The first all-new model from Lotus since the Elise in 1995, the Evora is beautifully sculpted and the only mid-engine sports car offered with a 2+2 seating configuration.

Powered by a Lotus-tuned, Toyota-sourced 276-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission, Evora is larger and much more refined than the rest of the Lotus lineup.

Weighing less than 3,000 lbs. in prototype form, Evora continues to follow the Lotus mantra of performance through light weight and, according to Lotus, will accelerated from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds with a top speed of 160 mph.

While the shape of the body is very seductive, it also conveys the underlying performance capabilities of the Evora, incorporating aerodynamic and performance considerations such as the large oval grille, top exit radiator, rear diffuser and rear wing.

As Russell Carr, head of Lotus Design, explains, it was never a case of form over function. “A cornerstone of the design's success was working closely with the technical team to develop a package that allowed us to get the proportions correct,” he said. “We never lost sight of the fact that although this car must provide real-world usability, sports cars are emotional purchases and you have to seduce the customer through beguiling looks and exotic persona.”

One of the most interesting design elements is the distinctive line at the bottom of the door, which really adds to the stance of the car but was the result of the functional need to reduce the step-over to make it easier for passengers to enter and exit the car. 

Inside, the Evora is more luxurious than the minimalist interior of the Elise, utilizing premium materials and quality finishes including hand-stitched leather, metal trim and high-quality lighted switches. Of course, functionality is not overlooked, with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sport seats, modern instruments and ergonomically positioned controls.

The Alpine multimedia system features a 7-inch touch-screen that incorporates audio, satellite navigation, video, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and iPod connectivity. A rear backup camera is optional, and the satellite navigation system is removable for use outside the car.

The Evora is built using a larger version of the scalable Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) from the Lotus APX concept, which is also the basis for the Elise and Exige. The composite roof is a stressed structural element of the chassis, adding to the overall stiffness of the vehicle.

The suspension features forged aluminum wishbones to reduce unsprung mass, Bilstein high-performance shocks and Eibach springs and power steering. Wheels and tires are 18-inch at the front and 19-inch at the rear, with custom Yokohama tires engineered specifically for the Evora and identified by LTS on the sidewall. Tires sizes are 225/40ZR18 at the front and 255/35ZR19 at the rear.

The vented and cross-drilled brakes are 13.8 inches at the front and 13 inches at the rear, with high-performance Lotus AP Racing 4-piston calipers. The Lotus Traction Control system is tuned to complement the skills of the driver but can be deactivated.