Autoblog

Lotus Evora 'Sports Racer' is oddly named and fully loaded

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Lotus, UK

Lotus has just announced a new Evora 'Sports Racer' model that is, well, frankly not much more sporty or racy than the standard Evora or Evora S. Instead, the British company calls the Sports Racer a "visually enhanced and optimized version" of both the Evora and supercharged Evora S. To unpack that a little: The new trim will get a new set of unique exterior colors and a revised interior treatment, and it's fully decked out with options.

The 'Sports Racer' will be available in the buyer's choice of Carbon Grey, Nightfall Blue and the Ardent Red that you see in the image above (the only image we've seen of the car so far). Gloss black accents set the model apart and can be seen on the roof, forged wheels, mirrors and rear badges. Inside, one may choose between black-leather sports seats with red piping and stitching, or a Venom Red leather interior with black piping and stitching. How naughty.

In terms of tech, the 'Sports Racer' gets Lotus' Sports Pack and its remapped throttle response, higher redline, more powerful cross-drilled brakes and a more aggressively programmed Dynamic Performance Management system. The stereo system is also upgraded from the basic Evora, with a DVD player and seven-inch touchscreen display thrown in for good measure.

The whole shebang will run European and British customers 57,900 pounds ($94,145 at today's exchange rates) for the Evora, and 65,900 pounds ($107,153) for the Evora S. At least for the moment, it appears this 'Sports Racer' package will be a UK- and Europe-only spec, which, at least saves North American buyers from having to use this Lotus' awkward single-quote trim name. See the full press release below.

Continue reading Lotus Evora 'Sports Racer' is oddly named and fully loaded

Lotus Evora 'Sports Racer' is oddly named and fully loaded originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus Evora S IPS automatic transmission option arrives in October [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lotus

The Lotus Evora S IPS that the company showed drifting all around its test track earlier this year will be available in October, says Car and Driver. The kinder, gentler Lotus is fitted with the six-speed Intelligent Precision Shift transmission, an Aisin unit swiped from the Toyota Camry and retuned with Lotus electronics and actuators.

There are two 'regular' modes and two 'sport' modes on the IPS gearbox. The former include a traditional hands-off automatic and an auto mode with shifts handled by wheel-mounted paddles. The latter are a sport automatic setting that sharpens the car's responses and a manual sport mode for total driver control. The Evora S IPS hits showrooms in October. For now, you can take a look at Lotus' test driver giving it the beans in the video below.

Continue reading Lotus Evora S IPS automatic transmission option arrives in October [w/video]

Lotus Evora S IPS automatic transmission option arrives in October [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jul 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Lotus Evora S nearly sneaks by, but we catch the improvements

Michael Harley — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:51:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Lotus

Lacking the fanfare of a flashy press conference, the 2012 Lotus Evora S arrived at the New York Auto Show sporting an upgraded interior and new wheel options (Lotus is one of the few automakers still following the actual calendar when it comes to model year introductions, meaning 2012 models are just now flowing into the North American marketplace).

While hardly lacking lavishness, the Evora's cockpit has been further enhanced with additional leather on the door panels and lower sills. There is a new trim ring around the transmission shifter, the standard Recaro seats have been re-upholstered with upgraded leather (with contrasting piping and woven fabric inserts) and the bright brushed metal dashboard has a new dark finish for better contrast. Rounding up the interior alterations, the loathed Alpine audio/navigation system has been replaced with a superior system from Pioneer.

The standard alloy wheel package remains a staggered 18- and 19-inch setup, but Lotus is also offering a new 19- and 20-inch wheel package with several different finishes including a gorgeous matte anthracite (the wheels shown in our gallery). The 2012 Lotus Evora / Evora S is rolling into showrooms today.

2012 Lotus Evora S nearly sneaks by, but we catch the improvements originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus Evora S GP Edition bows in UK

Zach Bowman — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lotus, UK, Luxury

Lotus has unveiled yet another special edition version of the Evora S. In honor of the Lotus Renault Formula One Grand Prix team, the company plans to produce just three examples of the Lotus Evora S GP Edition. Each vehicle will pack all the usual goodies tied to the Evora S, plus the Premium Pack with SuedeTex, which is either a gentleman from Texas clad in a becoming suede suit or a faux-leather seating material. The company's Tech Pack is also part of the deal, along with a set of forged diamond cut design 19-inch wheels.

Of course, each vehicle is dipped in a gold-and-black paint scheme that pays homage to the Lotus Renault Formula One Grand Prix race livery, which, in turn, is a tribute to the John Player Special Lotus of old. Think of it as the Inception of homages. If you like what you hear, rustle up £69,950 (or $110,569 at current conversion rates) and head across the pond. This model is for UK buyers only.

Lotus Evora S GP Edition bows in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus shows Evora S Freddie Mercury Edition, hopes it makes the rockin' world go 'round

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Lotus, UK, Celebrities, Luxury

While we had to look at the calendar and make sure it wasn't April 1 when we got wind of this, we assure you, it's absolutely true: Lotus has worked up a one-off Evora S in honor of the late superstar Freddie Mercury. The coupe is swaddled in pearl white paint with red and gold accents outside and features the Queen frontman's signature as well. Indoors, designers chose to wrap the cabin in a one-off yellow interior as an homage to Mercury's 1986 stage costume. The seats even feature a Union Jack emblazoned on their backs.

