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.

Evora on Trial

Lotus Evora

Winding Road magazine got to spend some time in the passenger seat of an Evora being driven by Matt Becker of Lotus. While the article is a little short on real driving impressions, it does have some info about things like pricing (starting at $70,000), release date (Q1 2010), performance (0-60 in 4.9s), interior, etc… Click through to read the full article.

Evora Specifications and Pricing (EU and Switzerland)

Evora UK options and pricing
Evora 2+0 £ 47,500
Evora 2+2 £ 49,875
Tech Pack £ 2,495
Sport Pack £ 950
Premium Pack £ 2,495
Metallic Paint £ 538
Lifestyle Paint £ 979
Premium Paint £ 1,957
Powerfold Door Mirrors £ 300
Bi-Xenon Headlamps £ 550
Alpine/Lotus IMPRINT Sound £ 1,495
Alpine Reversing camera £ 300
Stealth Grey cast alloy wheels £ 300
Silver forged alloy wheels £ 1,495
Gloss Anthracite forged alloy wheels £ 1,795
Sports ratio 6-speed manual transmission £ 1,495

Full Press release below

First deliveries of the eagerly anticipated Lotus Evora will be made to customers in Europe in May 2009 following an extensive and rapid development programme, enabling the whole project to be completed in an extraordinary 27 months, almost unprecedented in the motor industry.

The Lotus Evora Launch Edition
The first 450 cars will be built to a high level standard specification which includes the following equipment:

? 2+2 seating configuration
? Tech Pack
? Premium Pack
? Sport Pack
? Hi-power silver cast alloy wheels
? Bi-Xenon Headlamps
? Alpine Imprint Audio System
? Reversing Camera
? Electric Powerfold Mirrors

The Launch Edition includes either Ardent Red or British Racing Green as standard, and all other colours from the Lotus range are available as a cost option.

Following on from these first 450 Lotus Evora Launch Edition sportscars, customers will have the opportunity to spec to a more personal level – but of course they will not be part of the select few who will be among the first to own Britain’s latest sportscar and one of the most anticipated cars of the year, complete with a unique Evora commemorative build plate in the cabin.

The Lotus Evora in Summary
The Lotus Evora will enter the sportscar market as the only mid-engined 2+2 in production. The new car is a more holistic offering than the Elise, Europa and Exige models that have been so massively popular and iconic. The Lotus Evora is designed for people who desire exotic sportscar characteristics of stunning design, exclusivity, dramatic proportions and performance. However, it offers real-world usability and a unique sense of occasion. Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 producing 280 PS and 342 Nm of torque, the new car employs innovative lightweight chassis technology to ensure all-round dynamic performance, in keeping with the great Lotus tradition.

Straight line performance is spectacular, with the zero to 100 km/h sprint taking place in just over 5 seconds with a top speed of over 260 km/h (prototype figures). Economy and emissions figures are class leading with the Official European Combined Cycle fuel economy being just 8.7 litres / 100 km and the emissions being just 205 g / km CO2. The other fuel economy figures are equally impressive with Official European Urban Cycle figures of 12.4 litres / 100 km and 6.5 litres / 100 km for the Official European Extra Urban Cycle.

Inside, the Lotus Evora cocoons occupants with sumptuous leather surfaces juxtaposed with contemporary high-tech features. With driver focused instrumentation the occupants sit in cockpit-esque surroundings. A beautifully appointed dash boasts tactile details such as flush-mounted controls that glow with blue LED haloes and a stylised speedometer and rev counter ensuring that controls are both attractive and accessible. Styled in-house by Lotus Design, the Evora’s sophisticated and attention-snaring lines brilliantly disguise its ability to accommodate passengers in the rear of the cabin, giving the car the external characteristics of a small, nimble sportscar belying its real exterior and internal space. As well as being sold in a 2+2 configuration, the car will also be available as a two-seater, the space in the rear being allocated to luggage storage. Other derivatives are also planned for the long term future, including a convertible and a version with automatic transmission.

The first production Lotus Evoras have already started down the assembly line at Lotus’ high tech manufacturing facilities in Worcester UK (where the advanced extruded and bonded aluminium chassis is made) and at the Lotus Headquarters in Hethel UK. Build volumes are expected to ramp up steadily over the next few months with a target of 34 Lotus Evoras being made each week by July 2009. This manufacturing volume is in addition to the current build volume for Lotus small car platform vehicles (Elise, Exige, Europa and 2-Eleven) of 44 per week building to 55-60 per week in the run up to the northern hemisphere summer.

