Lotus Eagle

[Kitdy]

Well, the Lotus Eagle broke cover a few days before schedule, but there's only 1 picture that I know of.

I am very disappointed with this new design - I was hoping for a radical departure from the current models which I think are absolutely hideous. I wanted to see a return to the angular design of the early Esprits which were great, but instead it just looks like a facelifted Exige/Elise. Too bad, as form the spyshots I figured it woudl be angular.

Lotus enthusiasts will probably scoff at the ABS, traction control, leather, fancy sound system, etc etc. It also has back seats, but they can be deleted if wanted.

[Wouter Melissen]

I am glad to hear you don't like it.

[Street_Dreamer]

I, personally, love it. I think it looks really nice, it should drive well, and i think it's much better than the Europa...

I believe Lotus should be allowed one grown-up car for those who adore Lotus and always have, but can't put up with the relentlessly hardcore nature they are famous for - meaning people don't need to buy 2 cars, but can have one they enjoy all the time.

If the Elise or Exige were diluted to these levels, I'd agree with the Lotus fans who may detest the existence of this car, but I think it's the right car for Lotus.

[Kitdy]

I am glad to hear you don't like it.

I'm glad you're glad.

Why don't you ever say this to Ferrer?

[Dino Scuderia]

Looks pretty good...I like it and the very similar looking Artega GT.

[faksta]

It looks like a kit car...

[Ferrer]

I can't see where the back seats will be.

And I think it looks rather bad.

[dydzi]

i think it looks the way it should. if it'd have different style, lotus clients wouldn't go for it. if it was more refined/sublimed/exotic or whatever else, it'd need to survive competition of lamborghinis/porsches/ferraris, and as i assume it wouldn't stand a chance. so designers found their own way and keep with it

[Matra et Alpine]

Am liking it ... can't wait to see it in the flesh.
Lotus have traditionally ALWAYS had a 'family/comfort' car.
It's a modern myth that they only do lightweight sports cars :)

[NSXType-R]

I can't see where the back seats will be.

And I think it looks rather bad.

The back seats are probably in theory only, just like the 911.

I don't think it's ugly, but it's just bland. The Elise looks like an angry insect, and this just looks like a bigger, more mellow version of it. Nothing wrong with that, just more boring. But probably still fast. Where is the engine supposed to be then...? Probably the front?

[ErWin76]

It's better looking than Europa S/SE.

[Dino Scuderia]

Definitely, the Europa is as exciting as a marshmallow in looks.

[Viper007]

I think it looks good definitely needs to be in a different color though.

[Kooper]

Looking pretty much as expected.

Smiley-face grille? Check.
Air-ducts on bonnet? Check.
Lots of round lines? Check.
Can't see the back, but assuming it'll have four round tail-lights? Check.

I'm kind of relieved to see it has less of a Proton touch than the Europa, but still a bit disappointed for more-or-less the same reasons as Kitdy.

I'm hoping the upcoming Esprit replacement will be something fresh and exciting looks-wise.


How many special editions are we to expect of this particular car? Judging from the Elise, one every month?

[lightweight]

I can't see where the back seats will be.

And I think it looks rather bad.

Having seen the first pic, I totally agree. The wheels are too small proportionally and the back of the car isn't as big as it should be.

The Farboud is far sexier

[092326001]

it's a lot better than the europa but it seems rather bland
doesn't stand out or seem aggressive enough
i was hoping for more exige like aggression

[Spastik_Roach]

I hope Lotus don't start doing an Aston Martin on us in which all their cars look identical! I l don't mind this car but its not exactly a classic in terms of design for me.

[Dino Scuderia]

What's interesting about this car is there is a growing number of modern cars with cantilever roof design per the GT-R and surely the next Zed will have it.

[Rockefella]

Looks pretty good. Side profile is bang-on in my opinion.. would like to see other media shots of the rest of the car though.

[NicFromLA]

Is it me or does the corner of the side window meet the rear window in a rather Zagato way? There even seems to be a bit of a double-bubble top.

I love it, and if it's just like an Elise but easier for me (and my girlfriend) to get in and out of, I'll take it.

