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Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Lotus

2010 Lotus Evora - click above for high res image gallery

Now that the new Lotus Evora has been successfully launched in Europe, it's time to start delivering the new model to U.S. Lotus dealers. Production of U.S.-spec cars will be starting shortly so Lotus has finally defined a price point for the car beginning at $73,200. For that price you get the 276-hp Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 and a 6-speed gearbox.

Unlike the minimalist Elise and Exige, the Evora is fully trimmed out in a fashion someone might expect of a $73,200 car, including hand-stitched leather from Muirhead and aluminum trim that hints at the structure under the plastic skin. The tiller is adjustable for reach and rake, which, along with the larger size of the car, should make getting in and out much easier than in the Exige. Final EPA numbers haven't been published yet, but the Evora is expected to top 30 mpg on the highway while the 0-60 time will be just 4.9 seconds.

If you haven't yet seen the Evora in person, Lotus has just started a 44-city dealer open house tour around the U.S. The full schedule is in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Lotus Evora

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200

Lotus Evora gets a U.S. pricetag, starts at $73,200 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus shopping Evora chassis to other automakers?

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Lotus

Back in the Nineties, shortly after Lotus introduced the original Elise, the company made it known that its new sportscar platform was designed to be easily adapted to different applications - including different powertrains. Companies that were interested in a platform for a niche products using their own powertrains were welcome to contract with Lotus for use of the Elise's underpinnings. Over the years, it spawned several race and concept cars, to say nothing of the production Opel GT, Vauxhall VX220, and of course, the Tesla Roadster.

Now that Lotus finally has its first all-new car in 14 years and several hundred Evoras have been delivered to customers, the same offer is again on the table. In fact, this time the presentation from Lotus Engineering even shows the Evora chassis carrying an electric powertrain.

The versatile vehicle architecture is made largely from aluminum extrusions which can be cut off in different sizes, allowing the chassis to readily be adjusted for length and width as needed. To date, no company that we're aware of has adopted the Evora's architecture. However, given Tesla's relative success in using the Elise as a starting point - and the increased size of the Evora - it should be even more attractive to potential customers. You can check out the full presentation after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2008: Lotus Evora

[Source: LotusEnthusiast]

Continue reading Lotus shopping Evora chassis to other automakers?

Lotus shopping Evora chassis to other automakers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus CEO says automaker will again take on Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Lotus

Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racer - click above image for high-res gallery

When most people think of Lotus, a few different thoughts tend to enter their head. One is of little teeny Toyota-powered Elise/Exige track toys buzzing around a racetrack. Another is of an underwater submarine piloted by none other than James Bond (albeit Roger Moore). And then -- maybe -- some of you might think of the racing success Lotus used to enjoy, back in the day, a long time ago. Well, according to Autocar, Lotus' new CEO Dany Bahar is seeking to change all that.

"Lotus was mentioned in the same sentence as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati in the 1970s-1990s," said Bahar. "Then, it got closed into a corner. We believe it's the right time to bring Lotus back to where it was." Not only that, but Proton Group (they own Lotus) managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir (must make for one hell of a business card) says that the new Evora, Lotus's first new car since 1995, is "a turning point."

Bahar is making returning Lotus to a place of prestige a top priority for the Malaysian-owned company. The ex-Ferrari exec claims to have have a business plan to return Lotus to the same plane of existence as Ferrari within five years. Of course, to accomplish this, the Camry-powered Evora just ain't going to cut it. Which more or less guarantees the return of the Esprit, which very well might have a Lexus V10 perched out behind the driver. All of which gets our octane lovin' hearts all aflutter. Also, let's not forget about racing - serious racing. We'll keep you posted.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racer

[Source: Autocar | New Straights Times]

Lotus CEO says automaker will again take on Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus announces first Evora race edition, Type 124 endurance car

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Lotus

Lotus Evora Type 124 - click above for high-res image gallery

It's only been a week since Lotus delivered the first production Evora to a customer, and now the sports car maker has unveiled the first race-ready version of its newest model. The new Type 124 Evora is built to FIA GT racing specs and will debut next year at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race.