For peace of mind, the Lotus Evora has a 3 year 100,000 km (60,000 miles) whole vehicle warranty with an 8 years chassis perforation warranty for EU markets.
Full standard equipment, together with the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices for the Lotus Evora and the cost option equipment are listed below:

Lotus Evora Standard and Cost Option Equipment

S – Standard O – Cost option

Engine and transmission

206 kW (276 hp, 280 PS) 3.5 litre V6 engine with VVT-I

S

6-speed manual transmission

S

Sports ratio 6-speed manual transmission

O

Optimal gear shift-point display

S

Twin polished exhaust tailpipe

S

Handling technology

Fully independent suspension layout

S

Forged aluminium unequal length double wishbones with integral joint

S

Bilstein mono-tube gas dampers (front and rear)

S

Eibach coaxial coil springs (front and rear)

S

Anti-roll bars (front and rear)

S

Yokohama Advan Sport LTS tyres (225/40 ZR18 front and 255/35 ZR19 rear)

S

Hydraulically-assisted power steering

S

BOSCH Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)

S

Switchable traction control

S

Safety

Lotus lightweight deformable bonded front structure

S

Lotus all-aluminium safety monocoque ‘tub’

S

Lotus welded galvanised deformable rear structure

S

Lotus side impact safety structure

S

Stainless steel fuel tank, sheltered within safety shell

S

2-stage airbags for driver and front passenger

S

Isofix child seat fastening system in the rear

S on 2+2 seating configuration only

AP racing 4-piston fixed aluminium alloy 2-piece callipers S

Ventilated brake discs (350 mm front and 332 mm rear)

S

BOSCH ABS with servo assisted brakes featuring

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)

Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)

S

Key located remote control central locking system and boot release

S

Immobiliser and key activated alarm

S

3rd brake light – high mounted

S

Rear windscreen demister

S

Insulated double glazed rear window, filled with Argon

S

Wheels

Silver cast alloy wheels (18″ front and 19″ rear)

S

Silver forged alloy wheels (18″ front and 19″ rear)

O

Stealth Grey cast alloy wheels (18″ front and 19″ rear)

O

Gloss Anthracite forged alloy wheels (18″ front and 19″ rear)

O

Exterior equipment

Halogen headlights

S

Bi-Xenon headlights, incl. headlight washing system

O

Solar glass windscreen

S

Body coloured, heated, electric door mirrors

S

Body coloured, heated, electric, power-fold door mirrors

O

Aerodynamically optimised rear diffuser and wing

S

Body coloured door handles

O

Chrome brand and model designation badges

S

Interior specification

Air conditioning unit

S

Adjustable Recaro Black leather sports seats (front). Recline tilt and slide

S

Flat-bottomed leather/magnesium steering wheel

S

Manual steering column adjustment for length and height

S

Bespoke aluminium illuminated control knobs and switches

S

Electric windows

S

Leather gear-knob

S

Leather handbrake sleeve

S

Remote release glove box S

Door storage bins & integrated cup holders

S

12-V interior accessory socket

S

12-V boot mounted battery accessory socket

S

Lotus command centre with auxiliary trip computer

S

Entertainment

Alpine CD/MP3/WMA receiver including:

S

2x45W High Power Amp (6″ 1/4 coaxial 2-way speakers & dash mounted tweaters)

S

CD-R/-RW/MP3 Playback

Full speed connection for iPod touch, iPod nano and all iPod models with dock connector

S

Full speed AUX input

S

Quick search

S

Lightweight fractal aerial

S

Tech pack

O

Upgraded stereo system with:

Alpine Mobile Media Station DVD±R/±RW/MP3/AAC/WMA/DivX Playback

2x50W High Power Amp (6″ 1/4 coaxial 2-way speakers & dash mounted tweaters)

Alpine Lightweight amplifier with lightweight 150watt subwoofer

7″ WVGA Touch Screen display

Alpine BlackBird Portable Satellite Navigation

Bluetooth mobile phone connection

USB connection for various iPod models and selected

other MP3 player and memory sticks

iPod connection and docking cradle in glovebox

Full speed AUX input

Quick search

Cruise Control, included in steering wheel

Rear parking sensors

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Tech pack upgrades:

Alpine/Lotus IMPRINT Sound with Specialised Advanced fine tuning

Optimisation of sound reproduction

Enhanced sound staging and definition within the car

O

Alpine Reversing camera (day & night) with 138 degree Field of View

O

Premium pack:

O

Accent lighting

Leather trimmed tailgate insert panel

Evora Logo on dash

Premium floor mats

Choice of seat leather colour

– Charcoal

– Oyster

– Paprika

– Chestnut

Leather door panelling below trim band

Leather trimmed door pockets

Leather footwell side panels

Leather trimmed armrest

Fully leather trimmed centre console

Sport pack:

O

Switchable sports mode featuring:

Enhanced Throttle response and RPM limit

Sports traction control mode with increased yaw and slip thresholds

Sports diffuser

Titanium sports exhaust tailpipe

Cross drilled brake disks

Black painted brake callipers

Engine Oil cooler**

Paints

Solid Paint

S

Ardent Red

British Racing Green

Metallic Paint

O

Starlight Black

Liquid Blue

Persian Blue

Canyon Red

Arctic Silver

Storm Titanium

Solar Yellow

Lifestyle Paint

O

Phantom Black

Aquamarine

Laser Blue

Isotope Green

Carbon Grey

Graphite Grey

Chrome Orange

Quartz Silver

Aspen White

Saffron Yellow

Premium Paint

O

Burnt Orange

Ice White

Warranty EU Markets

3 year 100,000 km (60,000 miles) whole vehicle warranty. 8 years chassis perforation warranty. Customers statutory rights not affected.