[clutch-monkey]

not the lotus for me, but i can see why they'd be able to sell this quite easily.
maybe they can bring back a lotus talbot sunbeam..thing..(what's the name of the hatchback they did?)
edit: front wheel looks tiny??

[ruim20]

I like it, so far at least looks promissing, i'm skeptical about the back seats, once again i vote for a shorter wheel base or a luggage compartment.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

I'm at a don't know if I like it stage. but I'm intruiged enough to ask to see more.

[Ferrer]

not the lotus for me, but i can see why they'd be able to sell this quite easily.
maybe they can bring back a lotus talbot sunbeam..thing..(what's the name of the hatchback they did?)
edit: front wheel looks tiny??
Yep it was the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus. Unassuming supermini with a twin cam 16 valve 2.2-litre Lotus engine shoehorned in.

[NSXType-R]

Yep it was the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus. Unassuming supermini with a twin cam 16 valve 2.2-litre Lotus engine shoehorned in.

Wow. A practical Lotus? I've never seen that before. That's really cool.

[Matra et Alpine]

Let's not forget the awesome Lotus Carlton :)
YouTube - Tiff Needel tests the Lotus Carlton (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0NFqQ5ubz8)
Another shoe-horned engine into an upgraded suspension package on what looks a "standard" car :)


I was more thinking the likes of the Elite, Excel and Eclat tho' - full on Lotus rather than mods for another manufacturer :)

[Street_Dreamer]

I'm glad you're glad.

Why don't you ever say this to Ferrer?Because Ferrer is second only to God... Or something like that :D

[NSXType-R]

Let's not forget the awesome Lotus Carlton :)
YouTube - Tiff Needel tests the Lotus Carlton (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0NFqQ5ubz8)
Another shoe-horned engine into an upgraded suspension package on what looks a "standard" car :)


I was more thinking the likes of the Elite, Excel and Eclat tho' - full on Lotus rather than mods for another manufacturer :)

Cool stuff.

What was the Carlton based on? Should have bought one in GT4. :D

Edit- nvm, saw the video.

[roosterjuicer]

Is this supposed to be like a new espirit? I loved the old espirit (before the v8 of course) but im not crazy about this. I think the elise/exige are hideously ugly and i would never buy one. Unfortunately this car seems to be following in the same vein of uglies.

Anyone know anything about the motor and stuff?

[Jack_Bauer]

Is this supposed to be like a new espirit? I loved the old espirit (before the v8 of course) but im not crazy about this. I think the elise/exige are hideously ugly and i would never buy one. Unfortunately this car seems to be following in the same vein of uglies.

No it's not the successor to the Esprit. They are apparently working on another entirely independent project which will be "the new Esprit", something a bit more supercar-like. This will end up sitting somewhere between the Elise and Esprit in the future Lotus range.

The engine is presumed to be a Volvo derived 3.5l V6 producing 280-290bhp.

More pics including the interior have been leaked by Autocar. Very small images though... - Inside story: Lotus Eagle - Picture Gallery - Autocar.co.uk (http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsGallery.aspx?AR=233975&EL=-1)

[Dino Scuderia]

More angles:

Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-eagle-1/926312/full/)

[ScionDriver]

I think it looks ok, not as progressive as I would have hoped but not really that bland either. Maybe in the flesh it look better, thats how I was won over on the Elise.

[Ferrer]

What was the Carlton based on?
The Carlton was baesd... on the Carlton.

Yes, had to do it. :p

The engine is presumed to be a Volvo derived 3.5l V6 producing 280-290bhp.
Wasn't it a Toyota V6?

[NSXType-R]

The Carlton was baesd... on the Carlton.

Yes, had to do it. :p

Wasn't it a Toyota V6?

You are too kind. :D

I heard Toyota V6 as well. All for Toyotas and everything, but that's gotta be pretty embarrassing. You go to the track parking lot after kicking a bit of ass. And you see flat 6 Porsches, and V8 and V12 Mercedes Benz AMGs. And then you pull up in your Toyota engined Lotus.

[cmcpokey]

anyone else think the name eagle is kinda crap? never really liked anything named eagle. i understand it fits with the E thing, but they could have picked something better.

