Models - Evora
Pre-launch
Known as Project Eagle during its development the Evora is Lotus's first ever mid-engined 2+2, although the default configuration is actually the "+0", with the rear seats an optional extra.
In the run up to it's launch Lotus carried out a promotion campaign promising "True Character in a Faceless World", which included people with blank face masks appearing at Wimbledon, the Henley regatta and Elton John's white tie and tiara ball.[1]
This promotion lead to the website http://www.facelesspeople.com, which featured nothing but a countdown to the cars launch and a link back to the Group Lotus website. Since the launch this site has been removed and is no longer available.
The unveiling of the Evora on the 22nd of July at the 2008 British International Motor Show[2] marked Lotus's first all-new car since the Elise in 1995. Although Lotus had produced models such as the Exige, Series 2 Elise and Europa in the interim period these were still fundamentally based on the original Elise platform.
As with the 'Federal' Elise the Lotus Evora was designed with international sales in mind, in particular the lucrative US market. This was deemed vital to help Lotus reach a wider audience of more affluent buyers, with the Evora looking to compete against a far wider range of cars than the Elise's niche appeal.
Parallels could certainly be drawn between the Evora launch and that of the original Elite and Esprit, with Lotus looking to produce cars that would push up market and could command higher pricing and, hopefully, profit margins...
At the launch Lotus where bullish, talking of how the car had been developed in just 18 monthsCitation needed, and of projected sales figure of around 2,000 cars per year worldwide.
Platform Architecture
As with the Lotus Elise the Evora chassis is formed from bonded aluminium extrusions, a technique which Lotus pioneered with the Elise.
Unlike the Elise however the Evora chassis based around Lotus's VVA chassis architecture.[3]
This is built is made up of three separate sections, the central tub, the front and rear, which are then joined together (bolted?) to form the completed chassis.
This not only eases repairs - in the Elise if the suspension pick points are damaged in a crash the whole chassis will often be written off, where as with the Evora the damaged section can be removed and replaced - but also saves time in the cars construction, with the sections able be built simultaneously before being joined together once all three are completed.
This approach could also ease future developments where, for example, a new power train was to be utilised which necessitates a change to the rear of the car. In this case production of the front and centre sections could be carried out as per normal with rear sections being attached to meet demand and/or build schedules when the chassis was completed.
Evora Models
At present all models of the Lotus Evora share the same coupe body shape and are all powered by derivatives of the 2GR-FE engine.
Early cars, particularly the Launch Edition models, have been noted as having some interior build quality issues, but these have been steadily improved.
Evora
After its unveiling in July 2008, the first customer Evora was sold to Matthew Melling, a customer of Stratton Motor Company, in September 2009.[4]
The initial run of 450 cars delivered were all the Launch Edition models, which were produced to a fixed specification to ease the initial production process.
After this regular production began, with both the Evora 2+0 and 2+2 available with a range of option and upgrade packs.
Lotus Evora Press Release (PDF)
| Layout | Transverse mid engined, rear wheel drive |
| Length | 4342 mm |
| Width | 1848 mm |
| Height | 1223mm |
| Engine fuel | Petrol |
| Engine configuration | V6 |
| Engine capacity | 3456 cc |
| Engine power | 276hp (280PS/206KW) at 6400 rpm |
| Engine torque | 258lb/ft (350Nm) at 4600 rpm |
| Engine rev limit | 6400rpm (7000rpm with Sport Pack) |
| 0-60mph (0-100 km/h) | 4.9 seconds (5.1 seconds) |
| Top speed | 162mph (261kph) |
| CO2Emissions | 205g/km (MY09) 199g/km (MY10/11) 215g/km (with Sports Gearbox) |
| Weight | 1382kg |
| Seats | 2 (with option of 2+2) |
| Transmission | 6 speed manual (Optional Sports Gearbox) |
| Drive | RWD |
Launch Edition
The Evora Launch Edition made up the first 450 (200 destined for the UK) production Evora's. They were all built to the same specification, allowing Lotus to bring the production line up without having to worry about the various different permutations possible with customised cars.
