Report: Lotus to launch Evora convertible by 2011
Lotus Evora – Click above for high-res gallery
Following hot on the heels of full details released on the new Lotus Evora come reports of a convertible version to follow within a couple of years. Although this isn't the first time we've heard news of a convertible Evora in the works, previous reports suggested that a fully automatic retractable hard-top would be fitted. And while that may jive with the placement of Lotus' first automatic transmission in the Evora, it would completely negate the niche that the company has carved out for itself in lightweight construction. Instead, latest reports suggest that the top will simply be opened up with a classic targa-style fabric roof panel like on the smaller Elise, to offer the open-air experience with minimal weight and structural trade-off, although extra reinforcement of the chassis will be needed to cope with the open roof.
A supercharged version is also in the works with power bumped up from the standard model's relatively modest 276 hp into the 350 to 400-hp range. In the meantime, the first 450 customers to order the Evora will be treated to the initial "launch edition" that comes packed with all the options: the Tech, Premium and Sport packages, 2+2 seating and either Ardent Red or British Racing Green color options. American buyers, however, will have to wait until next year to take delivery of U.S.-spec versions.
Gallery: Lotus Evora
[Source: Auto Express]
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg "2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mehdi Cheddadi 4:02PM (3/12/2009)
I really really hope someone comes up with an aftermarket front bumper for that car...
Reply
ugg.tryptophan 4:44PM (3/12/2009)
no its perfectly understated
Toy Yoda 7:31PM (3/12/2009)
I disagree ugg. It's not understated, it's cheaply stated.
The whole front looks like a kit car from factory five. Not that I really care, I don't think looks has anything to do with this car.
Kattleox 4:40PM (3/12/2009)
YES! I have always loved lotus, and the Evora just seemed a little underpowered to me, especially for the price point. An SC variant is VERY good news.
Reply
ugg.tryptophan 4:43PM (3/12/2009)
i love the evora
Reply
Flamespoke 4:53PM (3/12/2009)
What is the price on this car?
Reply
Kattleox 5:24PM (3/12/2009)
its supposed to be around 100k; just less than an R8, about as much as a 911. Thats why 277hp seems so pathetic. 400 on the other hand is right on the money.
BoxerFanatic 5:56PM (3/12/2009)
I was hearing closer to $70k, but I could be wrong.
I thought it was closer to Cayman/base Carrera 2 competitor.
In general, I am liking this car more and more, but the roof still looks like some sort of odd automotive-styling stocking cap, or something... It needs to be blacked out, as well as the painted surfaces that make the various grilles' beveled edges.
Somehow the wheels seem ever-so-slightly under-scale for this car, but I bet one would have a hard time finding lighter weight wheels to fit the car, given Lotus' track record with weight reduction techniques.
It is a bit of a shame that they didn't use the Lexus IS direct injection on this V6... The camry doesn't have it (which the lotus uses the same transverse engine), but the IS does use direct injection with a longitudinal block, that is evidently not versatile enough to turn 90 degrees...
Would have been nice to fit the DI to the heads, though, anyway, and get IS's 300+ horsepower rating, then had the supercharger available beyond that point.
This is probably about as close as it gets to a re-introduction of something above the SW20 MR2 coupe, and the Honda NSX V6/transverse sports car. The Elise/Exige is also close, but that much more cramped and harder to live with, like the MR2 Spyder was.
Still would probably take the PDK and LSD equipped 300+hp, longitudinal boxer-engined Cayman S over this, though, if I had the money. I'd test drive an Evora, though, just to be sure.
Tim 8:00PM (3/12/2009)
Edmunds.com is listing the base MSRP as $85,000
Red 6:12PM (3/12/2009)
Sometimes, I really like this car. Other times...I think it's bland. I saw a picture of it in Yellow last night and it looked awful. But in this deep silverish color, I think it looks gorgeous. Hmm....
Reply
why not the LS2LS7? 10:07PM (3/12/2009)
There's nothing modest about 276HP in a car the size of a Lotus.
Reply
Mike 8:56AM (3/13/2009)
I would normally agree.. I have the mr2 spyder that has about 140hp and 2200lbs... and is loads of fun.. but from what I've read.. there are people saying this will weight close to 3,000lbs.
If this thing comes in anything over 2,900 lbs, it will still be fun, but definately not worth the money. Lets look at recent cars that are close:
2005 BMW Z4 - 3,050 lbs and 255hp. 11.96lbs/HP
Inline 6/RWD. We all know how well BMW puts power to the ground. Their HP engines always seem to compete with cars with more hp. (whether they are underated or just because they are inlines for the most part is beyond me).
2004 Corvette Z06 - 3,116 lbs and 405hp. - 7.69lbs/HP
Cayman S - 2,976 lbs and 320hp - 9.3lbs/HP
This thing needs to be at MOST 10lbs/HP. So it either needs to be under 2,760 lbs or over that hp, or a combination.
This will be tough. The Cayman S I find to be absolutely gorgeous, the Lotus is nice, but mostly just exclusivity would be the selling point.
I'm anxious to see if they actually get this thing UNDER 2,700 lbs. (2,580 lbs would be the number in order to match a caymanS.)
Scott 2:09AM (3/13/2009)
It won't be anywhere near $100k. Base price in the UK (before VAT) is about $58k.
Reply