[Matra et Alpine]

Agreed ... amuch more fitting name woudl have been Lotus Erection :)

[IBrake4Rainbows]

The interior seems nice enough - having the features required while still appearing to be light & elegant.

However, I get the feeling the shape itself is very familiar.....the junction between rear screen & side windows is very reminiscant of the old M250 concept from a while back, albeit with a thinner gap. in fact much of the car reminds me of that concept, albeit with modern surfacing. but the basic proportions are there. and they were both silver.

It kind of already looks dated.

[clutch-monkey]

Yep it was the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus. Unassuming supermini with a twin cam 16 valve 2.2-litre Lotus engine shoehorned in.

damn i love that thing. i hope they do something like that again.

[Dantera22B]

The interior seems nice enough - having the features required while still appearing to be light & elegant.

However, I get the feeling the shape itself is very familiar.....the junction between rear screen & side windows is very reminiscant of the old M250 concept from a while back, albeit with a thinner gap. in fact much of the car reminds me of that concept, albeit with modern surfacing. but the basic proportions are there. and they were both silver.

It kind of already looks dated.

M250, thats what I was thinking but couldn't put a name to the car. I like it. I prefer the back to the front though.

[LotusLocost]

2008 Lotus Evora - Images, Specifications and Information (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/3784/Lotus-Evora.html)

Moahahahahahaha!
Damn that's sexy!

[Dino Scuderia]

Evora? Not any better than Eagle...or is Evora a translation?

Dumb 'E' naming system.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

According to Wikipedia, it's a Portuguese City.

what a Fantastic thing to name your new sports car after. I think.

Maybe not.

[Ferrer]

Isn't it the name of a brasilian singer too?

I think I prefer Eagle.

[Matra et Alpine]

Lotus Evora - True character in a faceless world. (http://www.facelesspeople.com/)

[Matra et Alpine]

Evora?.
Once spoken by a beautiful woman with a European accent it will all makes sense to you :)

Hate to think what you guys do to pronounce that after eye-rack ... I suspect eeeevo-rah

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Perhaps they were going with Evocative Racecar and simply came up with a hybrid?

[Matra et Alpine]

YouTube - Lotus Evora london motorshow 2008 part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSuTesX_llM)

[Dino Scuderia]

Once spoken by a beautiful woman with a European accent it will all makes sense to you :)

Hate to think what you guys do to pronounce that after eye-rack ... I suspect eeeevo-rah


It's still a stupid name I don't care how a beautiful... or ugly euro woman pronounces it.

[Matra et Alpine]

It's still a stupid name I don't care how a beautiful... or ugly euro woman pronounces it.
"stupid" ... hmmm American parochialism and stupid in the same sentence ... who'd have ever imagined that !!

[Dino Scuderia]

"stupid" ... hmmm American parochialism and stupid in the same sentence ... who'd have ever imagined that !!


Matra et Alpine and stupid in the same post...hmmm synonymous.

[Matra et Alpine]

Matra et Alpine and stupid in the same post...hmmm synonymous.

You meant erroneous ... best to check up in a dictionary before trying them thar long words

It's simple, there are more languages in use in the world than English.
Evora is a Roman town has it's own air show :) and the singer has a beautiful voic eand style -- and known for singing bare-footed ... so maybe it's named after her rather than the town ? :)

[Dino Scuderia]

You meant erroneous ... best to check up in a dictionary before trying them thar long words

Nope, I'm the foremost authority on what I meant and I meant what I posted.

[drakkie]

Unfortunately I have some problems figuring out how the bloody press site works, so I can't give you any more pictures. The press release's are here though:



With its stunning visual impact, exhilarating all-round dynamic performance, innovative chassis technology and high levels of luxury, packaging and convenience, the Evora heralds an exciting new era for Lotus.
The first all-new Lotus since the iconic Elise made its debut in 1995, The Evora enters the sports car market as currently the world’s only mid-engined 2+2. Powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 PS, and weighing just 1350 kg (prototype specification), the Evora promises breathtaking performance. During preliminary testing around the famous Nürburgring, the Lotus chassis engineers report that it is extremely agile and great fun to drive - even when clad with the full development disguise that hid the beautiful lines from the prying motor-industry paparazzi.