All Launch Editions came equipped with 2+2 seating, Tech Pack, Premium Pack, Sport Pack, Hi-power silver cast alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon Headlamps, Alpine Imprint Audio System, Reversing Camera, Electric Powerfold Mirrors and a numbered plaque. The Sport Ratio gearbox was not an option on Launch Edition cars, with the only options being the cars paint and possibly interior trim.[5]
The Evora Launch Edition was priced at £58,460, with Metallic, Lifestyle and Premium paint colours as cost options.
Naomi for Haiti
Following the earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010, Lotus donated eight special edition Evora's to be auctioned off at Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief show, held at Somerset House on February 18th, during London Fashion Week.
The "Naomi for Haiti" cars were based off the standard Evora, and featured a unique livery designed by Lotus Design Director, Donato Coco, which "reflects Naomi’s design direction.".
The cars raised over €1.4 million towards relief efforts[6], with the first 2 cars selling for over £300,000 each.
Naomi for Haiti Press Release (PDF)
Press reception
The Evora launched to positive reception from the press, with 5-star reviews in Evo[7] and Car[8] magazines.
Reviews praised the Evora's ride and handling, but raised some concerns as to whether the build quality was up to the level of its rivals. "It has proved to be a really usable GT car, yet it has also played the junior supercar role in a way I hadn’t expected. It still hasn’t got the feeling of solidity that Porsche imbues in its cars, but as a package the Evora has a lot of similarities with the multi-talented 911."
Awards
Autocar - Britain's Best Driver's Car 2009[9]
Car Magazine - Performance Car of the Year 2009[10]
Evo - Car of the Year 2009[11]
Lotus Evora Award Press Release (PDF)
Evora IPS
Launched alongside the Evora S at the Paris Motor Show on September 30th 2010, the Evora IPS[12] paired the normally aspirated Toyota 2GR-FE engine with the Toyota U660E gearbox.
The Toyota U660E gearbox is a traditional torque-converter automatic gearbox, and unlike the manual is only available with the standard Toyota specification gear ratios. This is paired with Lotus's own electronics to give the gearbox a more sporting feel.
Inside the car sees the removal of the tradition gearstick, replaced with a panel for switching between Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Park, along with the Sport button. Paddles are fitted behind the steering wheel, with left paddle changing down and the right changing up. In the instrument binnacle the small LCD used to show the odometer is re-purposed to show the current gear selection and mode. In the foot-well, as you'd expect, there are only two pedals.
Lotus Evora S and IPS Press Release (PDF)
Sport mode in the Evora IPS changes the way the gearbox reacts, both in terms of the chosen gear and the amount of time the car will remain in Manual mode after a paddle has been used. It does not however increase the rev limit due to the limitations of most torque converter automatic gearboxes.
| Layout | Transverse mid engined, rear wheel drive |
| Length | 4342 mm |
| Width | 1848 mm |
| Height | 1223mm |
| Engine fuel | Petrol |
| Engine configuration | V6 |
| Engine capacity | 3456 cc |
| Engine power | 276hp (280PS/206KW) at 6400 rpm |
| Engine torque | 258lb/ft (350Nm) at 4600 rpm |
| Engine rev limit | 6400rpm |
| 0-60mph (0-100 km/h) | 5.3 seconds (5.5 seconds) |
| Top speed | 155mph (250kph) |
| CO2Emissions | 208g/km |
| Weight | 1436kg |
| Seats | 2 (with option of 2+2) |
| Transmission | 6 speed automatic |
| Drive | RWD |
Evora S
Officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on September 30th 2010 alongside the Evora IPS. It's launch was somewhat overshadowed however as Lotus chose the same event to unveil this 'New Era' range of concept cars, prompting concerns that the Evora would quickly be replaced by the new Elan. These concerns were later allayed with the Elan later scheduled for 2017 and Lotus committing to continuing the evolution of the Evora range.
