National Post
David Grainger
Friday, June 25, 2010
I traded in my Lotus Exige (pictured below) the other day, and I did so with a surprising amount of sadness. The Exige is one of my two favourite cars of all time to drive, sharing top honours with only one other car, my now also gone 1929 4.5-litre Le Mans Bentley.
The Exige was small, cramped and hellish to get in and out of. Sometimes, it was an environment from which I desperately wanted to escape, but I always returned the next day with anticipation. Now, it's gone.
That said, sitting in my garage (because it's raining, damn it) is the Exige's replacement, the very first Lotus Evora to arrive and be registered in Canada. It shares the same bloodlines as the Exige and in many ways they have a very strong family resemblance. But there are huge differences. It handles superbly, which is almost not worth mentioning as there has never been a poor-handling Lotus. But it is a little more distant from the road than the Exige, which is understandable, as it is a much larger car and has a little less track suspension. It also passes over small pieces of gravel on the road without requiring the driver to head for the nearest chiropractor.
What do the all-new Lotus Evora and Toyota RAV4 have in common? The engine, that’s what! In the case of the former, the 3.5-litre V6 sits right behind the passenger quarters and elevates the Great Lotus to the ranks of the Porsche Cayman in terms of muscle and refinement.
The addition of this model to the British brand’s lineup is major news. After all, the last time Lotus introduced a new car was way back in 1995, when Italy’s Romano Artioli, head of Bugatti, operated under Lotus wings. The Elise, a cute and nimble little roadster, was actually named after his daughter Elisa… and in accordance with the company’s tradition of selling cars that start with an "E."
Over the years, and under new stewardship (Malaysian automaker Proton purchased Lotus in 1996), the Elise gave birth to a plethora of variants, both for the road and the track, as well as two very interesting evolutions: the Exige and Europa S two-seaters.
Porsche Cayman S and Lotus Evora Comparison Test Drive
PopularMechanics.com
By Larry Webster
The Porsche Cayman S and the new Lotus Evora are two of the finest driving cars available at any price. They trade outright horsepower for handling prowess, telepathic controls and even a bit of fuel frugality. But which one cuts the best curve?
Los Angeles—After years of gestation, the new Lotus Evora has arrived on our shores. With an aluminum chassis, a Toyota V6 and a close-ratio manual transmission, its maker claims the low-slung sports car handles better than anything else on the road. Heady claims for sure, especially since the Evora's $74,675 base price also lands it right against Porsche's Cayman S, a lauded driver's machine that debuted in 2006. To find out which one rules the tarmac, we ran the pair on and around L.A. mountain roads, highways and city streets, and also stopped at Camarillo airport for instrumented testing. Over what was probably the best 330 miles we've ever spent in cars, we found our favorite.
The Specs
While both of these cars carry six-cylinder engines ahead of the rear axle—a rare engine placement—they're actually very different vehicles.
For example, the Evora has a V6 engine, while the Cayman relies on Porsche's flat six-cylinder. Displacing 3.4 liters, the aluminum motor employs a dry-sump lubrication system, variable valve timing and lift, direct fuel injection and a lofty 12.5:1 compression ratio. It belts out 320 hp at 7200 rpm and 273 lb-ft at 4750 rpm. A six-speed manual is standard, but our test car had the optional $3420 seven-speed automated dual-clutch gearbox.
2010 Lotus Evora New mid-engine sports car is agile and seductive.
NewCarTestDrive.com
By John Stewart
Overview
A compelling British sports car, the Lotus Evora combines excellent performance with good fuel economy. With its 2+2 seating, mid-engine configuration and exotic styling, the Evora is a pure sports car yet it's surprisingly practical. This is the first new Lotus nameplate in 15 years, the product of an exclusive brand with a 62-year heritage.
The Evora is not the first 2+2 car Lotus ever offered, but it is the first since 1992. While the back seat is not roomy, it can accommodate a smaller person (5-feet and under) sitting behind a 6-foot, 1-inch driver.
For the Evora, like other Lotus cars, the primary focus is on pure driving dynamics. A lightweight forged-aluminum suspension provides impressive handling and side-to-side balance. Precise steering and powerful brakes that come on strong with just a light touch are also part of the formula. Because of the car's relatively light weight, a 276-horsepower V6 provides brisk acceleration. The agile Evora is capable of over 1g lateral acceleration, can hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and brake from 60 mph in 100 feet. Top speed is 162 mph.