In addition to its excellent performance and exemplary handling, the Evora offers a more refined ownership experience than Lotus’s existing smaller four-cylinder models. Its elegantly styled cabin is elegantly trimmed and its equipment list includes contemporary features such as an advanced touch-screen multi-media system and electric power-fold door mirrors.

Because one of the roles of the Evora is to attract new customers to the Lotus brand, much attention has been paid to its ease of use. Wider, taller door apertures and narrower sills make getting in and out of the cabin a less athletic undertaking than it is in Lotus’s smaller sports cars (the Elise, Exige, Europa and 2-Eleven), while the design of the cabin itself will accommodate two 99th percentile (6ft 5in tall) American males in the front seats.

The ‘convenience factor’ of the Evora extends to less obvious areas of the car. For instance, beneath the skin the entire front-end structure is a high tech aluminium sacrificial modular unit, attached to the main extruded aluminium tub. This modular unit is designed to deform for maximum safety, and to reduce repair costs in the event of a frontal impact.

The Evora has been designed with global automotive regulations in mind, and future derivatives are planed, these including amongst others, a convertible.

The Evora will be hand crafted and built on a dedicated new assembly line within Lotus’s advanced manufacturing facility at Hethel in the east of England; capacity limitations will restrict production to approximately 2000 cars a year, ensuring the dynamic new sports car’s rarity and exclusivity.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, has this to say about the exciting new model: “The Evora is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago and is part of our bold five year strategic plan, which includes the introduction of new cars and technologies to many more markets around the world. The Evora also represents Lotus core values of performance through light weight and efficiency and proves that you can have phenomenal performance, fuel efficiency elegant design and practicality all in a class leading mid-engine 2+2 sportscar, which will meet global safety and homologation standards”
Mike Kimberley continues, “Looking to the future, we will continue to research, develop and produce lighter, more efficient vehicles which are linked to our extensive and well-regarded work on all aspects of future fuels, alternative engines and electric and hybrid vehicle solutions for the future. We all have an environmental responsibility to future generations and the Evora is another example where Lotus is seen to make significant steps towards improving the efficiency and sustainability of the motorcar keeping Britain at the forefront of the high technology motor industry.”

THE EVORA IN DETAIL

Style or function? Have both…
Designed ‘in-house’ by Lotus Design, the sleek and athletic form uses fluid forms and crisp surfaces to communicate velocity, agility and sophistication. Low and wide with modern cab forward proportions, muscular rear haunches and function optimised hip air intakes this is clearly a serious mid engined sportscar that skilfully hides the practicality of its two plus two capability.

Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design, led the Evora’s design team with Steven Crijns, Design Manager responsible for the exterior and Anthony Bushell, Senior Designer, responsible for the interior.

[drakkie]

“A cornerstone of the design's success was working closely with the technical team to develop a package that allowed us to get the proportions correct,” says Head of Design Russell Carr, “The asymmetric wheel sizes, the short rear overhang, long front overhang and cab forward visor screen all contribute to giving the car visual movement and an agile stance. This is incredibly important to us because we want the car's aesthetics to communicate its driving characteristics".

Lotus products have always embodied a perfect balance between form and function and the Evora successfully continues this heritage. “We never lost sight of the fact that, although this car must provide real world useability, sportscars are emotional purchases and that you have to seduce the customer through beguiling looks and exotic persona. We are, therefore, very proud that we have been able to use technical and user functionality to positively drive the design in key areas and create some of the car’s most distinctive features”. says Carr.

Ingress and egress, for example, dictated a minimal “step-over” to get into the Evora. We simply cut away the surface under the door and created a unique and dramatic piece of sculpture that enhances the stance of the car as well as its useability.

Elsewhere, aerodynamic considerations for drag, down force and cooling had significant but positive influence on the overall form and details such as air intakes. A desire to create balanced down force, that increases cornering performance, led to the adoption of, the now, “signature” top exit radiator vent, race car inspired diffuser and “floating rear wing”. Drag limitation, drove the dramatic tear-dropped cabin layout and the curvaceous plan view has given the car a more muscular rear shoulder and conveys a level of sophistication appropriate to this market segment.

