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Elsewhere, aerodynamic considerations for drag, downforce and cooling had significant but positive influence on the overall form and details such as air intakes. A desire to create balanced downforce, that increases cornering performance, led to the adoption of the now Lotus "signature" top exit radiator vent, race car inspired diffuser and "floating rear wing". Drag limitation, drove the dramatic tear-dropped cabin layout and the curvaceous plan view has given the car a more muscular rear shoulder that conveys a level of sophistication appropriate to this market segment. "We believe that our designs should be honest as well as dramatic and so we are really pleased with the fact that these iconic features all do a real job" says Steven Crijns, Design Manager.

This inherent understanding of the relationship between the technical and the aesthetic paid dividends the first time a full-scale model of the Evora was wind tunnel tested - only minimal adjustments were required to the car's aerodynamic package to meet the targets for downforce and stability. Steve Crijns continued, "Overall the design language shows a clear DNA link with its Lotus siblings, while also establishing its own distinctive and contemporary theme. The undulating shoulder line is brilliantly mirrored in the lower part of the body side by the cutaway sill that creates a torso-like muscularity."

The view from the rear three-quarters is just as striking and the one that many will become familiar with as the car passes them on the road. The tapered cabin, diffuser, floating wing, centrally mounted twin tailpipes and distinctive engine bay vents all combine to create a completely unique look.

Simple and Efficient Interior

The design language of the interior reflects that of the exterior - simple, fluid surfaces, soft forms and crisp feature lines wrap around the cabin cosseting the occupants. Unlike recent Lotus products that use a race car inspired, technical minimalism, the Evora employs a softer approach that utilizes premium quality materials and finishes to create a contemporary but luxurious ambience that is unique to Lotus products. It is, according to Head of Lotus Design Russell Carr, "A huge departure from what people might expect based on Lotus's recent past. We wanted the Evora's cabin to feel special and to be surprising as well as sporty. Precision engineered metal inserts and quality edge-lit switches are brilliantly juxtaposed against soft hand-stitched leather surfaces to give a modern interior with a classic twist."

Russell Carr continues, "The flat bottomed steering wheel, figure hugging sport seats, contemporary instrumentation and ergonomically positioned controls provide an intuitive environment that instantly forms a connection between driver and car ensuring that it becomes an extension of his or her body."

Senior Designer Anthony Bushell explains the choice of materials in the Evora's interior, "Tactile quality is incredibly important within this segment so we wanted the interior to use honest premium materials. Much of the switchgear is bespoke, and every metallic component is actually metal." Focused courtesy lighting is used throughout the interior, giving a spectacular illuminated feel to the sculptured design feature of the cabin. The extensive use of handcrafted, premium leather differentiates The Evora from other Lotus products and is so important to the character of the car that an entire new trim shop has been built at the Lotus Headquarters in the UK, dedicated to its production. Even the entry level versions of the Evora will feature leather-upholstered seats, upper door trim panels and facia, but it is expected that most customers will opt for the full leather interior treatment. With a range of leather colors available, customers will have the opportunity to personalize their Evora.

High-Tech Treats

Contemporary technology also features in the Evora's cabin. A newly developed Alpine multi-media system with a 7-inch touch-screen provides advanced audio, satellite navigation, video, Bluetooth hands-free telephone and iPod connectivity functions. The screen also serves as a monitor for the Evora's optional reversing camera. The satellite navigation element of the system is removable, allowing you to program it from the comfort of your home, or take it with you to continue your journey in an unfamiliar pedestrian location.

The Alpine audio set-up is one of the most sophisticated automotive systems in the world. Called IMPRINT and using MultEQ sound enhancement technology, it is able to cancel out sound imbalances caused by the cabin window glass, for instance, creating echoes, while carpets suppress mid-range frequencies - resulting in amazingly crisp, clear, undistorted sound reproduction wherever you are seated in the car. A bespoke air-conditioning system developed by Bergstrom is standard on all models, and has been designed for the hottest climate or highest humidity to help provide maximum occupant comfort. Lotus traction control and onboard tire pressure monitoring will also be available.

The Suspension

The Evora suspension wishbones are forged from aluminum to reduce the unsprung mass. These are similar in weight, and stiffer than the steel items found on the much smaller Elise, Exige and Europa vehicles, and have a far higher vehicle weight capacity. They are attached to the front and rear modules via custom bushings. The Evora will use Bilstein high performance dampers and Eibach springs with unique dual path top mounts for optimized vehicle refinement. Hydraulically assisted power steering is provided by a Lotus-tuned TRW steering rack.

All in all, the Evora has incredible Lotus handling and provides unsurpassable driving pleasure. In fact, the Lotus the ride and handling team believes that the new car is likely to become a class standard bearer for speed and agility.

18- and 19-inch Wheels

Tire choice is a vital component in the handling performance of every Lotus and for the Evora Yokohama was chosen as development partner. Lotus's long-term relationship with Yokohama was swiftly rewarded during development when initially the front tire size did not generate the Lotus required lateral grip, the Japanese grip gurus went away and developed custom designed tires especially for the Evora - 225/40 ZR18 at the front and larger diameter; 255/35 ZR19 at the rear. Both have carcass construction and rubber compounds unique to Lotus and are identified by the letters 'LTS' on the sidewalls.

The V6 Engine

The exceptional working relationship that Lotus has enjoyed with Toyota for many years, combined with the overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception for the company's four-cylinder powerplants in the Elise and Exige, guaranteed the Japanese giant's inclusion on the shortlist for the Evora engine supplier. The final choice was Toyota's all-alloy 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V6 DOHC, with dual VVT-i ('intelligent' variable valve timing). Lotus has painstakingly developed its own T6e engine management software for this engine to optimize its compatibility with the unique requirements of the Evora to give a peak power output to 276 hp at 6400 rpm, while boosting its maximum torque to 252 lb-ft at 4700 rpm.

Changes to the engine management and exhaust systems also allow the V6 to rev more freely and provide rapid throttle response; feedback from the development team suggests that the strength of the engine's mid-range torque means that gutsy performance will be easily accessible without having to thunder through to the redline. This makes the Lotus Evora a thoroughly satisfying car for everyday road use and a rewarding one when you just want to drive.

The 2GR-FE V6 engine is mated to a manual six-speed gearbox, again Toyota sourced. An optional close-ratio version of this gearbox for the even more sport-focused driver is also offered.

Many Lotus owners enjoy the blend of unique performance and efficiency that the brand's cars offer. True to the Lotus value of "performance through light weight" CO2 emissions are expected to be a class leading sub-225 g/km (prototype figures) while testers report fuel consumption in the region of 30+ miles per gallon on the highway (pending formal homologation testing).

While for Lotus top speed is of less importance than stability at speed, the top speed is 168 mph. The Evora is able to sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

Lotus Evora: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications