New Lotus Evora @ 2008 LAAS

FOR MORE LOTUS AND 2008 LAAS INFO:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/britain/2008/lotusevoradebutsnews...

Lotus took the wraps off its Project Eagle at the 2008 British Auto Show. It's now called the Evora, a midengine 2+2 coupe that the company says can accommodate two big "American males in the front seats." The Malaysian-owned, British-based marque will build the new model on a new assembly line at its plant in Hethel at the rate of about 2,000 units annually.

The Evora is named for a city in Portugal about 65 miles east of Lisbon. It gets a Toyota-sourced, Lotus-tuned 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 276 horsepower. The aluminum-intensive car weighs just under 3,000 pounds and is characterized by asymmetric wheel sizes, a short rear overhang and a long front overhang. Lotus claims 0-to-60-mph acceleration will take less than 5.0 seconds, with a top speed in excess of 160 mph.

In the cabin, Lotus points out that it veers away from "racing-car-inspired technical minimalism." The company said the Evora "employs a softer approach that [uses] premium quality materials and finishes to create a contemporary but luxurious ambience." The cabin is trimmed in aluminum and hand-stitched leather and gets a new Alpine multimedia system with a 7-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth and iPod connectivity functions.

Antilock brakes and stability and traction control are all standard. Options include a reversing camera with a removable satellite navigation element.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus, described the Evora as "the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago."

The car should begin reaching dealers next spring, priced from around $90,000. A supercharged sibling is due in 2010.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Lotus
• Evorra
• 2008
• LAAS
• Los
• Angeles
• Auto
• Show
• Edmunds
• Inside
• Line
• car
• motor
• Toyota
• Elise
• Exige

[5150UK]

I was merely pointing out that large engine displacement doesn't necessarily guarantee a fast car. No need to get childish!

[74bajista]

Watch the Sky Motoring review. They did say that the Evora would match up well to a Porsche Cayman, maybe even a 370z. A GT-R or a 911 will eat this for breakfast.

You are right though, the GT-R is much heavier, but it was built and engineered to go around corners quicker than most cars. I really don't see this car beating a GT-R.

Put a couple of turbos or a supercharger, and it MIGHT be able to keep up. I must say though, it is quite sleek and stylish, but a tad too pricey.

Cheers.

[leloodallasmultipass]

I like the interior but not the exterior. lotus needs to distinguish its cars from one another.

[superyusrie]

Now this is a nice version of Lotus ! It has the comfort for casual use unlike the elise.

[orochiThing]

that sticks bigger than what my penis would be driving that car

[satchboogyfan]

Way too much money for a car that can be beat by a Pontiac Solstace turbo

Which can be found mildly used for lessthan

20k American

[ironintel]

50,000 pounds is 100,000 USD

[iDan245]

gorgeous car

[AedyRyan]

HUHU

[callmefilip]

That is a beautiful car. Way to go Lotus!

[PoorBoy1979]

I think it would sound much much cooler if you say you own a GT-R instead of Nissan.