“We believe that our designs should be honest as well as dramatic and so we are really pleased with the fact that these iconic features all do a real job” says Steven Crijns, Design Manager.

This inherent understanding of the relationship between the technical and the aesthetic paid dividends the first time a full-scale model of the Evora was wind-tunnel tested – only minimal adjustments were required to the car’s aerodynamic package to meet the targets for downforce and stability.

Steve Crijns continued, “Overall the design language shows a clear DNA link with its Lotus siblings, whilst establishing its own distinctive and contemporary theme. The undulating shoulder line is brilliantly mirrored in the lower part of the bodyside by the cut -away sill that creates a torseau-like muscularity.”

“The front three-quarter view is really powerful” Russell Carr continues, “Your eye is drawn effortlessly, from our signature mouth, rearward by fluid surfaces and fast lines that create a sense of speed even when the car is stationary. From this angle you can also see how dramatically the visor screen sweeps around the teardrop form of the cabin and the gently waisted plan shape perfectly accentuates the muscularity of the rear fender. This is unmistakeably mid engined language and the Evora is unmistakeably a Lotus.”

The view from the rear three-quarters is just as striking and the one that many will become familiar with as the car passes them on the road. The tapered cabin, diffuser, floating wing, centrally mounted twin tailpipes and distinctive engine bay vents all combine to create a completely unique look.

Moving right inside…
The design language of the interior reflects that of the exterior – simple, fluid surfaces, soft forms and crisp feature lines wrap around the cabin cosseting the occupants. Unlike recent Lotus products that use a race car inspired, technical minimalism, the Evora employs a softer approach that utilises premium quality materials and finishes to create a contemporary but luxurious ambience that is unique to Lotus products.

It is, according to Head of Lotus Design Russell Carr, “A huge departure from what people might expect based on Lotus’s recent past. We wanted the Evora’s cabin to feel special and to be surprising as well as sporty. Precision engineered metal inserts and quality edge-lit switches are brilliantly juxtaposed against soft hand-stitched leather surfaces to give a modern interior with a classic twist.”

Russell Carr continues, “The flat bottomed steering wheel, figure hugging sports seat, contemporary instrumentation and ergonomically positioned controls provide an intuitive environment that instantly forms a connection between driver and car ensuring that it becomes an extension of his or her body.“

Anthony Bushell Senior Designer explained about the choice of materials in the Evora’s interior, “Tactile quality is incredibly important within this segment and so we wanted the interior to use honest premium materials. Much of the switchgear is bespoke, and every metallic component is actually metal.”

Focused courtesy lighting is used throughout the interior, giving a spectacular illuminated feel to the sculpture design feature of the cabin.
The extensive use of handcrafted, premium leather differentiates The Evora from other Lotus products and such is its importance to the character of the car that an entire new trim shop has been built at the Lotus Headquarters in the UK, dedicated to its production.

Even the entry level versions of the Evora will feature leather-upholstered seats, upper door trim panels and facia, but it is expected that most customers will opt for the full hide treatment. With a range of leather colours available, customers will have the opportunity to personalise their Evora.

High-tech treats
Contemporary technology also features in the Evora’s cabin. A newly developed Alpine multi-media system with a 7 inch touch-screen provides advanced audio, satellite navigation, video, Bluetooth® hands-free telephone and iPod® connectivity functions; the screen also serves as a monitor for The Evora’s optional reversing camera. The satellite navigation element of the system is removable, allowing you to programme it from the comfort of your home, or take it with you to continue your journey in an unfamiliar pedestrian location.

The Alpine audio set-up is one of the most sophisticated automotive systems in the world. Called IMPRINT and using MultEQ sound enhancement technology, it is able to cancel out sound imbalances, caused by the cabin window glass, for instance, creating echoes, while carpets suppress mid-range frequencies – resulting in amazingly crisp, clear, undistorted sound reproduction wherever you are seated in the car.

A bespoke air-conditioning system developed by Bergstrom is standard on all models, and has been designed for the hottest climate or the closest humidity to help provide maximum occupant comfort. Lotus traction control and on-board tyre pressure monitoring will also be available.