Preview: 2010 Lotus Evora 2+2
Sexy four-seater is best Lotus ever
National Post
David Booth
May 14, 2010
Lotus claims it has a tradition of doing this 2+2 thing. Indeed, the company's new public relations expert, Kevin Smith, points out that four-seaters, in the guise of Elans, Elites, Eclats and Excels, have made up 20% of the storied marque's entire automobile production between 1948 and 1996.
The problem with that statement, no matter how factual, is that none of us remembers those cars. Everyone with even a bit of 10W40 running through his or her veins is, of course, familiar with the Elise and Exige, those Toyota-motored little speedsters that like to embarrass Ferraris for one quarter of the price. Those of us old enough to start forgetting may well have some fading memories of tiny Lotus 25s dominating Formula One. There might even be some passing fondness for the Esprit, the ill-conceived but blindingly fast exotic that Lotus thought might challenge the Italian hegemony on supercars. But passenger-friendly Loti? I have no memory of those. Surely, they are a myth.
Welcome, then, to 2010, when even established and financially successful purebreds such as Ferrari have to bend to market pressure and build hybrids to shore up sales in a recessionary market. For the last 15 years, Lotus has been a one-trick pony serving up mad little two-seater roustabouts, passionate but never pragmatic. Perhaps it's time a little everyday practicality gets mixed into all that panache.
Toronto Star and Wheels.ca
Jim Kenzie
May 14, 2010
SAN DIEGO, CALIF.–If Lotus has any image at all as a manufacturer of road cars (as opposed to its legendary Formula One history), it’s as a maker of small, light, elemental, great-handling if somewhat fragile two-seat convertible sports cars.
So it came as a bit of a surprise to learn during the preview of Lotus’s new Evora mid-engined two-plus-two sports coupe that 20 per cent of the company’s sales from its inception in 1948 through 1996 were two-plus-two coupes.
Remember Elan +2, Elite, Eclat and Excel? Add Evora to that list.
Evora goes on sale later this year. Canadian pricing hasn’t been finalized, but U.S. prices start at $72,990. Given the near-parity of our respective dollars, Canada’s higher import duty (6.1 per cent versus 2.5) and our generally higher cost-of-doing business, starting with Transport Canada’s more stringent and expensive certification process, you’ll be getting little change from an $80,000 bill.
2010 Lotus Evora: First Drive - Move over Porsche Cayman, the Lotus Evora has arrived
AutoGuide.com
Colum Wood
May. 13, 2010
Lotus might just be the most undervalued and underappreciated automaker on the planet. Sure hard core track enthusiasts and auto buffs know of cars like the Elise and Exige that deliver almost unimaginably good handling; but without a vehicle that has genuine mainstream appeal, the only time you’re likely to hear mention of the British brand is if you run across a club racer track junkie or are watching a program on the history of motorsports. That is, until now.
The Evora is the new flagship model from Lotus and represents an important step in the history of the brand. In fact, in many ways it reminds us of some earlier Porsche models, offering an exceptionally raw driving experience, in a mostly refined package, but with a few eccentricities.
Weighing just a touch over 3,000 lbs, it needs just 276-hp from a mid-mounted V6 engine in order to hit 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds – making it a perfect rival to Porsche’s Cayman. But in so many other ways, it’s not like a Cayman at all.
First Drive: 2010 Lotus Evora delivers performance, civility and little concession
Autoblog.com
Michael Harley
May 13, 2010
In a move that would have impressed Harry Houdini, Lotus has made one thousand pounds of vehicle mass seemingly disappear – yet we still know it's there. We're high in the mountains above San Diego, challenging corners in the 2010 Lotus Evora, and the larger and more luxurious two-plus-two is emulating the moves of its lightweight race-ready Elise and Exige siblings.
What gives the Evora its supernatural powers? How does the all-new Evora fit into the Lotus lineup? And, most importantly, is this the first Lotus you can park in your garage without having to explain it to the neighbors? Find out after the jump.
Lotus has become synonymous with lightweight, no-frills sports cars thanks to its ass-kicking Elise roadster and Exige coupe – arguably two of the world's best driver's cars. Yet, despite their impressiveness on the track, the Elise and Exige are about as practical as a gutted Spec Miata when it comes to daily drivers.
Ecstasy-to-drive Lotus Evora leaves one question:
Take a check?
Los Angeles Times
Friday, January 23, 2010
By: Dan Neil
It's not easy to make a veteran auto writer weep with need. But the Evora does it, taking the modern Lotus design and making it elegant and a bit roomier. It's a slice of heaven that slides.
