How Lotus Evora became UK’s Best Handling Car according to Autocar.co.uk testing. Contenders: Lotus Evora, Jaguar XFR, Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche Panamera, Audi R8 V10, Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SV, Ford Focus RS, Renault Sport Clio 200 Cup, Nissan 370Z.
The Geneva motor show revealed a suprise from Lotus with the presentation of its Exige S Model Year 2010. This new version has updated aerodynamics, and reduced emissions at 199 g/km of CO2. Not easy for a sports car, figures also reveal that fuel consumption is down to 8.5 l/100km, with highway driving further reduced to 6.5 l/100km.
With this new Exige S, Lotus shows of its luxury car qualifications with the Touring package that includes everything from leather seating, central console in leather, i-pod connection and glass holders. The Sport package has Bilstein suspension, traction control and anti-roll bar. The Performance package is different again, with AP four- piston braking system and 308mm discs, larger air intakes and a power kit that takes this car from 220 to 240hp.
The Evora was also on show, with its interior finally displayed to us, snap-happy bloggers. One disappointment though is the confirmation that the rear seats have no room whatsover, for legs. The driving position is, however, more comfortable and luxurious than with the Elise-Exige models. With more detailed interiors, this model aims at a different clientele and shows a Lotus touring style.
Here are some new high-res images of the Lotus Evora. We already know about the technical details: 1350kg, V6 3.5 litre aspirated engine with 280 hp, 2+2 seating, but according to latest rumours a two-seater should also arrive in cabriolet version, with automatic transmission. We’re betting on a tempting nasty version.
Until now we’ve been calling it the Eagle, but it’s real name is Lotus Evora. The new 2+2 from Lotus reinterprets the style and character so dear to Colin Chapman’s brand. The new version emerges from the Elise-Exige family, with alloy chassis which doubles the strength of the body. Suspension has also been newly developed in addition to tyres resulting from a collaboration with Yokohama. It will available in dealerships from summer 2009.
The most anticipated information is about the weight: 1350 kg, with 280 hp at 6,400 revs and torque of 342 Nm. The engine is a central engine, V6 3.5 litre which should see acceleration to 100km/hr in less than five seconds. The AP braking system with perforated discs has four piston calipers at 350mm for the front and 332 for the rear. The tyres are 225/40, 18 inch at the front and 255/35 19 inch at the rear. Transmission is a six-speed manual.