One size fits all
The front seats themselves are very supportive and leather clad with a lightweight manual adjustment mechanism for fore and aft, rake and lumbar, designed to give a supported driving position.

The rear seats of 2+2 versions of the Evora –are intended for children and smaller adults. There will also be a two-seater derivative with a luggage shelf in the back. To maximise comfort in the rear, there’s a decent amount of foot-room under the seats in front, while both back seats feature ISOFIX mountings for secure child seat fitment.

When unoccupied, the rear seats provide a convenient stowage area, adding to the Evora’s appeal as an everyday car. The 160 litre boot, which ingeniously features a fresh air cooling system to reduce the effect of any heat ingress from the engine bay, will also accommodate a full set of golf clubs.

Easy in, easy out
With the Elise and its derivatives, the no-compromise character of the car makes getting in and out across a wide sill and through a comparatively narrow door/window aperture part of the charm of ownership. For the Evora and its remit for the serious daily driver, and to attract newcomers to the Lotus brand, greater convenience and practicality is provided.

As a consequence the sill is now lower and slimmer (80mm wide compared with 100mm in the Elise), and the whole door aperture taller. The doors open wider than on the Elise and its siblings, while the height of the front seat is raised by 65mm.

But while The Evora is undeniably more ‘lifestyle’ in respect of its everyday practicality, once you’re seated behind its flat-bottomed steering wheel, it feels every bit as exotic and sporting as you would expect a Lotus to be.

Safely does it
In common with the Elise and its derivatives, The Evora’s bonded extruded aluminium chassis tub has incredible inherent strength, particularly in regard to side impacts. Additional torsional strength is given to the whole structure by the tubular steel seatbelt anchorage frame that also acts as a rollover structure.

Deformable sacrificial aluminium front and steel rear subframe modules are attached to the tub using joints which are designed to minimise damage to the tub, protecting the main passenger cell in the event of an accident.

Driver and passenger airbags are standard. The airbag on the passenger side is cleverly engineered to deploy vertically and then be deflected rearwards by the windscreen, to provide protection for children as well as adults.

[drakkie]

Anti-lock brakes are standard on all models, as is Lotus Traction Control (LTC); these systems have been specially developed in co-operation with Bosch and enable up and coming drivers to consistently exploit the braking and acceleration capabilities of the Evora, whilst allowing skilled enthusiasts the freedom to enjoy the full Lotus driving experience.

The chassis: Production Low Volume Versatile Vehicle Architecture
The Evora’s chassis is an evolution of the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) from the Lotus APX concept vehicle previously showcased at the Geneva Motorshow, and allows for the development of a range of vehicles up to a gross vehicle weight of 1,900 kg. This architecture has been designed to be more applicable to mid-volume applications by utilising our low capital investment manufacturing processes. The Evora structure progresses the Lotus ‘bonded and riveted’ technology used in the Elise family of vehicles with unique extrusions and folded panels, whilst providing contemporary ease of ingress/egress, build modularity and improved, lower cost repairs.

The Low Volume VVA architecture has been designed so that it can be extended in width, length and height. The strength and stiffness of the low volume VVA chassis can be modified cost effectively by varying the wall thickness of the extrusions, without altering the exterior dimensions. The ability to lengthen or shorten extrusions with the option to tailor the chassis stiffness, vastly increases the number of vehicles that can be developed from this vehicle architecture. Front and mid engine installations have been considered, as well as hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) applications.

The Lotus Evora employs a composite roof as a stressed structural member to give an exceptional vehicle stiffness of 26,000 Nm per degree, thanks in part to the seatbelt anchorage frame’s secondary function as a roll over structure, and partly because the high-tech composite body panels are stressed items. However, despite this high stiffness, the complete chassis and modules weight just 200 kg (prototype weight), helping to keep the weight of the whole car to just 1350 kg (prototype weight).

To deliver this high performance structure, bonded and riveted high grade aluminium extrusions and simple and elegant folded sheet elements are used in the lower structure, building upon award winning research projects in this field. Lotus pioneered the technology of bonded aluminium extrusions for use in road vehicles and has successfully developed high performance cars for other car companies around the world.