The most obvious enhancement from the base Evora is the addition of an Eaton Roots-type Twin-Vortices supercharger helping the Evora S produce 345bhp, but the Evora S also receives the Sport Pack, cross drilled brakes and Stealth Grey Classic Wheels as standard, along with revisions made to areas such as the gear shift linkage.
Lotus Evora S and IPS Press Release (PDF)
| Layout | Transverse mid engined, rear wheel drive |
| Length | 4342 mm |
| Width | 1848 mm |
| Height | 1223mm |
| Engine fuel | Petrol |
| Engine configuration | V6 with Supercharger |
| Engine capacity | 3456 cc |
| Engine power | 345hp (350PS/257.5KW) at 7000 rpm |
| Engine torque | 295lb/ft (400Nm) at 4500 rpm |
| Engine rev limit | 7000rpm |
| 0-60mph (0-100 km/h) | 4.6 seconds (4.8 seconds) |
| Top speed | 172mph (277kph) |
| CO2Emissions | 235g/km (MY10/11) 229g/km (MY12) |
| Weight | 1437kg |
| Seats | 2 (with option of 2+2) |
| Transmission | 6 speed manual |
| Drive | RWD |
Evora S Gumball
A one off car created by Lotus for the 2011 Gumball Rally 3000 and driven by Tamer Hassan.
Based on the standard Evora S the Gumball car was enhanced with a range of cosmetic and mechanical changes borrowed from the Evora GT4 race car. These included the full GT4 aero package of front and rear bumpers, front diffuser, rear splitter and wing, air intake, barge board and grills, along with the GT4 exhaust, wheels, 4-way adjustable Ohlin dampers, stiffer Eibach Race springs and a 30mm lower ride height - although road tyres were retained to keep the car road legal.
With these changes the Evora S Gumball 3000 was quoted to be producing 400ps.
Lotus Evora S - 2011 Gumball 3000 Tech Specs
Naomi for Japan
Freddie Mercury Evora S
The Freddie Mercury Evora S was first announced by Lotus Cars in a press release[13] on September 1st, 2011 as a limited edition of just 1 car.
The car was offered up for sale as an auction item for the Mercury Phoenix Trust, an HIV and AIDs charity fund, and sold on September 5th - which would have been Freddie Mercury's 65th birthday - to Chris Evans[14] for £100,000. Evans visited Hethel later in September[15] to tour the factory, try some laps of the Hethel test track, and sign off his cars specification.
The final specification of the car was as follows: Evora S (MY12), 2+0 seating configuration, Pearl White with unique Red and Bronze stripes, Premium Pack Suedetex (custom colour scheme), Tech Pack, Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels, Reversing Camera, Powerfold Mirrors, Lotus Evora Freddie Mercury "65" Build Plate.
Unlike the concept renderings the car was specified with black suedetex fronts to the seats (although retained the concept renderings yellow rear panel), while the dash received a yellow suedetex covering.
Since taking delivery of the car Evans has since t, as apparently he didn't have room for the car amongst his collection[16] . It was first offered for sale in February 2012, unregistered and with delivery mileage, at Ferrari and Maserati dealership Meridien Modena[17] - advertising the car at £76,000 - and then once again in November 2012, registered on a 12-plate with 2156 miles and an asking price of £57,995 at Lotus dealers Bell & Colvill[18].
