Thread: Lotus Evora First Drive

Just got back from the Evora drive in San Diego yesterday. Very impressive new machine from Lotus.

2010 Lotus Evora Review: Car Reviews

Lotus Evora First Drive
Move over Porsche Cayman, the Lotus Evora has arrived

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.

Lotus would tell you that it’s because the Evora is technically a 2+2 and the only mid-engined 2+2 in the world. That’s somewhat misleading, however, as the rear seats are about as useful as the ones in a MINI.

The real reasons include the car’s looks, its bespoke characteristics and its less-than-polished engineering traits – some of which are drawbacks, but many of which just add to the car’s unique character.

First off, there’s the design. It’s stunning. Yes there’s a definite resemblance to the smaller Elise and Exige, but the Evora wouldn’t look out of place parked between a Ferrari and a Lamborghini – try saying that about a Cayman. It’s longer and wider, based off an all-new Versatile Vehicle Architecture that Lotus intends to use for other future models.

During the launch we were surprised to come across more than a few folks who knew this was the “new Lotus.” Still, one woman commented that she liked our Ferrari. The Lotus engineers cringed at the reference, but the designers must be beaming. It’s been a long, long time since anyone confused a Lotus with a Ferrari.

hit the link above to keep reading

We have 2 of these cars for sale in Nevada and think they are pretty damn sick. Fantastic handling. Great lines and style. Can never go wrong with a Lotus.

I'd consider one under 2 circumstances:
they significantly increased the horsepower OR
they significantly decreased the pricetag

is a car really wonderful, good review !

Sat in one 2 weeks ago and yes the rear seats are useless and I'm not that tall. Definitely nicely done interior and exterior wise though.

I drove one of these hard this past weekend for about an hour. I came away very impressed! it certainly is not a Ferrari, but is very unique and a blast to drive. I will say it is amazing the sound they got out of a Camry V6! The only things i did not like was the gearbox (very very hard to grab 2nd gear on a downshift, almost unacceptable how hard it is to find it fast), and throttle response is slow most likely due to the drive by wire system. Handling is amazing as well as braking. This would make a really fun track car.

I love that color!

think im gonna stick with my exige on this one, but looks cool and love the color, i used to have a laser blue exige