The central tub is attached to an extruded aluminium subframe at the front and a lightweight welded steel subframe at the rear. These subframe modules also offer advantages in terms of convenience and low cost of repair, and during manufacturing can be brought to the production line fully assembled, ready to be attached.

The high technology Lotus Evora chassis will be manufactured at the new Lotus Lightweight Structures facility in Worcester, UK. LLS employs 120 skilled engineers, technicians and sales staff and will manufacture all the Lotus aluminium structures, including those for the Elise, Exige, 2–Eleven and Europa and aluminium and composite structures and components for Lotus’s extensive global client base.

Suspended & animated
The Evora suspension wishbones are forged from aluminium to reduce the unsprung mass. These are similar in weight, and stiffer than the steel items found on the much smaller Elise, Exige and Europa vehicles, and have a far higher vehicle weight capacity. They are attached to the front and rear modules via bespoke bushes. The Evora will use Bilstein high performance dampers and Eibach springs with unique dual path top mounts for optimised vehicle refinement. Hydraulically assisted power steering is provided by a Lotus tuned TRW steering rack.



All in all, the Evora delivers. It has incredible Lotus handling and provides unsurpassable driving pleasure. In fact, word from the ride and handling team is that the new car is likely to become a class standard-setter for speed and agility.

Stop right now…
Vented and cross-drilled brake discs – massive 350mm items on the front and 332mm at the rear – and high performance bespoke Lotus AP Racing 4 pot callipers ensure impressive stopping power.

Everyone connected with the brake testing programme, conducted on the punishing corners, climbs and descents of the Nürburgring, has described the brakes as ‘phenomenal’ with excellent thermal performance and outstanding feel even after extended sessions of extreme use.

Part of that testing programme was to finalise settings for the ABS system being developed in conjunction with Bosch. The system is set to very high thresholds and operates so progressively that drivers are often unaware that they have actually triggered the ABS.

Safe. Fun. Lotus Traction Control
The Switchable Lotus Traction Control (LTC) system has been developed simultaneously with the ABS and works through the engine management system to reduce power when required to maintain traction. Unlike many traction control systems, LTC has been tuned to complement the skills of the driver without taking over. The Lotus LTC is active above 5 mph (8 km/h) and operates much more quickly than many brake based systems. The system can be deactivated completely, giving no traction control intervention.

Keeping a grip – 18 inch at the front, 19 inch at the rear.
Tyre choice is a vital component in the handling performance of every Lotus and for the Evora, Yokohama was chosen as development partner.

Lotus’s long-term relationship with Yokohama was swiftly rewarded during development when initially the front tyre size did not generate the Lotus required lateral grip, the Japanese grip gurus went away and developed bespoke tyres especially for the Evora – a 225/40 ZR18 at the front and larger diameter; 255/35 ZR19 at the rear. Both have carcass construction and a rubber compound unique to Lotus and are identified by the letters ‘LTS’ on the sidewalls.

The V6 Engine - dual VVT-i (‘intelligent’ variable valve timing)
The exceptional working relationship that Lotus has enjoyed with Toyota over several decades, combined with the overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception for the company’s four-cylinder power units in the Elise and Exige, guaranteed the Japanese giant’s inclusion on the shortlist for the Evora engine supplier.

The final choice was Toyota’s all-alloy 2GR-FE 3.5-litre V6 DOHC, with dual VVT-i (‘intelligent’ variable valve timing). Lotus has painstakingly developed its own T6e engine management software for this engine to optimise its compatibility with the unique requirements of the Evora to give a peak power output to 280 PS at 6400 rpm, while boosting its maximum torque to 342 Nm at 4700 rpm (prototype figures).

Changes to the engine management and exhaust systems also allow the V6 to rev more freely and provide rapid throttle response; feedback from the development team suggests that the strength of the engine’s mid-range torque means that gutsy performance will be easily accessible without having to thunder through to the redline. This makes the Lotus Evora a thoroughly satisfying car for everyday road use and a rewarding one when you just want to drive.