Evora GP Edition
Evora S IPS
Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011, the Evora S IPS combined the two introductions from Paris the previous year, matching up the more powerful Evora S engine with the Evora IPS paddle shift automatic gearbox.
| Layout | Transverse mid engined, rear wheel drive |
| Length | 4342 mm |
| Width | 1848 mm |
| Height | 1223mm |
| Engine fuel | Petrol |
| Engine configuration | V6 with Supercharger |
| Engine capacity | 3456 cc |
| Engine power | 345hp (350PS/257.5KW) at 7000 rpm |
| Engine torque | 295lb/ft (400Nm) at 4500 rpm |
| Engine rev limit | 7000rpm |
| 0-60mph (0-100 km/h) | 4.6 seconds (4.8 seconds) |
| Top speed | 172mph (277kph) |
| CO2Emissions | 224g/km (MY12) |
| Weight | 1437kg |
| Seats | 2 (with option of 2+2) |
| Transmission | 6 speed automatic |
| Drive | RWD |
Evora GTE
Despite sharing it's name with the Evora GTE Race Car the Evora GTE Road Cars drivetrain is a modified version of the supercharged 2GR-FE seen in the Evora S rather than the 4-litre Toyota Cosworth engine used in the race cars.
Power is increased to 438bhp at 7000rpm through the process of an engine rebuild with stronger internal components in conjunction with a higher boost pressure and larger intercooler. This is fed through a hydraulically automated version of the Toyota EA60 gearbox, and controlled via steering wheel mounted paddles.
Weight is reduced by around 90-105kg compared to the Evora S through the extensive use of carbon fibre both inside and out, including wider carbon fibre bodywork with the front and rear camshells, wings, doors, rear bulkhead and spoilers all made by Mansory in Germany.
| Layout | Transverse mid engined, rear wheel drive |
| Length | 4360.5 mm |
| Width | 1848 mm |
| Height | 1214 mm |
| Engine fuel | Petrol |
| Engine configuration | V6 with Supercharger |
| Engine capacity | 3456 cc |
| Engine power | 437hp (444PS/257.5KW) at 7000 rpm |
| Engine torque | 310lb/ft (420Nm) at 4500 rpm |
| Engine rev limit | 7200rpm |
| 0-60mph (0-100 km/h) | TBC |
| Top speed | TBC |
| CO2Emissions | TBC |
| Weight | 1276kg |
| Seats | 2 |
| Transmission | 6 speed hydraulically automated manual |
| Drive | RWD |
MY12 Updates
The launch of the MY12 cars at the Frankfurt Motor Show saw a range of improvements and specification changes to the Evora range, some of which had been made to cars as and when they were developed, and others which were added specifically to the Model Year 2012 cars.
Changes included
Close Ratio Gearbox, Bi-Xenon headlights and Body Coloured Door Handles now included as standard throughout the range
Revised selection of Paint Colours, including some unique to the Evora and the new Motorsport colours.
Revised gear linkage, gear stick design and positioning.
Pioneer headunit for the Tech Pack, replacing the previous Alpine unit.
New exhaust design to give a more evocative exhaust note.
Redesigned door seals and latches.
Revised interior with additional Premium Sport option, new colour options, leather covering on extra surfaces to improve the look and feel, redesigned steering wheel, higher quality leather, new floormats, etc.
Concept Cars
Evora 414E Hybrid
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in September 2010, the Evora 414E Hybrid[19] serves as a practical demonstration of the flexibility of Lotus's VVA platform and replaces the Evora's Toyota sourced engine with a Hybrid petrol-electic drivetrain.
Unlike many traditional hybrids the petrol engine does not drive the wheels, instead the Lotus Range Extender (1.2l, three-cylinder, 47hp) is used in conjunction with other energy recovery techniques to provide a total range of up to 300 miles.
To increase driver involvement the Lotus developed HALOsonic Internal and External Sound Synthesis system is used to simulate the noise of a conventional petrol driven car, provide aural feedback to the driver as well as an audible warning for pedestrians which is often missing from hybrid cars running on battery power.
The interior and exterior are both styled to reflect the battery powered nature of the car, with the copper colour resembling that of a battery, while the roof and engine cover are made of glass with electrical contact detailing. While the basic interior layout remains the same as that of the standard Evora the rear seats are removed to make way for the battery packs.
Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Press Release (PDF)
Evora Carbon Concept
Shown at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show alongside the Evora 414E Hybrid, the Evora Carbon Concept left the car mechanically unaltered, while subtly enhancing its appearance both inside and out.
