Lotus Evora ("Eagle" 2+2)

[dpeilow]

Lotus have announced a new 2+2 coupe:

Autocar - Inside story: Lotus Eagle (http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/233975/#)

Lotus "Eagle" - Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-eagle-1/922878/)

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/lotusprojecteagle_450op.jpg



Hmm, Lotus. 2+2... :cool:

[malcolm]

I'm having problems with the look of the rear end of this vehicle - at least from the angle shown in the photo

[dpeilow]

How does this look?

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/1578853349.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/1578853411.jpg


I know Tesla don't want to be tied to one manufacturer, but I'd be happy to see them team up again on this.

[Chris H.]

I guess it was designed by Barney Hatt too. I actually prefer the front end styling on the Eagle over the Roadster. Nice looking car.

[TEG]

Previous topic on Eagle prototypes (http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/cars-transportation/1165-quiet-lotus-eagle.html)

[TEG]

I guess it was designed by Barney Hatt too. I actually prefer the front end styling on the Eagle over the Roadster.

Comparison:

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/lotusprojecteagle_450op.jpg
http://www.technoride.com/Tesla_AW.jpg

[Chris H.]

Thanks TEG! :smile:

[malcolm]

Yes that looks much better. Must be that one particular angle in the Autocar photo

[dpeilow]

News: Lotus unveil their new supercar, the Evora, at London's Excel centre *|*london life*|*the londonpaper (http://www.thelondonpaper.com/cs/Satellite/london/news/article/1157153818244?packedargs=suffix%3DArticleController)


The first new motor from British car firm Lotus is to be called the Evora it was revealed today.

The announcement was made at the British International Motor Show at London’s ExCel centre in Docklands.

http://galleries.thelondonpaper.com/lotus-evora-supercar/images/22_07_2008%20-%2013.11.24%20-%20pa%20-%20transport_motorshow_lotus_2.jpg

[malcolm]

Well that's another perfectly good name for an EV stolen

[vfx]

Jay Leno is buying one?

[graham]

Oh? I read it as Jay Leno had asked to test drive one...

[dpeilow]

Oh? I read it as Jay Leno had asked to test drive one...

I think you are right Graham.


American chat show host and car lover Jay Leno, singer Jay Kay and rugby hero Gavin Henson have all applied to test-drive the new motor.


See also: New Lotus sportscar at British Motor ShowÂ*-Â*British Motor Show 2008 | MSN Cars (http://cars.uk.msn.com/britishmotorshow2008/article.aspx?cp-documentid=8915421)

[Kevin Harney]

That is a GREAT looking car. I think it would be a perfect Whitestar !!!! LOL

[vfx]

Yeah, I guess I jumped the gun on that one.

[TEG]

More Roadster vs Evora:
http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/tesla3.jpg
http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2008-08/41760102.jpg

[Sgee]

Looking at this car, it shares many of the characteristics of the Roadster. Maybe Lotus liked the job they did with the Roadster so much that they wanted to make something like it.
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/11/lotus-evora.html

[TEG]

(Two topics have been merged)

[doug]

Maybe future versions of the Roadster can use the Evora dash. You could then have a proper nav system or maybe even integrate it with the VDS. Any word as to whether or not the Evora has an advanced airbag system?

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/1578853923.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-eagle-1/926309/)http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/1578853651.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-eagle-1/926311/)
http://blog.wired.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/11/26/evora_interior_2.jpg (http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/11/lotus-evora.html)

[doug]

Some more shots of the dash. Obviously some are RHD and others are LHD.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2861149802_c72f7b2783_o.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/davidbreach/2861149802/sizes/o/)http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2718612863_0bdccb3619_o.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/jamesg-photo/2718612863/sizes/o/in/photostream/)http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/2849497558_8b709630ff_b.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/30392642@N05/2849497558/sizes/l/)

[doug]

Lotus Evora order list includes Top Gear hosts, 007 actors, and a lot of other famous people (http://www.egmcartech.com/2008/12/01/lotus-evora-order-list-includes-top-gear-hosts-and-007-actors-and-a-whole-lot-of-other-famous-people/)

http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/lotus_evora_news_image.jpg

[graham]

Wow... Guess the Tesla is so 5 minutes ago with the Hollywood set.

[vfx]

Wow... Guess the Tesla is so 5 minutes ago with the Hollywood set.

They can afford one of each.

[dpeilow]

Evo Magazine (http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/232017/this_months_evo.html) has a look at the Evora validation prototypes. I must say the white one looks nice :smile:

[TEG]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u1IneJ3qVds/SWTUctkC9EI/AAAAAAAAAD0/2PUya9logUc/s1600-h/evora-cadsdg.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u1IneJ3qVds/SWTUdD2MqVI/AAAAAAAAAEE/bKB1srC5PeU/s1600-h/bildee.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u1IneJ3qVds/SWTUdLoLQ6I/AAAAAAAAAEM/-U17TFWac64/s1600-h/bildede.jpg

(they don't seem to work inline)


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u1IneJ3qVds/SWTUdLoLQ6I/AAAAAAAAAEM/-U17TFWac64/s1600-h/bildede.jpg

[doug]

More photos here: Lotus Evora - 1/31 (http://www.autoblog.it/galleria/lotus-evora/)

I like this Elise/Evora size comparison:

http://static.blogo.it/autoblog/lotus-evora/Lotus_Evora15.jpg (http://static.blogo.it/autoblog/lotus-evora/big_Lotus_Evora15.jpg)
(click for larger image)

I'd like to see another version with the scale outline of the Roadster added as well.

[graham]

Yes, I would like the scale Roadster drawing as well.

The Evora is significantly larger than the Roadster (even as the Roadster is larger than the Elise) Here are some stats comparisons:

Elise / Roadster / Evora
Wheelbase: 2300 / 2351 / 2575
Length: 3785 / 3946 / 4344
Width: 1719 / 1851 / 1848
Height: 1117 / 1126.5 / 1219

The Width of the Roadster is listed as "Including mirrors", where I am guessing these stats of the Elise and the Evora are not.

[donauker]

Hmm, rider comfort does seem to be a bit compromised, with rear seat passenger knees firmly implanted in the drivers back and the driver legs embedded in the steering wheel. :wink:

[doug]

Lotus releases package and content details on the 2010 Evora (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/lotus-releases-package-and-content-details-on-the-2010-evora/)

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/lotus-2010-evora-silver-front-quarter-static-1_opt.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lotus-evora-3/1422666/)
Lotus Evora - Click above for high-res gallery

[doug]

Lotus Releases Full Evora Details Including Standard Equipment and Options : Auto News (http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2009/03/lotus-releases-full-evora-details-including-standard-equipment-and-options.html)

http://www.autoguide.com/gallery/d/32423-4/Lotus_2_.jpghttp://www.autoguide.com/gallery/d/32439-4/Lotus.jpg


This is worth the read:
Winding Road Evora review
(http://redir.nextscreen.com/a3406a7ef935f4cfcb40b532408a7687/8fa134779986a906bdb3647425b16567)Winding Road Magazine | Issue 44 (http://redir.nextscreen.com/a3406a7ef935f4cfcb40b532408a7687/8fa134779986a906bdb3647425b16567)

[dpeilow]

Didn't realise the Elise Cd was that high.

Also, death of the Europa. Bad luck Chrysler...

[TEG]

...death of the Europa. Bad luck Chrysler...

Not exactly a done deal.
The article said:

The Evora also makes inevitable the death of the unimportant Europa model
So that sounds a wee bit speculative with an imprecise timeframe as to when the "inevitable" happens.
Besides, couldn't Chrysler buy the tooling and make the chassis themselves?

By the way, searching on 2010 Europa I came across the 2010 Lotus Europia i6 concept study (http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/08/2010-lotus-europa-i6-mid-engined.html):
http://xs137.xs.to/xs137/09103/europa_i6_1900.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/SLcWS4yPGjI/AAAAAAAA3Uo/VNvpAVpWGc0/s400/2010-Lotus-Europa-i6-Concept-1.jpg
http://www.2dayblog.com/images/2008/september/europa_i6_2.jpg
(A small i6 would be very nice, but only wishful thinking at this point).

[graham]

The Evora is a really nice looking car. I am not generally a fan of 2+2, but I like the Evora. I wonder if this will be the rumored hybrid.

[TEG]

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/112_0905_2011_lotus_evora/index.html
http://image.motortrend.com/f/18545346+w750/112_0905_13z+2011_lotus_evora+front_three_quarter.jpg

[vfx]

http://image.motortrend.com/f/18545346+w750/112_0905_13z+2011_lotus_evora+front_three_quarter.jpg

HEY!

