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London show: Lotus Evora
22 July 2009
Lotus has just launched its Cayman rival here at the London motor show, ending months of speculation about the new car’s name, and satisfying one of the larger, more expectant crowds this morning.
The Evora is the model that Lotus believes will propel it to the big time. The British sports car maker claims that the Evora will be a credible and desirable rival for the Cayman. That's a big claim, as the German offering isn’t exactly short of plaudits.
Two other names were under consideration for the car, say company insiders; they were Exira and Ethos. The former was rejected as the weakest of all, while Ethos was turned down for the same reason that Eagle, the car’s development codename, was rejected: it would be too difficult to claim as a trademark for Lotus.
The Evora will be available as a 2+2 as well as a two-seater. Company bosses say that it will offer the most comfortable cabin that Lotus has ever created, and that it will be far easier to get into and out of than an Elise or Europa. However, sources admit that rear passengers will have to be children or extremely vertically challenged adults.
Power comes from a 3.5-litre Toyota V6, equipped with Lotus's own engine management system to produce 280bhp. It's mated to a six-speed Toyota gearbox. A sub-1400kg kerb weight will help the Evora to achieve a top speed over 170mph, and a 0-60mph time of around five seconds.
Lotus says that the Evora will expand the brand’s appeal beyond that of the more focused Elise and Exige – and attract buyers who want something more usable.
“The Evora is the first part of our three-car, five-year grand plan,” explained Kimberley. “That plan will be complete in 2011, by which time we’ll have three platform families, and not only this Evora but also a new mid-engined flagship supercar to go with it.
“This car will go from drawing board to showroom in just 30 months,” he added. “That’s record-breaking time for us, and we hope it will open up a new customer base for Lotus of more mature buyers who require a little more practicality in their car, but still desire our trademark virtues of exclusivity and performance through light weight.”
Will Powell
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