The 2GR-FE V6 engine is mated to 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-focussed driver.
Many Lotus owners enjoy the blend of unique performance and efficiency that the brand’s cars offer. True to the Lotus value of “performance through light weight” CO2 emissions are expected to be a class leading sub-225 g/km (prototype figures) while testers report fuel consumption in the region of 30+ mpg (pending formal homologation testing).

What’ll she do?
At the time of its unveiling, full performance figures have yet to be compiled on a production specification Lotus Evora, Lotus has another 6 months development to conduct.

While for Lotus top speed is of less importance than stability at speed, early indications suggest a maximum speed of 160 mph; the 0-60 mph sprint from standstill is estimated at sub 5 seconds (prototype figures).

Test. Test. Then test some more
It’s a global car, so the Evora has been tested around the world. From the icy wastes of the arctic to the heat of the desert, the high altitude of the Alps as well as the country roads around the Hethel factory.

It has spent hours howling around the Nürburgring and endlessly lapped Lotus’s test track at Hethel. By the time the Evora enters production, prototypes will have travelled for hundreds of thousands of miles along some of the worst public roads in the world and been tortured for as many miles on some of the toughest proving grounds the motor industry has to offer including extreme pave tests, to Australia and even the Arizona outback.

It has been flung into barriers at low and high speeds, at a multitude of angles, including head-on; it has even had its roof compressed!

[drakkie]

By the time the Evora reaches the Lotus showrooms from Spring 2009 onwards, it will be the most thoroughly tested Lotus car in the history of Lotus. It will also be one of the company’s great milestones.
The order book is now open in the UK and across continental Europe, with markets around the world to start taking orders in due course. Final specifications, options and prices of the production Lotus Evora will be published closer to the sale date in the many Lotus markets around the world.

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus plc sums up, “This year Lotus celebrates its 60th anniversary and it is fitting that 2008 is also the birth of the Lotus Evora, a fantastic addition to the Lotus range. The Lotus Evora represents Group Lotus, a company that is at the forefront of the automotive industry, in a changing world where priorities of efficiency, economy and environmental impact go hand in hand with performance, design and individuality. I think Colin Chapman would have approved.”Notes For Editors:

About Group Lotus plc:
The main operating subsidiary of Group Lotus plc is Lotus Cars Ltd, which has two operating divisions - Lotus Engineering and Lotus Cars. Lotus Engineering is an internationally recognised automotive engineering consultancy based in Norfolk, UK. Global facilities include those in Michigan (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), China and offices in Germany and Japan, with rapid expansion in new territories such as South East Asia and the Gulf States.

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive and versatile consultancy services to many of the world's OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, offering a full engineering service from initial concept and project design through development and integration of the complete vehicle to meet all worldwide markets and customers to full production. This includes third party 'niche vehicle' engineering and manufacture worldwide.

Lotus Cars builds world class, prestige, high performance sports cars for sale in 37 countries. These include the iconic Lotus Elise, and the Exige and Europa. Lotus is a global high-tech company, expanding and committed to driving forward technology for both Lotus Cars and its Engineering clients, spearheading research into such areas as hybrids, electric vehicles and renewable fuels.

[Ferrer]

1350kg? And apparently as standard it's a 2 seater.

[clutch-monkey]

1350 is about cayman wieght isn't it? approaching 911 weight...
just hope it's cheaper as an alternative

[Ferrer]

1350 is about cayman wieght isn't it? approaching 911 weight...
just hope it's cheaper as an alternative
A Cayman S weights exactly 1350kg, the standard Cayman 1300kg. 911 Carrera 1415kg and 911 Carrera S 1425kg.

So is this an overweight Lotus? And if it is, then what's the point?

[clutch-monkey]

it might work as a budget, practical cayman.

[lotusdag]

- saw the car "in real" at the Silverstone Classic on Sunday. Looked much better than I thought from pics only. Proportions, lines......Mmmmmmmmm. - and I am objective.....

[whiteballz]

edit: front wheel looks tiny??

Its because theres no rear overhang, and the front is approximately three football-fields east of where it should be.

Having said that - It looks like that italdesign/lamborghini powered Raptor from years back.