Every time I write about a high-performance sports car, I'm guaranteed to get letters from readers to this effect: "How can you possibly glorify the Badminton Dual-Cowl 87B? No one needs a car that goes 200 mph, costs $300,000 and gets five miles per gallon. With all that's going on in the world [climate change, war in the Middle East, balance of trade etc.]. For shame. For shame!"
All right, then. I present to you perhaps the most fun available on four wheels: The 2010 Lotus Evora. No, not fun. Joy. Inexpressible, diamond-showering, running-naked-through-a-field-of-virgins ecstasy. Handling perfection. This is transit gloria, and it is sick.
In my career as an automotive journalist, I've never written these words: I am going to buy one.
Group Lotus and Cosworth Announce Strategic
Partnership
Two of Britain’s most renowned automotive names to become closely
associated through a strategic partnership looking at the opportunity to
develop high performance engines for Lotus road and race cars.
The new partnership includes the supply by Cosworth of high performance engines
based upon existing Toyota engines for future Lotus cars and the assembly by
Cosworth of racing engines for all motorsport activities which are based on Toyota
powertrains. The first application of these race engines will be for the V6 engine in the
new Lotus Evora Cup racing car.
Dany Bahar CEO of Group Lotus commented, “The ties between Lotus and Cosworth
are, of course, already historical ones but our new strategic relationship is based purely
on Cosworth’s competencies, brand and race engine development capabilities. This
new strategic partnership will align two of the most renowned names in the automotive
world and will be of huge benefit for both organizations.”
The multi-award winning Lotus Evora provides the basis of the stunning
carbon design concept unveiled at the 80th Geneva Motor Show. The car
boasts a stylish carbon fiber, leather and alcantara interior, aggressive
carbon diffuser and an evocative high tech composite body.
The Evora Carbon Concept car emphasizes Lotus’ motorsport pedigree, utilizing
beautiful high quality materials with exposed carbon fiber and plush alcantara. The
striking white concept car is finished in an advanced water based pearlescent paint that
contrasts with the exquisitely finished weave on the carbon fiber panels.
The head turning looks of the Evora Carbon Concept car provide a more purposeful,
planted stance with the car looking lower and more aggressive. This styling direction is
continued with a structural carbon fiber roof, Lotus Motorsport influenced carbon
diffuser and carbon splitter. The Evora Carbon Concept car retains the same class
leading handling and high tech aluminum bonded and extruded chassis of the
production car.
The 80th International Geneva Motor Show sees Lotus Engineering unveil
the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid concept, a high performance technology
demonstrator with a plug-in series hybrid drive system and new
technologies for enhanced driver involvement.
0-60 mph (97 kph) in under 4 seconds
Total hybrid range of over 300 miles (483 kilometers)
Eco mode or Sports mode featuring realistic 7-speed paddle shift
with energy recuperation
HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis
Torque vectoring for improved dynamic stability
Integrated glass roof and engine cover and interior concept from
Lotus Design
The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid, so-named because this latest environmentally focused
technology demonstrator from Lotus Engineering produces 414 PS of power (408 horsepower), promises breathtaking performance from a highly efficient propulsion
system. The concept showcases new developments in plug-in, range-extended electric
propulsion, new electronic technologies to enhance driver involvement, the adaptability of
the Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) that underpins the Evora 414E Hybrid and
a dramatic new roof system and interior concept from Lotus Design. Through all of these
aspects it ultimately demonstrates the exceptional ability of Lotus Engineering to
integrate and develop advanced technologies for exciting, efficient, high performance
niche vehicles.
Bidding commences on the “Naomi for Haiti”
Lotus Evoras
Bidding Commences! Three of the eight “Naomi for Haiti” Lotus Evoras
were auctioned at the Fashion For ReliefTM event, with the first two
reaching an average over $465,000 each!
The discerning fashion show audience at the Fashion For ReliefTM show made their
feelings clear about the design of the “Naomi for Haiti” Lotus Evora with the bidding
reaching an incredible $496,000 on the first car auctioned. The winning bid came
from Naomi Campbell’s boyfriend, Vladimir Doronin, who wanted to ensure that he
got the first car, number one of eight. Two more of the Evoras were auctioned at the
Fashion For ReliefTM event with the second car sold for over $430,000.