MSRP :

including local tax

including transport

France

Italy

Belgium

Switzerland

Evora 2+0

€ 61.189,–

€ 61.874,–

€ 61,809.–

CHF 93,241.–

Evora 2+2

€ 64.717,–

€ 65.413,–

€ 65,378.–

CHF 97,829.–

Tech Pack

€ 3.508,–

€ 3.519,–

€ 3.549,–

CHF 5.228,–

Sport Pack

€ 1.498,–

€ 1.503,–

€ 1.515,–

CHF 2.233,–

Premium Pack

€ 3.005,–

€ 3.015,–

€ 3.040,–

CHF 4.478,–

Metallic Paint

€ 995,–

€ 998,–

€ 1.007,–

CHF 1.482,–

Lifestyle Paint

€ 1.859,–

€ 1.866,–

€ 1.881,–

CHF 2.771,–

Premium Paint

€ 2.751,–

€ 2.760,–

€ 2.783,–

CHF 4.101,–

Powerfold Door Mirrors € 291,–

€ 292,–

€ 295,–

CHF 433,–

Bi-Xenon Headlamps

€ 995,–

€ 998,–

€ 1.007,–

CHF 1.484,–

Alpine/Lotus IMPRINT Sound

€ 1.498,–

€ 1.503,–

€ 1.515,–

CHF 2.234,–

Alpine Reversing camera

€ 593,–

€ 595,–

€ 600,–

CHF 892,–

Stealth Grey cast alloy wheels

€ 553,–

€ 555,–

€ 559,–

CHF 825,–

Silver forged alloy wheels

€ 2.000,–

€ 2.007,–

€ 2.023,–

CHF 2.985,–

Gloss Anthracite forged alloy wheels

€ 2.764,–

€ 2.773,–

€ 2.796,–

CHF 4.122,–

Sports ratio 6-speed manual transmission

€ 1.809,–

€ 1.815,–

€ 1.830,–

CHF 2.698,–

MSRP :

MSRP:

including local tax

excluding local tax

excluding transport

excluding transport

Germany

United Kingdom*

Euro zone Countries

Evora 2+0

€ 59.990,–

£ 47,500.–

€ 50.412,–

Evora 2+2

€ 63.500,–

£ 49,875.–

€ 53.361,–

Tech Pack

€ 3.490,–

£ 2,495.–

€ 2.933,–

Sport Pack

€ 1.490,–

£ 950.–

€ 1.252,–

Premium Pack

€ 2.990,–

£ 2,495.–

€ 2.513,–

Metallic Paint

€ 990,–

£ 538.–

€ 832,–

Lifestyle Paint

€ 1.850,–

£ 979.–

€ 1.555,–

Premium Paint

€ 2.737,–

£ 1,957.–

€ 2.300,–

Powerfold Door Mirrors

€ 290,–

£ 300.–

€ 244,–

Bi-Xenon Headlamps

€ 990,–

£ 550.–

€ 832,–

Alpine/Lotus IMPRINT Sound

€ 1.490,–

£ 1,495.–

€ 1.252,–

Alpine Reversing camera

€ 590,–

£ 300.–

€ 496,–

Stealth Grey cast alloy wheels

€ 550,–

£ 300.–

€ 462,–

Silver forged alloy wheels

€ 1.990,–

£ 1,495.–

€ 1.672,–

Gloss Anthracite forged alloy wheels

€ 2.750,–

£ 1,795.–

€ 2.311,–

Sports ratio 6-speed manual transmission

€ 1.800,–

£ 1,495.–

€ 1.513,–

All prices include first service and manufacturers warranty

All prices exclude on the road costs; on the road costs typically refer to registration, fuel, license plates, road tax, local dealer charges

* UK MRSP price – add £950 for on the road price


Lotus Evora:

205 g/km CO2
8.7 litres / 100 km (32.5 mpg) Combined Cycle
12.4 litres / 100 km (22.8 mpg) Urban Cycle
6.5 litres / 100 km (43.5 mpg) Extra Urban Cycle

Evora Production begins

Finished Evoras coming off the assempbly line
Finished Evoras coming off the assembly line

The Lotus Evora has finally started series production and the folks at Lotus Central were around to document the build process on the initial production examples. Click through to see how the bare chassis below gets turned into a full production Lotus.

Evora Chassis beginning the assembly process
Evora Chassis beginning the assembly process

[Source: Lotus Central]