[AnOutsider]

I dunno.... still can't get behind this car. Finally a lotus that actually has space to breath, but the exterior is still pretty "meh"

[TEG]

VFX, why did you say 'Hey!'?

[TEG]

I like the way it looks, but we keep waiting to hear from Lotus on their purported EV and/or PHEV plans.

[doug]

Winding Road review: Winding Road Magazine | Issue 46 (http://wrmag.nextautos.com/issue/46)

Evora review starts on page 124, you can just click on the link on the front page.

[vfx]

VFX, why did you say 'Hey!'?

They stole my paint!
http://image.motortrend.com/f/18545346+w750/112_0905_13z+2011_lotus_evora+front_three_quarter.jpghttp://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq324/vfxshots/MEC_1914.jpg?t=1244676609

Sunny CA
http://www.speedandmotion.com/pictures/teslameet/slides/DSC_3542.JPG

[TEG]

They stole my paint!

Yes, well back in the "Hey!" day we didn't know that yet!

[vfx]

Uh Huh. Timing is everything.

I really think they looked at my sample (or car) and liked it so much they took it for this car. They even sent the wrong sample back the first time.

[TEG]

Rumors of a Tesla powered Evora (http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f176/tesla-announces-electric-evora-74454/).

[dpeilow]

FiveFWD - Lotus Aborra video from Fifth Gear (http://fwd.five.tv/videos/lotus-aborra)

"added 500 kilos to the weight"

"even the back seats aren't standard"

Hmm...



BTW - I think that is a genuine and unfortunate typo that should get the web editor fired.

[vfx]

The more I see this car the more it looks like a Tesla's daddy.

Would love an E version!

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/attachments/f176/123686d1244716558-tesla-announces-electric-evora-759944244911234x155.png

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/videos/motorshowvideos/225504/lotus_evora.html


I guess it's really Canyon (Radiant) Red
jlVg3HPFsuo


This one tells the story:
FiveFWD - Lotus Evora video from Fifth Gear (http://fwd.five.tv/fifth-gear/videos/other/lotus-aborra)

[vfx]

http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/2008/07/lotus-evora-2.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2598932052_7dd14755a2.jpg

http://images.paultan.org/images2/Lotus_Evora_1_Large.jpg

http://www.h-blomvik.net/bilbilder/1969%20Ferrari%20Dino%20246%20GT.jpg

[TEG]

By the way, Lotus had an Evora at Pebble Beach this year.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3836239896_f447ec6638.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianphilipmiller/3836239896/)

Behind a Fisker:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/3835448123_f33af74817.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianphilipmiller/3835448123/)

[malcolm]

By the way, Lotus had an Evora at Pebble Beach this year.


Ouch, first time I've registered that back window. Or should I say, porthole.

[TEG]

The way the small rear window meets at a point with the top corner of the side window reminds me of the Ferrari Enzo...
http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=369&stc=1&d=1250782434

[vfx]

Not much to see inside there. Looks like a plastic engine cover. When the electric version is made by Lotus or Tesla it should be equally boring.
http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/attachments/f170/101650d1226888319-evora-pictures-imgp4253s.jpg
http://freelands.net/joko/lotus/Evora%20019.jpg
http://freelands.net/joko/lotus/Evora%20049.jpg

[TEG]

That cover should say Lotus/Toyota performance...

[Serge]

Not much to see inside there. Looks like a plastic engine cover. When the electric version is made by Lotus or Tesla it should be equally boring.


Unless we see some exposed orange wire there along with some cool gimmicks thrown in

http://museum.mit.edu/150/items/plasma_lamp.jpg

[dpeilow]

How about a

http://www.timboucher.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/flux-capacitor-merkaba-hexagram0.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xpS1JiDY1fo/SdrptXy8mBI/AAAAAAAACUk/1NgQrbEJo9s/s400/flux-capacitor.jpeg

[vfx]

VFX, your pix don't work anymore:
http://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/blocked.gif

I had to go to the main site then bring up the image in a new window to get the URL and not that warning card. Funny though the pictures still work here.

Rather than describing which one of the many images on that site I liked,
this one is pretty close
http://www.modernprops.com/propimage/195/full/195-0760.jpg

[vfx]

For a brand new car it's pretty significant they already plan a series of races.