On the outside the Evora Carbon Concept features a pearlescent white paint job along with contrasting carbon fibre roof, diffuser and splitter. The ride height is lowered, while 19" diamond cut forged wheels are fitted both front and rear. Tyres are Pirelli P-Zero Corsa's, sized 235/35/19 on the front and 285/30/19 at the rear.
Inside the interior is fitted with carbon panels, perforated leather and matt alcantara.
Donato Coco, Director of Lotus Design described the car, "The design of the Evora Carbon Concept car features exotic, high tech materials that offer a good synergy with the Lotus brand image, expressing our motorsport heritage and history of stylish sports cars for which Lotus are renowned."[20]
Lotus Evora Carbon Concept Press Release (PDF)
Evora by Mansory
The Evora by Mansory was shown at the Geneva Motor Show 2011 as a demonstration of the potential Lotus Bespoke range.
Developed in conjunction with the aftermarket tuning company Mansory, the Evora by Mansory built on the themes first shown in the Carbon Concept, with pearlescent white paint, a carbon fibre roof, splitter, diffuser and sills, and added restyled front and rear bumpers, a carbon fibre rear spoiler with additional element beneath the wing, and some other small carbon fibre detailing.
Commenting on the car in Geneva, CEO Dany Bahar said: ”I think our collaboration with Mansory really showcases the aesthetic potential of the car too, the only limit is your imagination.
Lotus Evora by Mansory Press Release (PDF)
Evora GTE Road Concept
The Evora GTE Road Concept was shown at the Pebble Beach Show in August 2011 along with the Exige Matt Black Edition as part of the yearly Concours D’Elegance event.[21]
The Evora GTE Road Car Concept takes inspiration, if not actual mechanicals, for the range of Evora race cars, while also building themes seen in previous Evora concept cars such as the Evora Carbon Concept and Evora by Mansory.
The Evora GTE's lowered suspension and wider bodywork helps give it a more purposeful stance, while the front bumper — an evolution of those first seen on the Evora by Mansory - helps both add an element of air of aggression that many feel is missing from the current Evora range and a visual link to the "New Era" range of cars shown by Lotus at Paris 2010.
The Mansory link is strengthened with a badge on the cars new rear spoiler—the only aspect of the design to have seen much in the way of criticism. The GTE will go into limited production in 2011, being sold first in China and then opened up to the rest of the world if enough demand is shown.
Motorsport
Evora Type 124
Evora GT4
Lotus Evora GT4 Tech Specs on Issuu
The Evora GT4 is an evolution of the original Evora Type 124, designed to compete in the British and European GT4 championship, along with Lotus Cup Europe in 2011 onwards and Lotus Cup UK from 2012.
The enlarged 4-litre 2GR-FE is naturally aspirated, built by Cosworth and produces 360PS in European GT4 form. Weight is reduced to 1200kg.
In 2011 the Lotus Sport UK run Evora GT4 driven by Phil Glew and shared with various team mates scored a number of GT4 class wins in the British GT Championship, while a Stratton Motor Company run Evora GT4 finished first in the LoTRDC organised Lotus 1000km race at Brands Hatch.
Evora Enduro
Lotus Evora Enduro Tech Specs on Issuu
Following on from the Evora GT4 Endurance specification, the Evora Enduro is designed to compete in a range of endurance series and events including Britcar, Creventic Endurance Races, the VLN German Championship, Dutch Supercars, the 24hrs of Dubai and the 12hrs of Sepang.
Engine power is increased to 440bhp @ 7000rpm, while weight is reduced further to 1160kg.
Compared to the Evora GT4, the Evora Enduro features uprated Alcon brakes, including 6 piston calipers at the front, improved cooling, a larger 120 litre fuel tank, and an ATL 'dry break' quick fill refueling system.