The Evora already has many of the basic elements needed to make a robust race car thanks to its bonded aluminum structure and mid-engine layout. But the racing version receives a revised version of the stock car's Toyota V6 cranking out over 400 horsepower, along with a new paddleshift sequential six-speed gearbox.

Even with a full roll cage and fire extinguisher system installed, the Type 124 gains about 440 lbs of "lightness" dropping the car to about 2,600 pounds. How'd that happen? Lotus has replaced the standard bodywork with lightweight composite and carbon panels that add front splitter and rear diffuser elements, along with a prominent rear wing.

That rear wing will push on a tweaked suspension system (both the four-way adjustable dampers and the anti-roll bars are tunable) and the car will run on wider 18-inch Pirelli slicks. Braking will be provided by a Bosch ABS system optimized for competition and a set of six-piston AP Racing calipers.

Lotus says it will support a factory team in 2010 and 2011 and presumably offer customer cars as well. Want to learn more? Check out the official press release after the jump and the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance racecar

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus announces first Evora race edition, Type 124 endurance car

Lotus announces first Evora race edition, Type 124 endurance car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus Evora makes SoCal stop at Cars and Coffee

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lotus, Misc. Auto Shows

2010 Lotus Evora at Cars and Coffee - Click for high-res gallery

While lucky Brits are already capable of walking into a Lotus dealership and driving off with a new midsize Evora of their very own, Americans still have to wait a bit longer. We've already shown you the 2010 Lotus Evora that was at the L.A. Auto Show, and we've given you info on the specs and options. We've even confirmed U.S. details for the most important numbers.

Although an official release date hasn't been confirmed yet, we have heard that the magic moment will arrive early next year. Whether the Evora gets labeled as a 2010 or 2011 model remains up in the air, but we do know a lot of other info about this all-new model crafted by the magicians in Hethel. What we haven't had until now are some real-world photos. That all changed over the weekend when a couple of test engineers stopped by for a spell at our favorite weekly Southern California car meet, Cars and Coffee. Read the rest of our first impression after the jump, and don't forget to check out the gallery as well.

Gallery: 2010 Lotus Evora development cars

Continue reading Lotus Evora makes SoCal stop at Cars and Coffee

Lotus Evora makes SoCal stop at Cars and Coffee originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus Blossoms: U.S. Evora specs leaked

Chris Paukert — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lotus

2010 Lotus Evora - Click above for high-res gallery

With there having been so much continued hubbub over the forthcoming Esprit replacement, you would think that enthusiasts have already forgotten that we have a new Lotus in our midst, the 2010 Evora. That's a shame, because judging by the U.S. specs provided by our friends at Lotusenthusiast.net, it looks to be a corker.

According to their specs, the Evora will weigh just over 3,000 pounds (3,046.8 - but who's counting?), and its Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter engine will marshal its 276 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque to get its mid-engined self to 60 mph in a tidy 4.9 seconds. Keep rowing through those six gears and pushing the right-most pedal, and the Evora will apparently top out at 162 mph. Every bit as important is news that the lithe little Lotus will grind to a halt from 60 mph in just 110.2 feet, a distance firmly in the ballpark of a Porsche 911.

No word yet on pricing, but we hope to get our crack at a U.S.-spec Evora soon. In the meantime, head on over to LE for the full monty.

Gallery: LA 2008: Lotus Evora

Gallery: Lotus Evora

[Source LotusEnthusiast]

Lotus Blossoms: U.S. Evora specs leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lotus to launch Evora convertible by 2011

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Lotus

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]

Report: Lotus to launch Evora convertible by 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus releases package and content details on the 2010 Evora

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lotus

Lotus Evora - Click above for high-res gallery

The first production examples of the Lotus Evora have now started down the build process with its aluminum chassis being fabricated at Lotus Lightweight Structures in Worcester, UK and final assembly taking place at Lotus' Hethel factory. With the first cars scheduled to be delivered to customers in May, Lotus has released content lists for the Evora. The 276-hp Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 with a 6-speed manual gearbox is standard. A close-ratio version of the gearbox will be available as an option. Cast 18-inch front and 19-inch rear alloys shod with Yokohama Advan Sport LTS rubber are the standard fitment, while forged wheels are available for an extra cost.

