The Evora is the antithesis of the Elise. Lotus has designed the Evora to be a more mature, more everyday friendly car. Not a dedicated two seater like the Exige and Elise, this is a 2 plus 2 configurations, large enough for two full sized adults to ride comfortably in. Thank in part to its' more softly sprung suspension, it is more comfortable to ride in especially over imperfect pavement. Entry and exit is much less of an exercise than with Lotus' other models. Lotus has muffled the engine on the Evora as well, making one occupant able to hear another while driving.
While the Evora follows the same Aluminum tub with steel sub fames and composite body panels equation that the Elise and Exige do, the added civility of this model have added nearly a thousand pounds to its curb weight. This necessitated the use of a more powerful engine to keep it from feeling bogged down. In this case, a Toyota source, 3.5 liter V-6 which makes 276 Hp and 258 Ft. Lbs of Torque manages to keep performance levels up despite the increase in weight.
The Range
Bodystyle: Coupe
Engine: 3.5L V-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Model: Evora
What's New
Just about everything. While components of Evora's modular architecture are shared with Elise and Exige, all other bits and pieces are unique. As the brand's only four-seat and V-6-powered offering, the Evora necessitated fresh sheet metal, a more luxurious interior, all-new power steering, larger brakes, and a suspension that was both capable at the track and livable on the road.
Exterior
From the steeply raked nose and "floating" rear wing to the center-mounted dual tailpipes and muscular rear haunches, the Evora wears a flamboyant façade that screams eye-catching exoticism yet still delivers the familial Lotus look.
Interior
Standard Evora fare in the cabin includes air conditioning, an Alpine AM/FM/CD stereo, and leather-covered Recaro seats. Cruise control, navigation, and back-up camera are optional. The trunk, at 6.0 cubic-feet, is small, but the back seats double as cubbies.
Performance & Handling
Evora's 3.5-liter V-6 delivers 276 horsepower and 258 pound-feet, and is mated to a six-speed manual. Acceleration -- 0-to-60 in 5.0 seconds -- is quick but not as speedy as say, a Porsche Cayman S. The Evora's braking and handling are comparable to the Porsche, thanks to AP Racing brakes and a control-arm suspension with Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs.
Safety
Driver and passenger front airbags are standard on the Evora, as are a stainless steel fuel tank, rear-seat ISOFIX child-seat system, and immobilizer alarm. Standard dynamic safety technologies include traction control, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes.
EPA Fuel Economy
Standard 6-speed: 17 mpg city/27 mpg highway
Sports Ratio 6-speed: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Avant-garde styling
- Tenacious grip
- Sublime steering
- Quiet cabin
- 27 mpg on highway
You Won't Like
- Balky gearbox
- Frustrating infotainment
- Ingress/egress
- Rear visibility
Sum Up
Exotic looks, performance to match
If You Like This Vehicle
- Audi TTS
- Nissan 370Z
- Porsche Cayman
- Porsche 911