Evora GTE
Lotus Evora GTE Race Car Specs on Issuu
Evora GTS
Unlike previous race going Evoras which use a Cosworth developed, enlarged and normally aspirated version of the Toyota 2GR-FE engine, the Evora GTS is based heavily on the road going Evora S, retaining it’s supercharged 345bhp engine with the addition of a wet baffled sump and Accusump along with a range of modifications inherited from the Evora GT4.
Along with the Evora GTS, Lotus Racing are also providing a range of kits to convert road going Evoras to Evora GTN specification. Both the Evora GTS and converted Evora GTN cars will be eligible to race alongside the Evora GT4 in the new Lotus Cup UK and Lotus Cup Europe ‘V6 Cup’ class.
Lotus Evora GTS Technical Specifications
Lotus Evora GTN Flyer
Lotus Evora GTN Brochure
Evora GTC
Lotus Cars – Lotus Racing Launch New Evora GTC
Announced in May 2012, the Evora GTC is a major upgrade to the Evora GT4 Enduro race car, available either as a newly built race car from Lotus Racing or as to upgrade existing Evora GT4 Enduro cars.
The first customer Evora GTC car is run by Team Bullrun in Britcar who upgraded their Evora GT4 Enduro for the British race series.
Improvements to the GTC include a drop in weight thanks to the use of carbon fibre for the doors, roof and engine cover, along with plexiglass windows - saving 30kg over the Evora GT4 Enduro. The car also features wider arches to accommodate a larger wheel and tyre combination, along with new BOSCH traction control and ABS systems to help drivers maximise the cars performance.
Evora GX
Lotus Cars – Goodwood – Lotus Headlines the Loudest Summer Festival of Them All
The Evora GX is a version of the Evora GTC race car which has been tweaked and modified to meet the technical regulations for the American Grand-Am 'GX' Class.
Compared to the Evora GTC the Evora GX utilises the same 440bhp drive-train, wider track and carbon-fibre panels, but has tweaks to the front-end aerodynamics, the fitment of the standardised Grand-Am rear wing and the removal of ABS and traction control as required by the series. Weight is increased 10kg over the Evora GTC, chiefly because of the thicker roll-cage specified by the US series.
The first Evora GX is to be raced by McMahon Raceworks with Condor Motorsport in the America Grand-Am road races as part of the Rolex Sports Car Series new GX class in 2013, with some races planned in late 2012 under the GT class.
References
- ↑ Autocar: Lotus' faceless ad campaign
- ↑ Evo - Lotus Evora breaks cover
- ↑ Lotus Cars - Evora platform and low volume VVA
- ↑ Lotus Enthusiast - First Lotus Evora delivered!
- ↑ Lotus Drivers Guide - The 2010 Model Year Lotus Evora Range Specification and Pricing
- ↑ Lotus Drivers Guide - Lotus contribution to Fashion for Relief Haiti confirmed at €1.4m
- ↑ evo Car Reviews - Lotus Evora
- ↑ Car Magazine - Lotus Evora
- ↑ Autocar - Evora is UK’s Best Driver’s Car
- ↑ Car Magazine - Performance Car of The Year 2009
- ↑ evo car of the year 2009
- ↑ Lotus Cars - Current Range - Evora IPS
- ↑ SELOC - Lotus Cars – Another Lotus Bites the Dust...
- ↑ Mail Online - Why have I started playing bumper cars with my head? Do I need to see someone?
- ↑ SELOC - Lotus Cars – Chris Evans signs-off ‘Freddie’ Evora
- ↑ Mail Online - Queen fanatic Chris Evans forced to sell Freddie Mercury-inspired Lotus because his garage is full of Ferraris
- ↑ SELOC - Freddie Mercury Evora up for sale
- ↑ SELOC - Freddie Mercury Edition Evora S up for sale again
- ↑ Lotus Cars - News - Evora 414E Hybrid
- ↑ Lotus Cars - News - Evora Carbon Concept makes Motorshow Debut
- ↑ Lotus Cars - News - Lotus Double Premiere at Pebble Beach Week 2011