Autoblog

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 wins 2 EVO magazine car of the year awards

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lotus

2010 Lotus Evora - click above for high res image gallery

Lotus has managed to snag two car of the year honors from EVO magazine for two different machines. The new Evora came out on the top of the heap among the new road going cars, while the Evora went into production earlier this year and as of last month, Lotus has apparently delivered about 800 examples. EVO did their testing in Scotland at the Isle of Skye and the Lotus bested the likes of the Ferrari 458, Aston Martin V12 Vantage and Porsche 911 GT3.

EVO also evaluated track cars at the Bedford Autodrome for their own award and here Lotus again took the top prize. Running against an assortment of competitors from the Ford Focus RS and Mitsubishi Evo to more extreme machines like a Lamborghini Gallardo and the latest Arial Atom, the Lotus 2-Eleven got the best score. The 2-Eleven had the second best time and was found to be the most fun to drive. Considering the 2-Eleven looks more like a pure race car, it's astonishing that under British rules you can actually get single vehicle type approval to drive them on public roads. 'Scuse me Lotus? We'd love to try out the 2-Eleven!

Gallery: Lotus Evora

Gallery: Entry-Level Lotus 2-Eleven

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus wins 2 EVO magazine car of the year awards

Lotus wins 2 EVO magazine car of the year awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 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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Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racer

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Lotus

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

Few automakers are as deeply rooted in motorsport as Lotus. So it comes as no surprise that, so soon after its release, the British sportscar-maker and engineering firm has already come out with a racing version of its new Evora.

Tagged with the Type 124 label, the new sportscar is converted from four seats to one, but the stripped-out, competition-spec interior is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg for the GT3-spec racer. The Toyota-sourced V6, which produces 280 horses in road-going spec, has been reworked to the tune of 400 horsepower, driving the rear wheels from its midship placement via a new sequential gearbox. Carbon-composite body panels, 18-inch racing slicks hiding six-pot AP Racing calipers, a track-focused suspension and wings aplenty round out the package, which will make its race debut right here in Germany at the Nurburgring 24 in May 2010. But you can check it out now in the gallery of live shots below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racer

Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:33:00 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 called UK's best drivers car by Autocar

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Lotus, UK

2010 Lotus Evora - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The gang at Autocar have singled out the new Lotus Evora as the best drivers car in the U.K. for 2009. The award came following an evaluation that included the 2010 Nissan GT-R and nine other new models launched in the past year. The defending champ GT-R dropped all the way to fourth in this year's roundup following the new Lotus, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage and the Porsche 911 GT3. The key to the Evora's victory appears to have been its impressive handling capabilities and in particular its forgiving nature.

Apparently, potential buyers agree with the assessment from Autocar as demand for the Evora has been so great that Lotus has had to to increase its manufacturing staff by 30 percent. The Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 also allows Lotus to get some pretty decent fuel economy of the Evora - a combined 27 mpg (US) on the EU test cycle.

Gallery: LA 2008: Lotus Evora

[Source: Autocar]

Lotus Evora called UK's best drivers car by Autocar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:28:00 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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Lotus recieves Dewar Trophy recognizing technical excellence for Evora chassis

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:29:00 EST

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

Lotus Evora Versatile Vehicle Architecture - Click above for a high-res gallery

The new Lotus Evora that's debuting this spring is the first product built on the British automaker's new Versatile Vehicle Architecture. The VVA builds on what Lotus learned from developing the Elise and its derivatives, including working with aluminum extrusions and industrial bonding. The modular system allows Lotus to create a wide variety of low volume vehicles from similar componentry at comparatively low cost.

As a result of this work, Lotus has been awarded the 2008 Dewar Trophy for technical excellence. The trophy is awarded annually by the Royal Automobile Club in the UK for outstanding efforts in automotive engineering. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Lotus Evora

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus recieves Dewar Trophy recognizing technical excellence for Evora chassis

Lotus recieves Dewar Trophy recognizing technical excellence for Evora chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:29:00 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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350-hp Lotus Evora SC coming in 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Lotus

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Lotus Evora

When Lotus showed off its new Evora at the LA Auto Show in November, Engineering director Roger Becker made it clear that the car we were seeing was just the beginning. Lotus has never been a company with the resources to develop completely new cars every few years. Instead they design a car and then continually evolve it over the course of 10-20 years. The initial car with a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 will hit the streets this spring with 276 hp.

A couple of years from now Lotus will stuff a supercharger into the valley between the cylinder banks to pump that up to around 350 hp. That should be enough to boost the top end from 160 mph to around 175 mph. Before that happens, however, the kids in Hethel will be adding something not seen in a Lotus for many years -- an automatic transmission -- specifically for Americans too lazy to shift. A roadster variant is also being developed, and Autocar claims that Lotus will fit the Evora with a retracting hard-top. Given the modest dimensions of Lotus' new 2+2, it'll be interesting to see if they can stuff all that hardware into the coupe without spoiling the Evora's stunning good looks.

Gallery: LA 2008: Lotus Evora

[Source: AutoCar]

350-hp Lotus Evora SC coming in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Look out Fisker and Tesla! Lotus to jump into EV game!

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Green, Lotus

Lotus is looking to challenge one of clients by building an electric sports car of its own. CEO Michael Kimberly told the Financial Times that the sports car maker and engineering powerhouse will soon launch extended-range battery-powered vehicle. The high performance model could appear as a concept as soon as the Geneva Motor Show in March, and like the Chevy Volt and Fisker Karma, Lotus will use an internal combustion engine to supplement the range of a battery which will provide primary propulsion.