While the idea of this special model is a strange one, the motivation behind it isn't - the unique Evora S is set to be auctioned off for charity as part of the celebrations tied to Mercury's 65th birthday bash at the Savoy Hotel. Proceeds from the auction will go to benefit the Mercury Phoenix Trust, an HIV AIDS charity founded by bandmates Brian May, Roger Taylor and Queen manager Jim Beach after Mercury's death. The event will also feature donations from May and Taylor as well as Top Gear, Raymond Weil and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Hit the jump to read through the pun-choked press release. Now if you'll excuse us, we've got some Bohemian Rhapsody to blare.

Continue reading Lotus shows Evora S Freddie Mercury Edition, hopes it makes the rockin' world go 'round

Lotus shows Evora S Freddie Mercury Edition, hopes it makes the rockin' world go 'round originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The latest Italian police car comes from... Lotus? [w/videos]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Lotus, Police/Emergency

If the Italian Polizia di Stato (state police) need to get somewhere in a hurry, they've got a Lamborghini Gallardo at their disposal. But what about the national Carabinieri? Not about to left behind, the para-military police turned not to one of their own domestic sportscar-makers, but to the UK. (Or to a foreign-owned automaker based there with mostly Italian management.)

The Carabinieri have taken possession of not one Lotus Evora S, but two. One will be stationed in Milan and the other in Rome, but both are fitted with all the latest equipment, including a portable refrigerator for the rapid transportation of organs and blood for medical emergencies.

The hand-over at the Carabinieri headquarters in Rome followed advanced driver training at Lotus headquarters in Hethel, England, and the two cars are on loan to the service for two years. Follow the jump for the press release and trio of videos, and check out the images in the high-res gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading The latest Italian police car comes from... Lotus? [w/videos]

The latest Italian police car comes from... Lotus? [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Lotus Evora S

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lotus, First Drives

Inconsistent Brilliance

2011 Lotus Evora S - Click above for high-res image gallery

I have a general rule: Don't turn off traction control in anything over 350 horsepower. Adhering to this self-imposed restriction has kept your humble hack out of the weeds more times than I can count. But on my second-to-last lap around Laguna Seca in the 2011 Lotus Evora S, I just couldn't help myself. After all, it's only making 345 horses...

Just as I was cresting the ton down the front straight, I held down the aluminum button on the left side of the dash, saw the orange light illuminate on the instrument cluster and dove into Turn One with a fair amount of trailbraking. As the front end began to ever-so-slightly wash out, I gave it the boot and performed one of those life-affirming powerslides through One and Two, making the slightest of corrections on the wheel, grazing the curbing with the right rear tire and powering into the slight right hander that leads into Turn Three.

Ego briefly stroked, I reengaged the electro-nannies, barreled through Four and Five, and with Sport Mode set, managed a four-wheel-drift through turn six before making the long trek up to The Corkscrew.

Good cars make you feel like a hero. Great cars compliment and connect with every fiber of your being. The Evora S falls into the latter camp. And it's even better on the open road.

Continue reading 2011 Lotus Evora S

2011 Lotus Evora S originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fifth Gear tracks Porsche 911 Carrera against Lotus Evora S

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 23 May 2011 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Lotus, Porsche

Lotus Evora S vs. Porsche 911 - Click above to watch video after the jump

How focused do you want your sports car? While you can go out and twist the track-ready dial to 11, some folks only want a dash more punch than the next guy. A daily-drivable hoon machine is what's required, and Fifth Gear lined up two of them to battle it out at the Dutch TT Circuit Assen.

The Lotus Evora S squares off against the Porsche 911, and Fifth Gear's Vicki Butler-Henderson pushes both coupes around the course. Is Germany's icon quicker than this blue British bomber? Click past the jump to find out.

Continue reading Fifth Gear tracks Porsche 911 Carrera against Lotus Evora S

Fifth Gear tracks Porsche 911 Carrera against Lotus Evora S originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First U.S.-bound Lotus Evora S batch heads to U.K. port

Matt Davis — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Lotus, UK

A spokesperson for Lotus Cars USA has notified us that on Monday, the first Evora S allotment of press cars left its Hethel U.K. factory and headed to port in both the 2+0 and 2+2 seating arrangements.

We already go gaga over the $64,000 276-horsepower Evora 2+0 for its crispy dynamics and on-track lust. Now we have to get a 330-hp Porsche Cayman R ($66,300 before adding a mountain of options) ready to pit against the $75,000, 346-hp fairly loaded Evora S once the latter clears its U.S. port of call at the very end of April.

Scheduled to make its North American debut at the New York auto show on April 21 alongside the 276-hp Evora IPS with automated manual six-speed and paddles at the wheel, the Evora S gets that 25 percent extra supercharged power and 295 pound-feet of torque (a 14 percent increase). In addition, the Sport Pack dynamics calibration button and sport-ratio six-speed manual - accounting for $2,775 in options on the base Evora - plus the more better sport exhaust all come standard on the Evora S.

First U.S.-bound Lotus Evora S batch heads to U.K. port originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Lotus Evora S looks great in red

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

Lotus Evora S - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Paris Motor Show in just over a month is shaping up to the be one of the biggest shows for Lotus in many decades. While the highlight is expected to be a new supercar successor to the departed Esprit, it apparently won't be alone. At least two additional occupants of the Lotus stand have been accidentally confirmed, including an Evora Automatic and a hotted-up Evora S.

This second iteration of the newest Lotus is expected to receive a supercharger bolted to its 3.5-liter Toyota V6 boosting it up to 350 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The brakes and thermal requirements of the base Evora have reportedly been sized for more powerful models so they won't need upgrading for the S.

A prototype of what's believed to be the Evora S was caught outside the Nürburgring this week preparing for its public debut. The only notable visual difference for the S appears to be a more prominent rear diffuser. Check out the little red devil by taking a closer look at our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Lotus Evora S

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Lotus Evora S looks great in red originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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