a new chassis, a new engine and a big job on its hands. Richard Meaden discovers if the Evora is the revolution we’ve been waiting for, and if the Cayman is yesterday’s hero…

Evora reviews come pouring in

The worlds automotive press have finally gotten their hands on the Lotus Evora and the glowing reviews have been pouring in. Click through to read more:

Car and Driver

The Evora is planted and secure, yet picks apart corners with a light and playful feel that always makes mid-engine cars feel so special—think Ferrari F430, only with better steering.

Motortrend

The Evora marks a turning point for the British maker. This may be the first-ever Lotus built for everyone.

Automobile Mag

In terms of build quality and the solidity of its presentation, the Evora is easily the most mature Lotus yet. While heavier than most of its predecessors, none will doubt they are driving a car built by people who place a premium on roadholding and handling.

Autocar

However, the major surprise is the Evora’s suitability for day-long journeys; the creamy torque of the engine, the way the suspension quietly absorbs bumps and suppresses the coarse surfaces so often found in rural Scotland, the rock-like rigidity of the chassis and the richness of its cabin trim and equipment are all new areas for Lotus. This is a car truly suitable for a week’s all-roads European grand touring, the first of the marque to achieve it.

Drivers Republic

First impressions: typical Lotus ride/handling but much more grown-up. There’s even a properly good hi-fi!

Top Gear

But the really successful elements of Project Eagle – stiff, versatile chassis, stunning looks and superb handling – are what the Elise was about fifteen years ago.