Bidding on the remaining five “Naomi for Haiti” Lotus Evoras started at 8:00am GMT
on Friday, February 19 on the www.naomiforhaiti.com website where there are
already multiple bids topping $100,000. There are only 9 days to register a bid for
these highly desirable "Naomi for Haiti" Lotus Evoras as the auction will end at 12:00
noon GMT on the February 28, 2010.
The grand total raised for the Fashion For ReliefTM charity and the highest bidders will
be announced by Naomi Campbell at the Lotus press conference on March 2nd at the
Geneva Motor Show.
Naomi made a stylish entrance to the event in one of the “Naomi for Haiti” Lotus
Evoras, with a further fifteen Lotus Evora sports cars being used to provide VIP
chauffeur service for the celebrities that supported the Fashion For ReliefTM show.
The Fashion For ReliefTM charity supporters included; Yasmin Le Bon, Kate Moss,
Geri Halliwell, Piers Morgan, Sarah Brown, Eva Hertzigova and Andrew Flintoff.
Naomi Campbell said, "I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has generously
donated their time and effort to make Fashion For ReliefTM happen. I’m thrilled with
the support from Lotus and to have teamed up with my great friend Gino Rosato for
this important cause. I hope we continue to raise as much awareness and funds as
we can.”
Gino Rosato, Director of Corporate Affairs at Lotus Cars stated, “I am very proud to
welcome my good friend Naomi into the Lotus family. We are delighted to be able to
work together to raise money for such a worthy cause. The Fashion For ReliefTM
event has proven to be exceptionally successful and it is fantastic to be able to help
the nation of Haiti.”
The special “Naomi for Haiti” Lotus Evora sports car that Naomi arrived in was on
display at Somerset House during the Fashion For ReliefTM show. The exclusive
styling reflects Naomi’s design direction and has been specially designed by Donato
Coco, Lotus Director of Design. The bespoke "Naomi for Haiti" Evoras include a full
range of options which combined with the custom design and special components
make these cars an instant collector’s item.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell and sports car
manufacturer Lotus join forces for Haiti
In response to the horrific natural disaster that has crippled the nation of
Haiti, Naomi Campbell together with Lotus Cars will be auctioning eight
special edition "Naomi for Haiti" Lotus Evora sports cars, with the
proceeds from the auction going to help the relief effort in Haiti.
The Lotus Evora is a very desirable, multi-award winning, high performance, midengine
sports car that presents a fantastic piece of design to bid on. The “Naomi for
Haiti” Evora sports car has been specially designed by Lotus Design Director Donato
Coco and reflects Naomi’s design direction. The bespoke styling combines the flag of
Haiti with a dramatic color scheme and the cars include a full range of options,
meaning these cars will all become desirable collectors’ items.
The “Naomi for Haiti” Evoras will be auctioned at Naomi Campbell's Fashion for
ReliefTM charity fashion show on February 18th at the London Fashion Week venue at
Somerset House. The remaining “Naomi for Haiti” Evoras will be entered into an
auction run on the “Naomi for Haiti” website www.naomiforhaiti.com and bidding will
commence at 0800 GMT on the February 19th and will end at 1200 noon GMT on
February 28, 2010.
The grand total raised for the charity and the highest bidders will be announced by
Naomi Campbell at the Geneva Motor Show on the March 2, 2010. There will also be
a link to the “Naomi for Haiti” website from the Lotus Cars website
http://www.grouplotus.com/cars/home.html.
The Fashion for ReliefTM event has selected to support the White Ribbon Alliance as
it campaigns for the health needs and rights of women and girls around the world,
especially supporting its partners in Haiti at this time to rebuild the healthcare system
for mothers and babies.
Naomi Campbell says, "I am deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in Haiti. So
many have been killed and severely affected by the earthquake - women and
children in particular are most vulnerable in disasters. Fashion is universal, personal
and touches everyone. I am delighted that Lotus Cars is supporting my Fashion for
ReliefTM charity and I am sure with such generous help we will raise crucial funds to
help save the lives of women and children.”
Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus Plc, stated, "It is a very admirable cause and we
are proud to be supporting Naomi Campbell with her Fashion for ReliefTM event in aid
of the women and children affected by the terrible disaster in Haiti. The whole of
Lotus is supporting this very deserving charity, with many working in their own time in
order to raise money for the women and children affected by the earthquake in Haiti."
The Red Cross has said that the earthquake in Haiti has affected approximately 3
million people and it is reported that upwards of 200,000 people have died in the
disaster. The magnitude of the earthquake combined with the local geography and
house building techniques has exacerbated the destruction. Click here for the full release.