Tesla needs to pay attention.


http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s111/Bibtus/Lotus_Evora_Type_124_Front_3qtrs_Mo.jpg


Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar

The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has been developed from the award-winning Evora road car and is built to FIA regulations and safety standards.

The Type 124 (pronounced One Twenty Four) Endurance Racecar is the next step in the evolution of the Evora. The car will make its 24 hour racing debut at the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours which provides a great test for the Evora’s performance, efficiency and durability under tough and demanding endurance race conditions.

At the heart of the Lotus Evora are fundamental racecar elements: mid-engine layout, high-tech and super-stiff extruded and bonded aluminium chassis and very strong lightweight forged aluminium wishbones. All these elements mean that it is a natural evolution from the road going Lotus Evora to a competitive endurance racecar.

From the outset the design team had intentions to take the Evora racing and the chassis was designed with this in mind. Endurance races are the perfect events to showcase the efficiency, handling and durability characteristics that have been fundamental to the concept of the Evora.

The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has a race-tuned version of the mid-mounted Toyota V6 engine, with power increased to over 400 ps (depending on race regulations). Vehicle mass is expected to be reduced by up to 200 kg, bringing the weight of the racecar to less than 1200 kg (depending on race regulations).

Further changes for the Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar include a six speed sequential paddle shift racing gearbox, full FIA specification roll cage, FIA-compliant 120 litre ATL fuel system, FIA fire extinguisher system, competition carbon fibre rear wing, diffuser and front splitter.

The racecar is fitted with AP Racing 6 piston callipers front and rear, with a race-tuned Bosch ABS system, 4-way adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-roll bars. The racecar runs on 18” rims shod with Pirelli racing slicks and the wheels widths have been increased over the roadcar to 9 ½ J on the front and 11 J on the rear.

The aerodynamically efficient Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar body design, made from lightweight composite and carbon fibre panels, remains predominantly unchanged from the road car, with the only modifications being to the lower sections of the front and rear clamshells and the side sills.

Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited, said, “Motorsport has been in our blood ever since our founder, Colin Chapman, built the first Lotus back in 1948. We are proud of our motorsport history, which includes victories in Formula One, Le Mans, saloon car, rally car and sportscar racing around the world; more recently, we won the British GT3 Championship in 2006 with the Lotus Exige. The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar is from the same unique stable and we expect it to be a competitive racecar when we enter various endurance races next year.”

Roger Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director for Group Lotus Plc said, “Every Lotus car is designed to be at home on the race track as well as the road, and the Evora is no different. Designed primarily as an everyday road car, the Evora’s lightweight and stiff structure, its aerodynamics and performance means that it is perfectly suited to taming race tracks around the world, and we are looking forward to seeing the new Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar line up on the grid for the 2010 season.”

The racecar is expected to compete in a number of endurance races in 2010/ 2011 forming part of a factory-supported race program. The races that are targeted are: The 2010 ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours (Nürburgring Nordschleife, Germany) in May 2010, Merdeka Millennium 12 Hours (Sepang, Malaysia) in August 2010, BritCar 24 Hours (Silverstone, UK) in October 2010 and the Dubai 24 Hours (Dubai Autodrome, UAE) January 2011.

http://www.lotus-central.com/images/stories/evora_race_car3.jpg

http://www.lotus-central.com/images/stories/evora_race_car4.jpg

[doug]

Lotus now offering the Evora chassis to other automakers - Autoblog Green (http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/lotus-now-offering-the-evora-chassis-to-other-automakers/)

Lotus pitching Evora platform to outside companies | Lotus Enthusiast (http://lotusenthusiast.net/2009/10/lotus-pitching-evora-platform-to-outside-companies.html)

http://lotusenthusiast.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/EvoraEVPackaging.jpg

[Serge]

Lotus now offering the Evora chassis to other automakers - Autoblog Green (http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/lotus-now-offering-the-evora-chassis-to-other-automakers/)

Lotus pitching Evora platform to outside companies | Lotus Enthusiast (http://lotusenthusiast.net/2009/10/lotus-pitching-evora-platform-to-outside-companies.html)


Interestingly, the 71 kWh pack they mention is comprised of 192 Kokam 100 Ah modules (http://www.kokam.com/product/product_pdf/high_energy_density/EL-402_SLPB70460330_100Ah_Grade.pdf) and expected to provide around 230 mile range. I wonder why ...

Also, are we looking at a potential replacement for the Roadster? A larger sports car might be more popular.