Kimberly hasn't indicated what kind of vehicle layout would be used, but the new Evora sports car would seem a likely candidate with a battery taking the space of the small +2 rear seats. Another possibility could be a revival of the APX crossover concept from a couple of years back. California's Zap had hoped to use that platform for the basis of its own Zap-X, but nothing has been heard about that project for some time.

The other unknown is what, if any impact, this might have on Lotus' relationship with Tesla Motors. Lotus helped Tesla develop its Roadster and builds the rolling chassis for it. It's possible that Tesla could end up supplying motors or other powertrain bits to Lotus to help offset some of the cost of paying Lotus for its work.

[Source: Financial Times]

Look out Fisker and Tesla! Lotus to jump into EV game! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hammond, May, Brosnan and Craig all in line for Lotus Evora

Dan Roth — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Lotus, Celebrities

Click above to view high-res image gallery of the Lotus Evora

We're apparently not the only ones in love with the Lotus formula, as celebrities are reportedly falling all over each other to get on the list for an Evora. We had a blissful visit with an Exige recently, but our main gripe was that we could only share the joy with one other person. When you've got a car that's such a delight, you want to pack the whole family in it, car seats and all. We're not sure if the 2+2 Evora will have LATCH anchors in the back seats, but that wouldn't stop us from trying to sign up for the upcoming four-place Lotus were we able to swing the payments. We'd be in good company, automotive celebrities Richard Hammond and James May are on "the list," along with TWO James Bonds. We wonder if the Evoras destined for Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig have been fitted with Q-approved submarine conversions, but even if they can't go swimming, it's clear that the Evora is the "it" car of the moment for a sizable list of celebrities, no Autoblog scribes included.

Gallery: LA 2008: Lotus Evora

Gallery: Lotus Evora

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Hammond, May, Brosnan and Craig all in line for Lotus Evora

Hammond, May, Brosnan and Craig all in line for Lotus Evora originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2008: Lotus Evora makes it to the States

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Lotus

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Lotus Evora live

The "mostly" U.S. version of the "midsize" Lotus Evora was shown today at the LA Auto Show and it looks exactly like the one that debuted at the 2008 British Motor Show back in June. It's just missing its side marker lights. The Evora follows the '70s Lamborghini Urraco, Maserati Merak, Ferrari 308GT4 and its follow-up the Ferrari Mondial in being a mid-engine 2+2 sports car. It's arguably the best looking of that quintet, though.

Two adult American males fit up front and there's still room in back for a couple of kids, while power comes from a Toyota-sourced 3.5L V6 producing 276 hp. With a curb weight of just 2,976 lbs., that should be plenty to scoot this puppy along. Expect 0-60 in 5 seconds, a top speed of 160+ and 30 mpg.

As cool as all of that is, the interior is what will blow you away, especially if you've ever served time in an Elise or Exige. There's leather all around, a proper nav system, an advanced touch-screen multi-media system and, get this, actual human beings can get in and out of it without requiring ridiculous flexibility. The Evora will be built on a new assembly line in Hethel at the rate of 2,000 annually for worldwide consumption. To Lotus's credit, they designed it from the get-go to meet safety and emissions requirements around the world so all they have to do is put the steering wheel on the proper side.

Talk of a supercharged S model and an even larger Esprit-successor is likely true. And Lotus executives have confirmed that a convertible variant with a power-retractable roof is in the works. Production of the standard Evora will begin in October of 2009, with sales in the U.S. beginning in late November or early December. Six-speed manual-equipped models will be available in the beginning, with an automatic (with paddle shifters) coming to market in April of 2010. But for now, we're happy with just the Evora. Twice as stiff as an Elise and a little extra room for passengers and cargo sounds just about perfect. One additional note: Although this upsized Elise went by the codename Eagle during development, there's apparently no truth to the rumors that the upcoming convertible version will be called the Bald Eagle.

Gallery: LA 2008: Lotus Evora

Gallery: Lotus Evora

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading LA 2008: Lotus Evora makes it to the States

LA 2008: Lotus Evora makes it to the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroen GT Concept now available in GT5 Prologue

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Lotus, Ferrari, Citroën, Toys/Games

Click above for shots of the GTbyCitroen, Ferrari California and Lotus Evora in GT5

Polyphony's Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is about to get a pretty substantial upgrade. The next time you boot up your Playstation 3, an update will be available for GT5 that will add the GT by Citroen, Ferrari's new California and the Lotus Evora. Lotus fans got a sneak peek into the Evora's GT5 inclusion at the British Motor Show a few weeks back, and now everybody gets to join in on the aluminum-intensive fun. It's always a pleasure to strap yourself in a Ferrari, in real-life or virtually, and the California is the latest Italian Stallion around, so its addition was a foregone conclusion. The biggest news, though, is the new French GT, which its maker says was "a partnership between Citroën and Polyphony." In the game-realm, the new GT concept will be powered by electrons generated from a hydrogen fuel cell. Even if the technology isn't quite ready for prime time in your driveway, it can always make waves in digital form, running around various race tracks while emitting nothing but water.

Gallery: GTbyCitroen, Lotus Evora and Ferrari California in GT5

[Source: PlayStation Blog via Joystiq]

Citroen GT Concept now available in GT5 Prologue originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:29:00 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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