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It comes in small packages:The Lotus Evora
The brand-new Lotus Evora first was unveiled locally at the recent MPH Live Motor Show, and is the first all-new model to be produced by the company since it was taken over by the Malaysian car manufacturer, Proton. Much fanfare has surrounded this vehicle, and it already has received rave reviews in the European press.
With clear emphasis on the ride’s sporty stance, the Evora utilises elegant high-end materials with exposed carbon fibre and plush alcantara on the inside and remarkably beautiful carbon-fibre roof contrasted by white pearlescent paint on the outside.
Furthermore, the fresh eye-catcher boasts sleek 19-inch diamond cut alloys, wrapped with Pirelli PZero Corsa tyres.
I personally thought that the slick lines reminded me of a Mini R8 or Lamborghini, although die-hard fans of those babies may be offended...
Whatever one’s comparison, the Evora’s look leaves you in no doubt as to what its purpose is. Armed with a mid-mounted 3.5/V6 power plant, it is good for 208kW at 6 400 r/min and 350Nm at 4 700 r/min with 5.1 seconds from 0 to 100km/h sprint time and a 261km top-end.
Fuel consumption and carbon emission figures are pegged at 8.7 per 1 000km and 260g/km respectively. These are impressive credentials in anyone’s book.
The Evora shows clear links to other Lotus products, but is thoroughly distinctive in its own right, with a visor-like windscreen and tapering cabin shape.
For a Lotus, the interior is luxurious but not plush, its mix of leather and metal striking just the right aesthetic note between the company’s minimalist two-seaters and potential rivals such as the Porsche 911. The width of the side sills has been reduced compared to those of the Elise, so a degree of body flexibility is necessary.
To be honest, you will get many looks while driving this car, but half of the admiring stares may change to laughter when you exit the vehicle, as this is almost impossible to do while still looking cool – unless you have the height of a horse jockey.
Standard equipment is comprehensive, with Bi-Xenon headlights, air conditioning and an Alpine CD/MP3 receiver. You can opt for a 7-inch touchscreen-enabled unit, complete with a turn-by-turn voice command navigation system.
Initially, Lotus will build 2 000 cars a year, but the range will expand – with an automatic in 2011, possibly followed by hybrid, alternative fuel and convertible versions.
The great thing about the Evora is that it is a reasonably practical, highly technically sophisticated, great-looking sports car for grown-ups, which will have you whooping for the sheer joy of the driving experience.
It is priced at R899 000, increasing depending on the extra bells and whistles you may want to add.
Robbie Stammers