[vfx]

]Lotus now offering the Evora chassis to other automakers

As exciting as this is, I would reserve any purchase decision until Tesla shows the Next Gen Roadster. It will have a low CG that should make it superior.

Speaking of which, I wonder if Tesla is using Lotus again for the S?

[doug]

Lotus Evora Priced At $73,500 For All Four Seats - Lotus Evora - Jalopnik (http://jalopnik.com/5405653/lotus-evora-priced-at-73500-for-all-four-seats)

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/12/2009/11/500x_lotus_evora_price.jpg
http://cache-08.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2009/11/800x600_lotus-evora_2010_1600x1200_wallpaper_04.jpg

[dpeilow]

Evora-Vva (http://www.scribd.com/doc/21734205/Evora-Vva)

Presentation on the above mentioned "E-Evora".

[dpeilow]

Geneva Preview: Lotus formally introduces Evora 414E Hybrid - Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/24/geneva-preview-lotus-formally-introduces-evora-414e-hybrid/)

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/lotus-evora-hybrid-lead.jpg



Lotus has just formally introduced a new 400-plus horsepower sportscar concept. That news in and of itself would be enough to pique our interest, but the rest of the car's spec sheet makes the Evora 414E Hybrid an astonishingly intriguing concept vehicle. As you surely surmised by now, this two-seat sportster is a hybrid, specifically an extended-range electric vehicle that features a pair of rear-mounted electric motors and a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gas-powered engine. Why not fully electric? According to Lotus:

With regard to the total lifetime CO2 emissions of the vehicle, including the energy required to manufacture and run it, the range extender solution has a lower overall CO2 footprint than a fully electric car of comparable performance and operating range running with a larger battery.

That 47-horsepower gasoline engine never actually sends power directly to the Evora 414E Hybrid's wheels. Instead – as with other cars such as the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and the Fisker Karma – the mill is used to recharge the onboard 17 kilowatt-hour lithium polymer battery pack, which is centrally mounted down the middle of the car for optimal weight distribution. That battery pack can provide up to 35 miles of gasoline-free driving per full charge.


Here's a direct link to the Lotus press release (http://www.grouplotus.com/mediacentre_pressreleases/image/502.pdf).


It's interesting that the press release mentions the battery can supply 100 kW. No mention of whether this is sustained or peak discharge - but maybe they do have a buffer as the motors total 304 kW.

Also interesting to see vfx's copper make another appearance. :smile:

[vfx]

Also interesting to see vfx's copper make another appearance. :smile:

It's perfect for a car that's electric!

[TEG]

Nice! I think we have been hearing rumors surrounding this for a while now.

But, productions plans? Price? They say the gas engine was optimized for low production costs which suggests that this is intended for production with some sort of volume price target. (In other words this isn't just a throw away show car).

[dpeilow]

The same engine is also being shown in a Proton (Lotus' parent company) concept: Proton Hybrid Concept: 2010 Geneva Auto Show (http://www.insideline.com/lotus/proton-hybrid-concept-2010-geneva-auto-show.html)

I'd say this is the real reason for the low cost.

We've had previous discussion that the Volt range extender might be under powered. I'm pretty sure this would be for the Evora.

[TEG]

Lotus Evora Carbon Concept Car (http://www.gizmag.com/lotus-evora-carbon-concept-car/14479/)
http://www.gizmag.com/pictures/hero/lotus-evora-carbon-fiber.jpg
http://www.gizmag.com/pictures/lrg/lotus-evora-carbon-fiber-1.jpg
http://www.gizmag.com/pictures/lrg/lotus-evora-carbon-fiber-0.jpg

[doug]

First Drive: 2010 Lotus Evora delivers performance, civility and little concession - autoblog.com (http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/13/2010-lotus-evora-first-drive/)

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/04lotusevora2010fd.jpg

[vfx]

Does anyone know if Tesla has hire Lotus again for the Model S? Mny car companies for in secret and of course the Roadster has never hidden the Lotus DNA (in fact brags about it).

The handling description in this review has me begging for Tesla to re-team with Lotus again on the Model S (and especially for the next gen roadster)

There is no shame and all the for asking for help here.

At minimum Tesla should buy a few of these to reverse engineer.

[dpeilow]

I remember hearing that at least half the cars on the road in Europe have some kind of Lotus involvement through their consultancy work. So right, no shame.

