Lotus Evora: Drive without Compromise

My Lotus

LOTUS
EVORA

LOTUS

EVORA

LOTUS
EVORA

LOTUS

EVORA

A new kind of Lotus for a new kind of driver, the Lotus Evora combined furious power and responsive handling with touring-optimised comfort and practical lifestyle features.

DRIVE WITHOUT COMPROMISE

The Lotus Evora was designed from the ground up to be a true supercar. Combining track-bred performance with luxurious in-car comfort and striking interior, the Evora aimed to beat the prestigious German and Italian brands at their own game.

Initially developed under the code name ‘Project Eagle’, the Lotus Evora was launched in 2008 at the British International Motor Show and went on sale the following year. Its name was created from the words evolution, vogue, and aurora and would come to define the car’s out-of-this-world presence and performance.

Drive happy

1 / 4

The Lotus Evora’s aggressive profile is softened by the characterful grille design – from the front, the car appears to be smiling.

DESIGN & PERFORMANCE

The Lotus Evora debuted a brand-new vehicle platform, in contrast to the Exige and Europa’s use of the Elise chassis. Designed by Russell Carr, the Evora introduced a sleeker, more refined design language that was still unmistakably Lotus. The wraparound windscreen and side windows created a ‘visor’ image, reducing the visual length of the spacious cabin. The front grille curved up into a slight smile, creating a menacing yet likeable profile.

Underneath the sleek bodywork, the Lotus Evora was powered by a transversely mounted Toyota 3.5-litre 24-valve 2GR V6 engine. It was available with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission with “Intelligent Precision Shift”, both manufactured by Aisin. Hydraulic power steering added to a nimble drive feel, despite its increased weight in comparison to the Elise.

The unique Evora chassis design combined an exceptionally lightweight aluminium tub with a steel rear sub-frame that housed the drivetrain. This design cleverly employed proprietary 6000 Series alloy extrusions, bonded with an epoxy adhesive then riveted together to maximise torsional rigidity. The double-wishbone suspension was made from forged aluminium, with high-performance gas dampers made by Bilstein and Eibach coaxial coil springs

The chassis design meant that the Lotus Evora had a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution. This enabled it to deliver lively, responsive handling and superb agility. The standard model had a top speed of 262 kph with a 0–100 kph time of just 4.8 seconds.

In 2010, Lotus unleashed a supercharged version of the original for the enthusiasts. The Evora S featured a revised suspension system, larger brakes for improved handling and stopping power, and a unique rear spoiler. Its blistering 3.5 litre V6 engine delivered an increased top speed of 286 kph and an impressive 0-100 kph time of 4.4 seconds. Statistics that wouldn’t be beaten until the introduction of the Evora 400 in 2015.

Until the launch of the Lotus Eletre, the Evora was the only Lotus car with two rear seats, although it was also available in a two-seat configuration. The boot was also relatively large by Lotus standards, with room for a set of golf clubs or weekend luggage.

Stats

Name Lotus Evora
Year of production 2009-2021
Engine 3.5 L Toyota 2GR-FE V + 3.5 L Toyota 2GR-FE supercharged V6
Power output 416 bhp / 422 PS
Transmission 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, with gearbox cooler
Weight 1,408 kg

SPECIAL
EDITIONS

Lotus Evora GT410 Sport

The Evora GT410 Sport added further motorsport-grade refinements to the standard Evora configuration, intelligently adapted for road use. Available in two- and four-seat versions with a choice of six-speed manual or paddleshift automatic transmissions, the driver could specify their car for enhanced GT comfort or greater track focus. The special touring suspension package was complimented by Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres and a revised front bumper with integrated air blades – adding up to 96 kg of downforce at 306 kph.

Lotus Evora GT410

The Lotus Evora GT410 enhanced the Evora GT410’s performance-oriented configuration, with numerous features designed to improve everyday comfort and usability. The revised damper rate created a more compliant ride and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S all-weather tyres ensured year-round driveability. Inside the cabin, Sparco sport seats and air conditioning created a more premium feel, while a reverse-view camera and Apple CarPlay integration bolstered the technological specifications.

Lotus Evora GT

Revealed in 2020, the Lotus Evora GT was the fastest and most powerful road car Lotus has produced to date, with a top speed of 303 kph and 0–100 kph time of just 3.8 seconds. The Lotus Evora GT featured an upgraded 3.5 litre supercharged V6 engine producing 430 horsepower, a carbon fibre body, and a sport-tuned suspension system. The Evora GT also included a full interior revamp, featuring carbon fibre detailing throughout and improved ergonomics for the driver and passenger.

THE FUTURE

IS HERE