Other notable options include bi-xenon lights, power folding mirrors and body color door handles. In typical contemporary fashion, the Evora can also be ordered with Tech, Sport and Premium packages that lump the usual assortment of audio, navigation and interior trim upgrades together. The Sport pack also provides a switch that enables sharper throttle response and more slip from the traction control system, among other performance enhancements.

Lotus is planning to ramp Evora production up to 34 units per week by July, assuming of course that economic conditions allow for sufficient demand.

Gallery: Lotus Evora

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus releases package and content details on the 2010 Evora

Lotus releases package and content details on the 2010 Evora originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus Evora has room for supercharger, 400 hp "S" variant coming

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Lotus

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lotus Evora, with six new images.

After the Evora was officially revealed in London, Lotus CEO Michael Kimberley has made it clear that more variants of the 2+2 were on the way. Six different versions are planned, including a convertible - originally confirmed the day the Evora debuted - that will keep the coupe fresh over its eight-year lifespan.

While a drop-top is nice, power is what the people crave. So within two years expect another naturally aspirated variant that boosts the 3.5-liter V6's engine from 280 to 320 hp. After that, it's all about forced induction. The mid-mounted V6 has been positioned in the engine bay to accept a supercharger, which will bring output up and over 400 hp, dropping the 0-60 time to under four seconds and making the Evora "S" a serious contender to the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Gallery: Lotus Evora

[Source: Autocar]

Lotus Evora has room for supercharger, 400 hp "S" variant coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drive the Lotus Evora... virtually... in the UK

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lotus, Toys/Games, UK

The Lotus Evora, which you can't drive on real streets yet, has already been driven in GT5. Attendees at the British Motor Show got a chance to put Lotus' latest over the kerbs, thanks to a tie-in between the folks at Hethel and those at game developer Polyphony. If you didn't attend the show, fear not: you can be pretty sure there'll be a version of it in an upcoming batch of downloadable content for GT5 Prologue.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

[Source: Autocar]

Drive the Lotus Evora... virtually... in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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London 2008: Lotus unveils the Evora

John Neff — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Lotus, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for high-res gallery of the Lotus Evora

Project Eagle has finally been unveiled today at the 2008 British Motor Show as the Evora, and Lotus is beaming over its little eaglet. The Evora will be the most grown up and accessible Lotus in the British manufacturer's lineup. To illustrate, the automaker claims it will fit two American males in the front seats (did they just call us fat?). It's a mid-engine, 2+2 coupe (a convertible is planned) with 3.5L V6 sourced from Toyota but elevated by Lotus above its humble origins to produce 276 horsepower. The car weighs just 2,976 lbs., which might be a lot for a Lotus but is well below the average weight of most cars. The interior is unlike any you've seen from this automaker, which is to say that occupying one won't be like staying in a hostel compared to a four-star hotel. You've got leather all around, a nav system, and Lotus promises ingress and egress have been vastly improved over its other models.

The Evora will be built on a new assembly line at the company's assembly plant in Hethel, England at the rate of 2,000 annually, but has been designed to meet safety and emissions requirements around the world. That many cars for so many markets means the Evora will be exclusive, although we don't expect Lotus to leave money on the table if there's big demand for its new, softer, more accessible sports car. Other vehicles will also eventually be built on the Evora's new aluminum chassis, which is called the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) and was first seen on the Lotus APX Concept. It can be stretched, widened and carry a vehicle weighing over 4,000 lbs. One new Lotus is enough for now, though, as we try to wrap our heads around a Hethel-based car with creature comforts.

Gallery: Lotus Evora

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading London 2008: Lotus unveils the Evora

London 2008: Lotus unveils the Evora originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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