Lotus names new 2008
2+2 GT ‘Evora’
Lotus has revealed the new name of its latest model, a 2+2 GT that made
its official debut today at the London Motor Show. The car will from now
be known as the ‘Evora’ (named after a city in Portugal) and it joins
the ranks of Lotus’ existing models, including the Elise, Exige and
Europa. The new Evora is the first all-new car from Lotus since the
introduction of the Elise back in 1995, and it’s the only sports car on
the market with a mid-engine layout and a 2+2 seating configuration.
While Lotus’ current offerings are designed primarily with race track
intentions, including the GT-styled Europa - which is largely based on
the Elise - the new Evora is designed for people seeking real-world
usability matched with stunning design and performance.
Powered by a 3.5L V6, the new car employs innovative lightweight chassis
technology for first-rate track performance but with ride and handling
more akin to a luxury model. Beneath the skin the entire front-end
structure is a high tech aluminum sacrificial modular unit, attached to
the main extruded aluminum tub. This modular unit is designed to deform
for maximum safety, and to reduce repair costs in the event of a frontal
impact. The car’s final kerb weight comes in at 1,350kg but Lotus
stresses that it’s still a prototype and this could figure could change
by the time production starts later this year.
Despite the wider target audience expected for the Evora, Lotus claims
the car is considerably faster around Germany’s benchmark Nurburgring
circuit than the Elise and more stable than the Exige. The engine in the
Evora is based on Toyota’s global 3.5L V6 but has been extensively
modified for application in the Lotus. Changes to the engine management
and exhaust systems also allow the V6 to rev more freely and provide
rapid throttle response.
The car’s power output is rated at 276hp (206kW) and 252lb-ft (342Nm) of
torque. Engineers are still working on the car’s final specifications
but early indications suggest a maximum speed of close to 260km/h and a
0-100km/h time of less than five seconds.
Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a manual six-speed gearbox, again
Toyota-sourced. A close-ratio version of this gearbox is also currently
under development for the even more sport-focused driver.
The brake package consists of Lotus AP Racing 4 pot calipers and vented
and cross-drilled discs measuring 350mm up front and 332mm in the rear.
These reside within 18 and 19in alloys, the bigger wheels located at the
rear.
In keeping with its luxury overtones, the Evora features plenty of
leather and aluminum surfaces in its interior. The dashboard will be
dominated by a stylized speedometer and rev counter, backlit with blue
LEDs, and all controls are positioned towards the driver in true sports
car tradition. Other details include figure hugging bucket seats,
hand-stitched leather and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The Evora will
also come with a 7-inch touch screen multi-media system with satellite
navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.
As well as being sold in a 2+2 configuration, the car will also be
available as a two-seater with extra storage space located behind the
seats. The rear seats will be strictly for children or small adults.
Wider, taller door apertures and narrower sills also make getting in and
out of the cabin a less athletic undertaking than in previous Lotus
models.
Anti-lock brakes are standard on all models, as are traction and
stability control. These systems have been specially developed in
co-operation with Bosch to provide enhanced safety features whilst
maintaining performance characteristics.
Deliveries in Europe will start in the first half of next year, with
only 2,000 of the hand crafted cars planned each year. Other derivatives
are also planned for the future, including a convertible and a
high-performance variant.
Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley describes the new Evora as the biggest
milestone ever achieved by the company since the Elise was born 13 years
ago, but he hinted that this is just the start of things to come. He
reaffirmed his earlier comments that Lotus is executing a five year plan
that will see the launch of two additional models. |