[dpeilow]

Lotus Evora hybrid:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4761012915_1205214110.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dpeilow/4761012915/sizes/l/in/set-72157624420758392/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4761015691_2a1731b926.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dpeilow/4761015691/sizes/l/in/set-72157624420758392/)


Unfortunately they are not going to produce it.

[vfx]

Bring it to AC Propulsion!

[TEG]

Lotus Evora hybrid...

Unfortunately they are not going to produce it.

Why not?

[dpeilow]

Because the drivetrain will really power this...

Lotus' New MINI rival revealed (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/256633/lotus_new_mini_rival_revealed.html)

http://photos.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_783/car_photo_391507_7.jpg



In a similar vein to Vauxhall’s Ampera, it has a bank of batteries under the floor and an electric motor on the back axle, driving the rear wheels. Sandwiched between is a fuel tank which supplies a Lotus-designed 50bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder range-extender engine in the front.

Electric power alone is expected to last for 30 miles – plenty for the average commute – effectively making this a zero-emissions vehicle for certain users.

A full charge should take around three hours from a 240V socket. But when greater distances need to be covered, the three-cylinder combustion engine kicks in and keeps the batteries topped up via a generator.

[TEG]

Auto Channel: Lotus Evora Enduro GT Concept (http://benzs.blogspot.com/2011/03/mansory-cormeum-mercedes-benz-sls-amg.html)
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NgBjEBT2MUY/TW43JnRMZtI/AAAAAAAAGtw/vsVUd7yY56s/s1600/Lotus-Evora-Enduro-GT-Concept-72680694.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qiGyqLg4VnU/TW42tBRECtI/AAAAAAAAGtY/ASek0Od0uR8/s1600/Lotus-Evora-Enduro-GT-Concept-476735792.jpg

[benji4]

I saw an Evora parked next to a Roadster yesterday, it was a very beautiful car (darn, wish I'd remembered to get a pic of that!)

[suxxer]

Speaking of the Evora...well...

http://c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I00003bbYnKXPJwQ/s/900/lotus-09evora2doorcoupe-1b-002.jpg

http://www.velocityshow.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/2010-Tesla-TAG-Heuer-Roadster-Side.jpg

[vfx]

[QUOTE=suxxer;67382]Speaking of the Evora...well...../QUOTE]
Ripoff!

[dsm363]

Didn't Tesla hire the Lotus design team originally to design the 2008 Roadster?

[vfx]

No. It was a design competition. The winner was chosen and Barney Hatt won. He had worked with Lotus.
The Elise/Exige insectoid look was radical design. The Roadster is classy. Lotus realized they needed that to sell a four seater.

[dsm363]

No. It was a design competition. The winner was chosen and Barney Hatt won. He had worked with Lotus.
The Elise/Exige insectoid look was radical design. The Roadster is classy. Lotus realized they needed that to sell a four seater.

Thanks. Didn't know that. Definitely like the Roadster better but the Evora doesn't look bad either.

[vfx]

Thanks. Didn't know that. Definitely like the Roadster better but the Evora doesn't look bad either. I love the Evora. If it was Electric, it would be a dream car.

[dsm363]

I love the Evora. If it was Electric, it would be a dream car.

I imagine the Evora is what the Roadster 3.0 will be like. A larger, easier to get in and out of car with 2 tiny back seats but based on the Model S platform of course. And it will look even better.

[doug]

I probably posted this earlier, but here it is again:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHcLP0wvENQ

[doug]

Italian cops now cruise in a Lotus Evora - Jalopnik (http://jalopnik.com/5823421/italian-cops-now-cruise-in-a-lotus-evora/)
http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2011/07/lotus_evora_police_-_1.jpg

[smorgasbord]

I probably posted this earlier, but here it is again

Impressive that despite its lowly Camry V6 engine (0-60 in more than 5 seconds), the Evora was only 0.3 seconds slower than the Roadster on TG's test track (after accounting for track condition *).

As discussed in other threads, the Roadster's downside is weight distribution. It'll be interesting to see how Tesla fixes that in its next sports car incarnation. The Model S thing of putting batteries in the chassis may not work as well in a sports car type package.


* - See wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Top_Gear_test_track_Power_Lap_Times#Time_deductions) for details on track condition time deductions.

[ChargeIt!]

How long does it take a cop to get out from the driver's seat if he/she has to chase someone ? Don't forget the equipment they are "wearing" too ! Every crook will get a nice head-start :wink: