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Test Drive: 2010 Lotus Evora

2010 Lotus Evora. Yes, it's beautiful and coming to the U.S.

It has been a while since Lotus has exported a new car the U.S. and it’s been 15 years since they’ve unleashed a completely new model. For reasons that probably have more to do with the stricter U.S. safety and emission laws and the small size of production than Lotus not wanting to sell us their cars, we have missed out on the Europa and a couple other special models. But fear not Lotus fans and aficionados, the new Lotus Evora, a 2+2 mid-engine sports car, is destined for our shores in 2010. 

 

This car is meant to be high-tech, high-luxury, high-performance and practical. Yes, a “practical” Lotus with a 2+2 seating configuration. And the Evora is currently the only 2+2 mid-engine car on the market. The Evora represents a new direction for Lotus which is known for building stripped-down, light-weight, hard-edged “driver’s cars.” The Evora, along with several new models coming, will add a bit of “street-ability” and comfort to the performance and handling that is typical of Lotus cars. And that is BIG news, Lotus is by no means a large company, and when there is a shift in design, concept and philosophy a lot of people sit-up and take notice.

This is what a "luxury Lotus" interior looks like!

On the outside the svelte new bodywork of the Evora, with its vented hood, is obviously very Lotus and looks very much the sibling of the Elise and Exige. The engine intake ducts and backside have some Ferrari F430 cues and the roof line and wrap-around windscreen could have come from a Koenigsegg. Overall the Evora is absolutely beautiful.  It has all of the visual appeal and drama of a full on supercar, but in a smaller package. 

 

When you climb inside the Evora, the obvious impression is of space. As it should be, as the Evora is all about space. If you’ve ever tried to climb into and out of an Elise or Exige, you will certainly agree that they are “compact packages.” Not so with the Evora, as it can accommodate drivers up to 6’7”, I’m told. The flat-bottom steering wheel fits absolutely perfectly into your grip and every surface, control and feature of the interior has the fragile and hand-built feel that is typical Lotus.

 

One of the more “interesting” features of the dashboard are the vital control buttons that operate the cars accessories. They are beautifully machined to fit flush with the dash surface and from the outside look magnificent. But, when sitting in the driver’s seat, you cannot see a single one!

 

Beautiful, even in beige. 

Now the purpose of this car is its 2+2 layout. And in keeping with the long tradition of 2+2 sports cars, is completely useless. Yes, you could probably get a kid or two back there, but I assure you that they won’t want to be there for long and unless your friends and family are collapsible your best bet is to order the Evora sans rear seat with the “shelf” (also about $3k cheaper) and just enjoy the drive.

 

Yes, enjoy the drive, because after all that is the whole point of a Lotus, the drive. Motivating the Evora is a 3.5 liter V6 that produces about 276bhp and is sourced from Toyota. But as we know, a Lotus is not about spine-snapping horsepower, it’s about light-weight and handling. The original formula mapped out by company founder Colin Chapman. And when you consider that the Evora weighs only 2976lbs, you get a 0 to 60mph time of just under 5 seconds and a top speed of 160mph plus, definitely quick. But the Evora has another trick up its sleeve; it is capable of getting nearly 33 mpg on the freeway. An unusual balance of economy and performance.

 

The chassis of the Evora is completely new and is a modular design made of mostly bonded aluminum. What this means for us drivers is that the Evora is stiffer than the Elise and makes the car feel exceptionally composed and very, very responsive to steering inputs.

 

There is HUGE grip available to anyone who wishes to push the Evora close to the limits. As I was fortunate enough to have driven the car on the street and on the track, I can tell you that despite being a “luxury Lotus” the Evora has lost nothing in the handling department and when driven hard is devastatingly quick around a race track. For the first time is a long while, Lotus has added power steering to a chassis. It is done well, and the wheel is nicely weighted at any speed without feeling over assisted. The new chassis is wonderfully telepathic and is very easy to drive quickly around a track. The Lotus/ AP Racing brakes are huge at 350mm, and are just what you’d expect from Lotus, excellent feel with incredible performance. The ride itself is certainly firm, but not overly harsh. It might be a bit too firm for driver’s looking for a more civilized luxury Lotus. 

 

The Evora tries to blend traditional Lotus performance with luxury and sophistication. A touch-screen display on the dash, some sophisticated electronic gadgetry, leather everywhere, world class handling and performance to match. While every bone in my body wants this new Lotus to be the best car in its class, I’m not sure it is. While official pricing hasn’t been released, it is expected to be between $80-$90k U.S. And when you consider your other options, it’s hard to conclude that the Evora is the best. For that type of money you could have a GT-R, an M3, a Cayman S or even a 911. And if those where my options I wouldn’t be able to choose the Lotus, mostly because cars like the M3 are faster, less expensive and have a rear seat that real people can use.

 

 

For more info: You should certainly check out Lotus! Or hop down to the Lotus dealership and wait patiently for their delivery.